Blair teacher nominated for six Wammies

Magnet computer science teacher Karen Collins was recently nominated for six 2004 Washington Area Grammys, or "Wammies," for her solo and group country music performances. She did not win the awards in any of the categories.

The 19th annual Wammies, sponsored by the Washington Area Music Association, were held on Monday, Feb. 7, at the Strathmore Music Center. Collins received nominations for Vocalist, Recording, Album of the Year, Debut Recording and Record Design for her solo album, "Backroads and Bayous," in addition to a nomination for Duo/Group on behalf of her country group, the Blue Moon Cowgirls.

Although Collins did not expect to receive any awards, she still appreciated the nominations. "It was really neat to get nominated," she said. "I wasn't really expecting to win – I'm not as well-known as some of the other nominees."

Collins has dreamt of singing since childhood. "I've always wanted to be a musician or a singer," she said. "I've been in the Cajun bands since 1992. I also play fiddle and guitar."

In addition to the Blue Moon Cowgirls, Collins is a member of a "honky-tonk electric country band" and the Cajun band Squeeze Bayou. "I stay pretty busy," she said.

Collins' first CD was "all covers," meaning she had re-enacted songs written by others. She tentatively plans on releasing a new CD in 2006, this time featuring original songs.