Campus Tradition

Some years ago, in response to a challenge by students enrolled in the Rockingham Community College Musician's Guild, five "old timers" (members of the college's faculty and staff) created a band to perform at "Homemade Music,"a benefit for Habitat for Humanity, in 1999. They enjoyed the experience so much that they have remained together and have performed throughout the states of North Carolina and southern Virginia as Campus Tradition. Lee Dodson, college sociology professor and the group's founder, plays and sings bass. His impeccable sense of timing serves as an anchor for the band. Dale O'Bryant, former director of campus technology support services (now retired), provides the intricate five-string banjo work and tenor vocals in the group's four-part harmony. Chip Cardwell, a campus maintenance technician, plays autoharp in the band. His rich baritone harmonies and soulful leads accent many of the group's songs. Dave Smathers, director of institutional research and planning, lays down solid guitar rhythms and brings life to the old songs with his lead vocals. Their repertoire contains a variety of songs, including old-time gospel, western swing, cowboy, and old-time that highlight the group's versatility and love for the "good ol' songs." Their novelty songs are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. All four members of the band have written and arranged original songs. The group has two CD projects: Homemade, released in 2003, and Back To Our Roots, released in 2006.