Photo submitted Alyssa Renwick of St. Marys is making the most of her internship with Country Music Television in Nashville, Tenn. where she has worked in both the production and talent departments.

“I like the way music speaks to people. It is so dominate in our culture because people can relate to it,” Renwick explained.

Having interned for the spring semester at CMT, Renwick is returning to Music City this weekend to continue with her duties. While she is still considered an intern Renwick was promoted to an assistant level position.

Upon her return, Renwick will be working in the talent department, assigned to the coveted red carpet during awards shows and other events including the CMT Music Awards on June 9, hosted by Kid Rock, and for the CMT Music Fest being held June 10-13 in Nashville.

“I will be escorting artists to interviews,” Renwick explained. “I will also be working on a big project that CMT has planned for September.”

Renwick started in January at CMT in the production department where she worked on a variety of projects, a majority of which were published on the network’s Web site, www.cmt.com.

As part of her duties Renwick compiled Insider News Now pieces on numerous artists such as Sugarland, Willie Nelson, Brooks & Dunn and Rodney Atkins.

Renwick expressed her excitement about working on a tribute video for Brooks & Dunn.

“I love them. I grew up listening to them,” Renwick added, noting her favorite song of the duo’s is “Red Dirt Road” which she hopes to hear at their final concert in Nashville.

Among Renwick’s other favorite artists are Taylor Swift, Alan Jackson and Lady Antellebum.

While working on a Web site-based project, Greatest Country Song Ever, Renwick interviewed such artists as Gary Allen, Jewel, Laura Bell Bundy and Uncle Kracker. The project entails artists reciting an original line or lyric of their favorite country song, which is video taped with footage published on the Web site.

She also worked as a production assistant during the taping of a Crossroads show featuring Kenny Chesney and Steve Miller, which is set to air in the summer.

In addition Renwick has also worked with Big Machine Records, Taylor Swift’s label, and socialized with various record executives during numerous work related events.

Outside of work Renwick has embraced Nashville as she landed a role as an extra in Tim McGraw and Gywenth Paltrow’s movie “Love Don’t Let Me Down, scheduled for release in September. She has also attended a comedy tour as well as a songwriters’ night and wine tasting event at Kix Brooks’ (of Brooks & Dunn) Arrington Vineyards. Renwick was thrilled when she spoke with Brooks at the event, mentioning her work on the group’s tribute video for CMT.

Renwick followed her love of music to college where she recently graduated as a member of the Class of 2010 from Fredonia State University in New York with a bachelors degree in music business and a minor in music.

“I knew I wanted to pursue music, that’s why I chose Fredonia,” she added.

It was at Fredonia where Renwick immersed herself in the music industry by managing a college alternative band and other artists as well as working for Hand Me Down Records, founded by Fredonia’s Music Business Program in 2007.

While at Fredonia Renwick took the initiative to research possible job openings at CMT, a channel of which she has been a long-time fan.

She succeed in securing a spring semester internship with the network. CMT internships are very competitive as only 20 students are selected each semester.

“I feel very blessed to have gotten the opportunity to work at CMT,” Renwick said.

Renwick’s initial journey to Nashville lasted a marathon 15 hours on the road through a blinding snowstorm, a trip which typically takes between 9-11 hours.

Alyssa is the daughter of Joe and Lori Renwick of St. Marys.

As a graduate of Elk County Catholic High School, Renwick participated in any activity related to music including marching, concert, jazz and pep bands, chorus, indoor drumline, drama club and dance team.

“I had a really great music background in high school,” Renwick said.

Throughout her musical education journey, Renwick said she has been influenced by Ray Knight, ECC band director, the late Nicholas Sinibaldi, a renowned local musician and long-time instructor and Shirley Brock, Renwick’s piano teacher for several years.