TVA Employees Serve Through Music

"I like to call it hot dog eatin' music," joked Lance Marshall, a telecom systems mechanic at Watts Bar Nuclear Plant.

Marshall and five of his colleagues in Facilities Management make up the FM Band, a hodgepodge of passionate musicians from around the Valley region who have found they have more in common than the toe-tapping rhythm of southern rock in their veins — it's their servant's heart, too.

It started when Tracy Vandergriff, Facilities Management program manager, wanted to support local communities in a different way — with a little twang. When she tapped Tony Brock, an Employee Advisory Group management sponsor and guitarist, the FM Band was born.

"A local Veterans home asked us to volunteer," recounted Elijah Grisso, telecom foreman and resident harmonica player. "They said they liked bingo and music, so it got me thinking. We could do the music, too."

As a Veteran, Grisso knew the power of music and how it can heal.

"When I deployed with the Air Force in 2018, I committed to learning the harmonica. The instrument is so unique — you can make it talk. I practiced in bunkers, and it helped occupy my time so I wouldn't miss home so much," he said.

The band's background is as versatile and eclectic as their setlist. Classical musicians, gospel singers and front porch pickers gather on stage to perform everything from Johnny Cash to old hymns to patriotic tunes.

"We just developed a chemistry," Brock said. "And then we came up with our reason, our why. And it's because we are here to serve."

Brock was raised in the mountains and attributes his love of music to those Appalachian roots. He also recalls TVA being in the background of his upbringing.

"When I was kid, I knew TVA made steam, but there's only so many dry cleaners," Brock said.

He smiled as he reminisced about his journey with TVA — from a boiler maker apprenticeship to regional manager.

"I started at Bull Run in 1991," Brock said. "Then FM Band played at its retirement. It really touched my heart to do that. When I took my current position, changing the culture was part of the job. And then groups like us being able to play music for a place we love? The sky's the limit."

Grisso marvels at the possibilities, too.

"Music is a universal language," he said. "It bridges the gap between people who may not normally agree. We can all appreciate it together as an art."

Scotty Farmer, guitarist and Facilities corporate manager, helps put their craft into perspective.

"It's about playing from here," Farmer said, motioning to his heart. "It's not just music notes. We are playing with heart and dedication. And that's what sets us apart. We connect with people."

Oftentimes, the FM Band will end their sets with patriotic songs, especially at Veteran homes. Caleb Massey, telecoms system mechanic and lead guitarist, will strum those familiar, melodic lines. Robby Myers, a fire protection engineer and lead vocalist, will sing lyrics that invite listeners to stand from their wheelchairs and salute.

"That's when the hotdog eatin' usually takes a pause," Marshall said, sentimental. "I'm sitting back there playing the drums watching and thinking — wow, I didn't realize we'd have an impact like this."