Chase Dawson, a senior from Phoenix, Arizona, will represent Alabama as an instrumentalist at the North American Country Music Association International’s 30th Anniversary Country Music Week in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, this March.
Dawson, a fiddler for the POPulus ensemble at TROY, is majoring in interdisciplinary studies with minors in coaching, music industry and fine and performing arts. He advanced as a finalist in the Alabama Music Association’s annual competition with an up-tempo bluegrass fiddle performance of the classic gospel hymn “I’ll Fly Away.” He is currently the only instrumentalist representing Alabama at nationals.
“It is such an honor to represent the state of Alabama at NACMAI Country Music Week,” Dawson said. “Even though I am still relatively new to the area, Alabama has become a big part of my musical journey, and I am proud to represent the state. At the same time, a part of me feels like I am representing Arizona, too. I have so many people back home who have supported me over the past three years, and I would not be where I am today without them. Being able to represent Alabama while also carrying a little piece of my home state with me makes this opportunity even more special.”
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Raised on classic country in a musical family, Dawson plays the fiddle and mandolin. He shares that music runs deep in his family.
“My dad performs with his Arizona-based acoustic duo Dawson and Tolliver, and my younger brother, Colton Dawson, is a Warner Records Nashville artist touring nationally and opening for major acts,” Dawson said. “I’ve had the opportunity to join him on big stages, opening for Cole Swindell and Tracy Lawrence as an acoustic duo.”
Dawson currently performs with several bands based in Florida and Alabama and joins his father and his duo partner when he visits home.
“After graduation, I plan to move to Nashville to pursue a career as a touring fiddle player and studio musician, bringing creativity and musicality to artists’ recordings,” he said.
Having grown up in Arizona, Dawson would visit his grandparents and extended family in the South during all of his school breaks. After graduating from high school, he knew that he wanted to attend college in Alabama.
“My grandpa and I toured TROY in the fall of 2022, and I immediately fell in love with it,” Dawson said. “I ended up making the move to TROY in the spring of 2023. I picked up the fiddle for the very first time at the end of that spring semester.”
Dr. Chandler Bridges, Associate Professor of Music and Coordinator of the Music Industry Program, said Dawson’s selection is a proud moment for the program and the University.
“Chase is an exceptionally talented musician, and his selection to represent Alabama at the national level is a tremendous accomplishment,” Bridges said. “This recognition speaks to his dedication, musicianship, and hard work, and we are proud to have him representing both Troy University and the state of Alabama.”
Bridges also spoke on Dawson’s contributions to POPulus.
“Chase brings outstanding musicianship, professionalism, and versatility to our ensemble,” Bridges said. “His fiddle playing adds a distinctive element to our performances, and his ability to collaborate with musicians across multiple genres makes him a valuable member of the group. We are excited to see him receive this recognition and look forward to his continued success.”
Dr. Hui-Ting Yang, Director of the John M. Long School of Music, said, “Our Music Industry program offers a flexible and personalized degree structure tailored to students’ individual interests and career goals, whether in business operations, audio engineering, or creative artistry,” Yang said. “Chase is a great example of how this approach can support student success, and we are very proud of him and this exciting accomplishment.” To learn more about the music industry program, visit the John M. Long School of Music.
