Interview with WOTFA Youth/Family Member Ruby Gunter
How and when did you get started with the violin?
I was in first grade and my mom was trying to get me interested in some sort of musical instrument. I brought this flier home from elementary school, I chose it for the purple color but it was about the violin.
When did you discover fiddling?
I was in the 5th grade and started fiddling when I started with Ms. Denice. We sought out Denice because of Suzuki, and fiddling was an extra thing we both weren’t sure about it.
Did you know the violin was a fiddle?
I had a fiddle and I knew that was almost the same as a violin but it’s not the instrument, it’s the music. There is still a conflict for some people.
What do you like most?
The classical violin is playing for the structure and rules and has to be very proper and I can strive for a specific goal which is rewarding. I like fiddling for different reasons.
There are so many positive reasons, I really like free-flowing, having a whole lot of fun and not worrying about being too proper… and putting more of your own spins on things. I also had a really nice experience when I was fiddling with a group and it is fun to be in that community. I played guitar with my friends and to have everyone be nice and supportive… was a big part of my experience.
Have you been to fiddle contests or the WOTFA Fiddle Contest?
I have been to several including the WOTFA in 7th grade.
Some other contests like the NW Regional Fiddle Contest, Oregon, and smaller contests.
The WOTFA contest is my favorite one because of my friends, the people, and the nice community. Denice really knows how to make the contest fun and cool. She knows top people and can get really good players and really good judges. She brings a wide range of people together. Super good fiddlers and also the “little tinys”. All of this influence from all the different players is really rewarding and feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is a niche thing and having so many fiddlers in one place is super important. I’d meet people I’d see at other contests. You know it’s a real community and you forget about the actual competition. But it is nice to have a goal to work toward and really preserve the fiddling and a reason to keep playing plus fun when you can win some money.
What are you up to now?
I’m a College Freshman and will minor in music and biology as my major. Two weeks ago found a group of people folk band fiddling. We had a little jam. I really missed it so I hope it will be a regular event. I’m reaching out to the local WOTFA district in Tacoma to see if there are more opportunities to play.
Favorite part of being a WOTFA Member?
The WOTFA Community of people… we would have the monthly jam that was really fun and people would come and pass around waltzes. People played guitar and violin and a couple came in and danced to the waltzes we were playing… Meeting other people from the community. It’s very rewarding.
If anyone is on the fence about trying, you can watch, you can participate, and do things with other people and have the social aspect of the challenge of learning new things with just a little bit of time put in. I think it’s worth it!!
Ruby and her mom Janet Gunter are long-time WOTFA members and contribute to many of the activities, including the fiddle contest and summer camps. Janet is still very active in District 10 as our Treasurer.
We are looking for sponsors for the Washington State Fiddle Championships at the Clark County Fairgrounds.
Contact Dencie Carter for more information. fidlmom1@gmail.com
District 10 Meeting is the 4th Sunday of each month from 4-5 pm followed by Potluck and Jam Session at The Covington House. Open to the community
May 7th Performance at the Covington House
June 6th Fundraising/Garage Sale
August 5-6th WOTFA Fiddle Contest