Sightings | Alumni Profile

Finding Inspiration in the Forest

In addition to being passionate about forest conservation, Paul Trianosky is passionate about his music. Interview any of his colleagues, and they will tell you what a great musician he is just after discussing his skills in negotiating massive conservation deals.

Trianosky plays mandolin for the Grayson Highlands Band, a traditional music group started by his father-in-law 25 years ago. His wife, Susan, plays guitar and the bass fiddle he gave her in lieu of an engagement ring, and his adopted daughter, Tina, plays clawhammer banjo. Most summer weekends, they are on the road performing at outdoor music festivals, including the famous Old Fiddlers' Convention in Galax, Va.

In 1998, he produced the album Wasting My Time by the bluegrass group Southern Rail on Pinecastle Records, with whom he had formerly performed."Carolina Dream," inspired by a walk in Duke Forest, was one of three songs Trianosky wrote for the album, including the title song.

The Grayson Highlands Band at the Blue Ridge Music Center: Susan Trianosky, guitar; Tina Trianosky, banjo; Kathleen O'Connell, fiddle; Paul Trianosky, mandolin; and Jerry Smith (Susan's dad), bass.
Band photo by Madeline Thompson

"Carolina Dream" by Paul Trianosky © Thornrose Music, BMI
C                F
In the shade of a Carolina forest
C                          G
We rested by a cool mountain stream
C            Am             F
To the melody of gently flowing waters
G                         C
We drifted into Carolina dreams
Chorus
F                    C
Will our love flow as free as a petal on the breeze
                                          G
Can dreams live beyond the morning light
                                             C          F
If I should wander back to that Carolina stream
G                         C
Will I see your reflection by my side
Through the years my heart has never wandered
From dreams of love that might have been
Many nights have faded into morning
While I hold to my Carolina dream

The moonlight glistens on the water
The breeze is gentle in the pines
All alone I stare into the starlight
And wish for the days when you were mine*

*song Carolina Dream and mp3 are used by permission from Paul Trianosky and Pinecastle Records

**mp3 of Grayson Highlands Band performance of Mississippi Sawyer is used by permission from Paul Trianosky