This article was written by Public Relations Intern John Thompson.
Last year, Ashton Bucklen completed his final semester at Bluefield University and became an esteemed graduate of the School of Education and Social Sciences, earning a bachelor’s in Music Education K-12 with an Instrumental specialization.
Ashton’s journey began in middle school when he joined the band program in Richlands, Virginia, where he honed his skills until graduating and starting his higher education where many local students do, Southwest Virginia Community College. He later came to Bluefield with two years of classes under his belt.
“I’m a Tazewell County native. I was born and raised in Richlands, Virginia, and I had always known about Bluefield,” Ashton said. “I decided to attend because it was a good place to transfer after I was finished at Southwest Virginia Community College.”
Ashton has dedicated his career to music and the arts. During his time at Bluefield University, he took large roles in the Concert, Jazz, and Marching ensembles, something befitting of an aspiring band director. His desire to teach new musicians and help the coming generations of students excel is something that goes beyond his time with the Rams.
“It was the people and the teachers I had in school who inspired me,” he shared. “Music education was an obvious choice for what I want to accomplish, and it was because of the people I knew in the music programs that encouraged me to attend Bluefield University.”
His studies and participation in the ensembles helped him not only perform well but teach others how to further their own musical talents. During his senior year, he conducted his student teaching and assisted band directors across Tazewell County, all while performing and helping his fellow bandmates practice and prepare for the Christmas at Bluefield concert.
“I remember every performance, not just being on stage but the preparation and work we all put into them,” Ashton said. “I also remember the good times I would have with my friends and fellow musicians after the concerts; I have lots of memories that I will cherish that came from just being in music programs all these years.”
Bucklen also grew his faith and sense of community at Bluefield University. Despite being a commuter, he would make it a point to show up every day not just for classes but for his community here on campus. He even joined the choir at Trinity United Methodist Church in Bluefield, West Virginia, making the trip from Richlands to continue furthering his faith, musical talents, and community. Because of his busy schedule and community involvement, Ashton learned and mastered the ever-elusive practice of time management, something that he feels has benefited him exponentially.
“Time management is one of the most important skills a student needs. If you don’t have good time management, assignments and obligations can creep up on you, and that’s never a fun time,” Ashton explained, “but attending Bluefield and being made to learn and develop skills like this has definitely helped me outside of just college life.”
At Bluefield University, the faculty and staff want to support students in pushing their limits to learn and growing in all aspects of life. Through programs like Music Education, graduates such as Ashton Bucklen are prepared not only for academic and professional success, but also to make a lasting impact in the arts, their faith, and their communities.
