Big Jam

Many thanks to graphic designer Nicky Nicktern, for her generous and awesome in-kind 

design donations (see above) to RI Fiddle Project!

We would also like to thank Joan Webb for her photography of our December Fiddling Celebration, posted here last week!

News about generous support for Fiddle Project

RI Fiddle Project has received continuing generous support over the past few months from both individuals and foundations.

Starting with our most recent news,

1. Rhode Island Fiddle Project is the recipient of a large grant from the Jubilation Foundation, which is part of the Tides Foundation.  This is the second time RI Fiddle Project has been chosen as a recipient by this foundation with a uniquely focussed mission to bring forth joy and well-being through music and movement!

2. We are delighted to announce that RI Fiddle Project is a third time recipient of a grant from the D’Addario Music Foundation.  D'Addario Music Foundation will also be providing in-kind support to the Project of strings and music notebooks.


3. The Carter Family Charitable Trust, in its focus on cultural and educational needs for children, has continued to be a lead supporter in funding the work of Fiddlers-in-Residence at RI Fiddle Project.
Rachel got to hear Letitia Carter speak at a YWCA event where Mrs. Carter was honored for her work as a 2013 "Woman of Achievement" award winner. Her advice for young women is posted here.  


4. In the fall of 2013, Rhode Island State Council on the Arts supported RI Fiddle Project with a matching grant through Woodlawn CDC.

5.  And because RI Fiddle Project is based at Woodlawn CDC, our students are also benefitting this year from the hearty food of RI Food Bank's Kids Cafe before our weekly group fiddle classes.

Photos of our December Fiddling Celebration!

Cedric Watson, Bijou Creole, and us!

After just barely getting started for the school year, we were invited by Kate Vivian and the Friends of The Towers in Narragansett, RI to a concert by Cedric Watson and Bijou Creole. Cedric is a Creole musician who has been traveling the world playing fiddle, accordion and singing with his band. I first met him when he was 17 and a scholarship student at the Augusta Heritage Center in West Virginia, where I was teaching Cajun fiddle-from-scratch. It was a treat to be able to connect with him with our students.

Kate welcomed us with pizza and we were fortunate to have a beautiful view of the sunset over the bay, from the balcony on the Towers. 

That's Cedric, on the right!

The concert/dance was fabulous. We had a great time dancing, and even got to play our fiddles on stage with Cedric and Desiree.  Cedric invited us to come back and play next time he's in town. Pauline, and Cochon were the tunes that students requested to come home and learn. What a great way to start of the year!!

-Michelle Kaminsky, Fiddler-in-Residence

The start of our 5th year!

It's registration day for the 5th year at the Fiddle Project! All of our students from last year are returning, and excited for the new things that they will be learning about music this year.
 
Here are a few quotes and wishes for this coming semester:

"I can't wait. FIDDLE is Great! and so are the teachers. (wants to learn "Battle of Waterloo".

"new songs; technique, and vibrato"

"would like to learn some Christmas songs like "Silent Night" and "O Come All Ye Faithful"

"Jingle Bells, Felice Navidad"

"Joshua Fought the Battle" 

"higher notes"

"Pachelbel's  Canon"

"reading music"

Meveline couldn't wait to get her fiddle out, and remember her tunes from last year!

The Ash Grove...with harmonies!

Three RI Fiddle Project fiddlers playing together on The Ash Grove - a lovely waltz - at our June 6th, 2013 Fiddling Celebration.

Thursday, June 6th: Year-End Fiddling Celebration

RI Fiddle Project's Year-End Fiddling Celebration

When: Thursday, 6/6/13 @ 6 PM

Where: Woodlawn CDC, 210 West Ave, Pawtucket, RI

What you might hear:

Klezmer violinist Abigale Reisman came to visit the Fiddle Project earlier this month, and now we have a new tune in our repertoire!  

Plus, we've been improvising off of the rhythms and melodic elements from fiddle tunes: Sail Away Ladies and Joshua Fought the Battle of Jerico.

A defining tune of our year, Chase Me Charlie (learned from April Verch back in September) may make an appearance again.

Plus, some new and old favorites as requested by the student performers, themselves.
You'll definitely hear this year's take on what has become almost like a theme song to us: Quoi Faire, seen here!

Please join us!