Hi Everyone: Since we are once again in the middle of a Covid lockdown, there is not too much in the way of activities for District 9 at the moment. Our meetings and jams are on hold at least for a little while longer. Obviously there are no play dates either but I’m hopeful that things will resume in the New Year.
But that doesn’t mean that nothing is going on! WOTFA is developing an online music learning site that has already put on a tune learning class by fiddle teacher Deb Collins of Lacey, Wa., and plans are in the works for many more. Perhaps one for each tune of the month. Each class will be different as far as topic and teacher, some will require a fee which is payable through PayPal, others may not require a fee. If you’re interested in teaching a class let me know or contact Bill Crabtree directly. Also, there is an extensive tune list archive from Fred Crabtree, Bill Crabtree’s uncle, that is currently being digitized and uploaded to the WOTFA website. The full treasure trove of tunes will be available shortly, with some already on the website in the ‘archives’ tab. Check out the WOTFA website to see what’s new, and while you’re there be sure to renew your WOTFA dues.
Like all businesses and non-profits that are trying to weather the pandemic, funds are desperately needed to continue on into 2021 and beyond, and membership dues are a big part of that. So since there isn’t a lot of happenings right now I thought I would send along my favorite playlist and a few other things I really enjoy, things I turn to when there is chaos, confusion, tumult and generalized fatigue and my chore list seems insurmountable. It’s an eclectic mix of new and old, with equal parts gospel, rock n roll, Jazz, Cajun and Old Time Fiddle tunes to keep a smile on your face this Christmas Season. I hope you like it:
1. Walk in Jerusalem-Mahalia Jackson
2. Rolling Pin-Beau Soleil
3. Unclouded Day-The Village Singers
4. Tweedle Dee-LaVern Baker
5. The Hangman’s Reel-Lissa Schneckenburger
6. Just Over in Heaven-Bill & Gloria Gaither
7. After You’ve Gone-Ranger and the Re-Arrangers
8. I Was There When It Happened-Fern Jones
9. High Point Two-Step-Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys
10. The Woodchoppers Reel-Joe Pancerzewski
11. Down on the Corner-Creedence Clearwater Revival
12. This Little Light of Mine-Marty Stuart
13. Dolor y Gusto-Ruthie Dornfeld
14. Take My Hand, Precious Lord-Fern Jones
15. Power in the Blood-Mountaintop Memories Album
16. The Wexford Carol-Allison Krause & Yo-Yo Ma
17. Golden Slippers-30 Fiddle Classics
And my favorite Christmas Movie: ‘We’re No Angels’ from 1955 with Humphrey Bogart, Peter Ustinov and Aldo Ray is not to be missed.
If you’re a reader try ‘A Romance on Three Legs’, the epic story of Classical Pianist Glen Gould and his quest to find the perfect Steinway piano.
And lastly, there is not too much news on Fiddle Camp 2021 yet, but I’m thinking about teaching a cello mini-workshop this year, so if you’re interested please let me know. You can email me at mrwillys@aol.com or send me a text at 360-791-5185. If there are more than a couple of people interested in it then we can do it, but I’d like to know how much interest there is ahead of time if possible, since taking a cello anywhere is a logistical challenge. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and above all be well!