The work of MTSU mass communication students can be seen now on Country Music Television’s website in a series of music videos for a rising artist.

New country artist Kelleigh Bannon performs at the 2012 Capitol Street Party in downtown Nashville in this video shot by MTSU electronic media communication students and currently airing on CMT.com.

Electronic Media Communication students, in collaboration with Capitol Records Nashville, filmed and produced footage of upcoming country music artist Kelleigh Bannen at her live performances at this fall’s Capitol Street Party in downtown Nashville.

An estimated 25,000 fans on Nashville’s Lower Broadway enjoyed music from the EMI Records Nashville performer and Capitol Records Nashville artists Luke Bryan and Jon Pardi on Oct. 17. Fifty-three MTSU students modulated audio, staffed HD cameras, conducted interviews and recorded the concerts for the label.

Bannen, a Nashville native, was the November featured artist for “Listen Up,” an online feature CMT launched in 2011 to showcase country acts “on the verge of breaking out.”

Fans can log on to www.listenup.cmt.com to watch exclusive performances by Bannen from the Capitol Street Party, including “Sorry on the Rocks,” “Rose Colored Glasses,” “I Wore Green,” “Oh My My” and “Be A Man.”

What they’ll see is top-quality footage provided by Blue Raider scholars.

MTSU’s Bob Gordon, an assistant professor in electronic media communication who oversaw the student effort at the Capitol event, said his students’ footage was given to CMT. The network then had Tackle Box Films edit it into the series of videos for Bannen’s “Listen Up” feature.

As part of the Capitol Street Party collaboration, MTSU students also will post-produce music videos for specific songs by Bryan, Pardi and Bannen.

“Our students will edit one song from each artist,” Gordon said.

They also will produce a promotional video for the department and a “sizzle reel,” which Capitol will use in social media and other marketing efforts. Students worked alongside Capitol executives and technicians to stage the show.

“It’s great, because now they have something they can show,” Gordon said of his students’ professional quality work. “It’s a wonderful opportunity that really helps their resumes and portfolios. That’s what we’re trying to do for these students.”

Gordon served as assistant director for the event alongside director Zack Eagles, a senior radio/television major from Alvaton, Ky. Colby Graham, a senior radio/television major, produced MTSU’s Capitol Street Party efforts. (You can watch a video about their work below.)

Students worked inside MTSU’s 40-foot, $1.7 million HD mobile production laboratory, also known simply as “The Truck.” Students use the lab to cover sports, concerts and other events for local broadcast, cable stations and national cable networks.

MTSU’s College of Mass Communication, the fifth largest in the nation, includes three signature departments — electronic media communication, journalism and recording industry — and specialty centers devoted to popular music and student media. The 2012 Capitol Street Party marks the second year that the university has partnered with the record label to provide real-world experience for students.

— Jimmy Hart (jimmy.hart@mtsu.edu)