Justin Branum, a graduate student, won first place in the Tennessee State Fiddle Championship on Saturday. This prestigious competition is one of the "big four" fiddle competitions in the United States. The others are the "Grand Master Fiddle Competition" in Nashville which Justin placed 3rd in last year, the "National Fiddle Competition" in Idaho which he won in 2008, and the "Texas State Fiddle Competition" in which he is competing next month.

The Department of Music is delighted that Justin's remarkable skills are being recognized nationally.