Is It A Fiddle Or A Violin?

For years man has been struggling with that nagging question, “What is the difference between an violin and a fiddle?”

“Main difference between a violin and a fiddle is in the audience. The people trying to stay awake are listening to a violin.”

“The difference between a fiddle and a violin is that a violin has strings and a fiddle has strangs.”

“My dad used to say the difference between a fiddle and a violin was, that you put a violin in a hard shell case and you put a fiddle in a flour sack!”

“A violinist will hit a grand movement and the audience will have awed whispers. A fiddler hitting a hot lick trip will over three lazy dogs, fall off the porch and keep play’n.”

For more such thoughts and wisdom on the subject, visit the website of Wayne Cantwell, The Flyin’ Fiddler.

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2010 Fiddle Festival

Constitution Park

Constitution Park, Camarillo, CA

Warm weather and bright, sunny skies greeted the crowd at the 2010 Fiddle Festival Reunion, co-chaired by Wayne and Cathy Agnew, CSOTFA State President and Chairman of the Board respectively. Held at Constitution Park in Camarillo, CA, the venue provided a perfect backdrop for the all the musicians, vendors and Festival attendees.

After the opening ceremony conducted by CSOTFA District 8 President Ben Chapman and the Old Time Fiddlers Band, the first of 38 participants took the stage. Ranging in age from 4 to 84+ years old, each played a medley of tunes to the delight of the crowd and some proud parents. Many of the participants learned fiddle (and mandolin) under the tutelage of our very own Charl Ann Gastineau.

The program included performances by Adam Giacopuzzi, Saarika Sharma, Morgan and Tara Gillaspy, Ashley Broder, Hans Ottsen, Taradactyls, Mariachi Camarillo, Gene Rubin, Lauren Donahue, and fiddle phenomenon Phil Salazar.

On a humorous note, participant Jonathan Blanck arrived late and he asked if he could still play. He was informed he could, but would have to wait until Phil Salazar, Lauren Donahue, and Gene Rubin finished their performance, the last of the day. A new fiddle player (only 2-1/2 years under his belt), when Jonathan finally walked on the stage to play, you had to be there to see the look on his face when Phil said “We’ll back you up!”. Imagine that, having some of the greatest local musicians covering your backside. Put that in your diary Jonathan – won’t ever get any better than that!

If you’ve lost or didn’t receive the event program guide, you can still download it to read the list of participants and performer bios.
2010 Fiddle Festival Program (4.5 MB)

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Old Time Fiddling Trivia #2

Did you know…

• The lyra is considered the forerunner of most of the stringed instruments developed in Europe. By the 12th century, fiddles were in general use throughout Europe and the term “fiddle” was fully established. During the Renaissance, the fiddle evolved into two distinct classes of instruments. The first were larger instruments, such as the cello, that were played while held between the legs and braced against the floor. The second category included early violins and was made up of instruments held in the arms or resting against the chin, neck, and shoulders.

Both types of fiddles were important in the development of Renaissance music. Eventually smaller fiddles became increasingly popular and came to dominate much of the music produced during the later Renaissance, evolving toward the modern violin. (source – Where Did The Fiddle Come From?)

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District 8 Fiddlers BBQ

Bar-B-QueMembers and guests were treated to a delicious tri-tip and chicken BBQ prepared by Darryll Wallace, Dick Lemons and crew, along with the many and varied side dishes brought by event attendees. Some of the photos below show the marvelous feast we enjoyed. While preparations for the meal were underway, nearby musicians entertained the busy folks getting the tables ready.

A well deserved, extra big thank you to all the ladies responsible for the kitchen, decorating and getting the food out on the tables – Polly Gehr, Cathy Agnew, Merrilyn Lemons, Joyce Chapman, Luana Hunsinger, and others, pitched in with a huge effort.

Afterwards, everyone gathered in the auditorium to relax, listen and dance to music played by the stage performers. Enjoy the photos below, and if you missed out on the fun this year, be sure to bookmark this site for news of next years BBQ and other fiddler events.

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Old Time Fiddling Trivia #1

Did you know…

• Auto pioneer, Henry Ford was influential in spreading the popularity of fiddling contests. He wanted a return to the music of his youth and away from the growing popularity of ragtime and jazz music. In 1926, Ford dealerships held regional fiddling contests in the Eastern and mid-west states. The winners went on to the National Championship held in Detroit. Bunt Stephen won the contest for fiddling, The Old Speckled Hen. He won a new car and $1000 in cash. Bill Malone, Country Music, U.S.A.

• Old time fiddling evolved primarily for the accompaniment of dancing. As fiddle was often the sole instrument, double stops and drones are frequently used, giving more volume and a fuller sound. Some fiddlers raised one or two strings with matchsticks allowing the possibility of triple stops. A whole series of alternative tunings may be used, allowing the strings which are not fingered to drone or ring more freely. - Chris Haigh

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  • When We Meet

    Every Month
    2nd and 4th Sunday (except December)
    1:30-4:30 PM
    Oak View Community Center
    18 Valley Rd.
    Oak View, CA 93022
  • CSOTFA District 8 Logo

  • Get Directions

    *Note: the map is off by one block - turn right on Valley Rd.
  • 2010 Important Events

    (see Calendar for all events)

    • Sept. 26 - 3rd General Business Meeting

    • Oct. 9 - Barn Dance

    • Nov. 6-7 - Camp Out at Kenny Grove Park

    • Dec. 12 - Fiddlers Christmas Dinner and Installation of Officers

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