Trammell to perform benefit concert
Robbinsville native Slade Trammell will perform a local concert Sunday, which will serve as a fundraiser for the Graham Cancer Support Group.
Robbinsville – At the age of 10, Slade Trammell played his first concert in Robbinsville.
He knew then that piano was his calling.
“I don’t remember a period in my life when I wasn’t banging on the piano,” said Trammell.
He was enrolled at The Webb School in Knoxville, Tenn., during his high school years and studied with Dr. David Burnell, a faculty member at the University of Tennessee. He was one of the few students in the world chosen to study with two of America's most prominent concert pianists, Earl Wild and Ruth Slencynska.
Trammell has had the honor of traveling the world doing what he loves most.
Last summer, he traveled to the International Kultursommer Schloss Rosennegg as a special guest of the Baroness Ilona von Ronay and performed at her family’s ancestral castle in Austria. His tour was featured in a summer article of The Graham Star.
Trammell was asked in his last interview if a concert in Robbinsville was in his future.
“I would love to play Robbinsville sometime," Trammell said at the time. "Some people have mentioned it from time to time, though I believe some folks are concerned that a classic-only concert might not be that popular. But personally, I believe that sharing a little classical music is better than none at all.
“We could start off with some classical numbers, and then possibly some patriotic, maybe some sing-along hymns, some show tunes, throw a little Elvis in.”
Trammell’s desire to perform before his home crowd sparked an idea for the members of the
Graham Cancer Support Group, which eagerly sent him an invitation to collaborate for a benefit concert.
Trammell was happy to accept the invitation and looks forward to the performance.
“Robbinsville will always be home," shared Trammell. "It is where my earliest memories were made, including an introduction to the music that has shaped every day of my life since. I am always reminded of this when I come home, and I hope that this performance will help the community that means so much to me."
The performance will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, at the Robbinsville High School Auditorium (301 Sweetwater Road). Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. Refreshments will be served after the concert.
There will also be an opportunity to sign up for the blood drive that will be held Saturday, April 26 at the Graham County Community Building (196 Knight Street, Robbinsville). Chances will be sold for a variety of items that will be drawn for at a later date.
Trammell serves on the music faculty at Roane State Community College (Harriman, Tenn.). In addition to his college responsibilities and his demanding concert schedule, he also serves as the director of music at Grace Lutheran Church in Oak Ridge, Tenn.
He also teaches gifted students both in his home and online.