How Belmont talent made a once-in-a-lifetime event a reality
When Reba McEntire took the stage for “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton,” she didn’t do so alone. Backed by a stalwart choir of Belmont students onstage, the country music icon paid homage with a rafter-shaking rendition of Dolly Parton’s 1989 track “He’s Alive.” The choir, conducted by Professor of Music & Director of Choral Activities Dr. Jeffery L. Ames, was made up of 25 singers who represented a variety of vocal ranges and student ensembles on campus.
Beyond the stage, the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts was filled that night with students and staff behind the scenes bringing this event to life. Fueled by love for Parton and working closely with the Country Music Association (CMA), this crew of Belmont talent was essential to each aspect of the production.
The Storytelling of Social Media
For senior Gavie Ann Smith, the evening was one spent on her feet creating content all over the venue. As a creative intern at CMA, she captured over 14 performances, seven guest speakers and five video messages in real time for CMA’s Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook audiences.
“I love the feeling of being able to record and share special moments,” she said. “There were so many little snippets from the show that we were able to post on social media for the entire CMA following.”
The event was an example of why Smith came to Belmont in the first place. Curious about the intersection of storytelling and live experiences, she has been studying social media management and going after every opportunity to hone her storytelling skills.
“The work I was able to do that night contributed directly to my postgrad aspirations," she shared. “Through sporting events, country concerts, weddings and other live experiences, I hope to continue using social media to become a better storyteller.”
Inspired by Dolly’s Legacy
For Media & Entertainment Industries (MEI) major Autumn Perez, the event bridged two roles: social media assistant for the Fisher Center and temporary staff member at CMA. Her double appointment kept her busy on the night of the event. “Both teams are a joy to work with, and I loved getting to blend the two worlds,” she reflected.
Originally unsure of her path at Belmont, Perez arrived on campus with a curious mind and an undecided major.
“The MEI program’s flexibility helped me explore several industries and career opportunities I never knew about,” she said. “From film and television to music to everything in between, I knew I’d get a taste of all the entertainment industry has to offer. In addition, the incredible community, location and mentors further affirmed my decision.”
When the opportunity to support the event came up, she was all in. “During the day, I served in an all-hands-on-deck capacity through my position at CMA; during the show, I captured content and managed collaborations for the Fisher Center with CMA and other media outlets,” she said. “The night’s details were so intentional, creating bittersweet magic as we honored the life of such a remarkable woman. I loved seeing each audience member connect with the speakers and performers who shared pieces of Dolly’s life.”
Perez’s connection to Parton is rooted in shared values and an appreciation for the way Parton used her influence as a public figure. “Dolly was the human embodiment of radiance, joy and generosity. Her career inspired us all to be proud of who we are and chase our dreams, no matter how big or small,” she said. “My favorite Dolly song is ‘Light of a Clear Blue Morning,’ and the way it reminds us to have hope in the future and the promise of God’s goodness.”
Old Friends and New Faces
Admiration for Parton and her legacy was also reflected in the mixing booth that night, as Technical Director Rob Dennis considered her influence on his own family while running sound. “My appreciation for Dolly came into an even sharper focus after I discovered the Imagination Library," he said afterward. “To my children, she was first and foremost the ‘free book lady.’”
The event raised over $1 million for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a free book-gifting program that mails books to children from birth to age 5.
A skilled audio engineer and industry veteran with over three decades in the business, Dennis was on familiar ground mixing for artists like Carrie Underwood.
“Carrie has been a broadcast client of mine for the past 10 years, and we’ve done a lot together,” he said. “I also have to mention getting to mix Kristin Chenoweth for the first time. She’s a family friend who is as kind and generous as she is talented, one of the best humans I’ve met in show business.”
A Direct Path to the Industry
From capturing content to singing onstage to running front of house and beyond, Belmont students, staff and faculty contributed to every level of the production. “To be able to learn your craft while building relationships with people actively working in the industry is such an opportunity,” said Dennis. “It’s one of the things that makes Belmont so special, and I hope every student takes full advantage of it.”
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