Photo courtesy of Dan York
Dan York, assistant professor of biology, has played the banjo for nearly 33 years. He confesses a few things about his talents, but still won’t gush about banjo camp.
MM: What got you started on the banjo?
DY: A friend in High School — it’s a Tennessee ‘thang’
MM: And how long have you played?
DY: On and off for 33 years
MM: What do you love most about the banjo?
DY: The noise it makes when you bang really hard on it with a hammer
MM: Favorite tunes?
DY: Hard to say, they all sound the same
MM: Do you know any other banjo pluckers?
DY: None that will admit to it
MM: What's the best banjo memory you have?
DY: Well, back when I went to banjo-camp . . .
MM: What do Hillsdale students not realize about this instrument?
DY: That it actually exists
MM: What does this instrument mean to you?
DY: A high pitched ringing in my ears
MM: Do you play upon request?
DY: Request for a banjo song, ARE YOU KIDDING?!
MM: What are some of the "higher things" about the banjo?
DY: After a fifth of Jack it starts sounding ‘purdy’ darn good
MM: Ever serenaded anyone?
DY: Nope . . . but I’ve chase a few people away with it
MM: Banjo is to _____ as _____ is to Hillsdale:
DY: . . . cats . . . Lenin . . .