District 4 – April 2025 Report

Submitted by Interim Chair Fred Robbins

Greetings fellow Fiddlers and Friends! As April winds down, we’re reflecting on a joyful month full of music, fellowship, and community service. Here’s a summary of this month’s highlights, with more play-outs and a jam still to come!

Event Highlights

S/W Senior Center

A lively and grateful crowd enjoyed tunes from Ben, Bob, Steve, Bill, Frida, Rich, Peggy, Jim, Mici, Denise, Gary, Forrest, Dwight, and Greg. Thank you all! The music was fantastic, conversations cheerful, and the food quite good. Special appreciation for the outstanding help with packing up after the performance—superb job!

Mira Vista Senior Center Jam & Workshop

What a wonderful turnout! We were thrilled to see our faithful regular audience and to watch our Fiddle Tune Workshop grow. Thanks to Dennis, Barry, Sandy, Jack, Greg, Graham, Gayle, Bob, David, and Ken for their contributions.

  • 24 musicians joined the jam, including six fiddlers: Sirkku, Jim, Mici, Ben, Gary, Diana, and Beth.
  • Other talented contributors included Steve, Bob, Rohxanne, Mandolin Greg, Banjo Greg, Gayle, Dennis, Forrest, Rich, Graham, Denise, David, Jack, Sandy, Barry, Ken, and Hilary.

Thank you all for your time, energy, and beautiful music. Your fellowship, fun, and musical gifts are deeply appreciated.

Check out the March Tune of the Month: Come Back, Boys, Let’s Feed the Horses

Life Care Play-Out

We performed for an appreciative audience of 25 residents! Staff and attendees gave warm feedback. Big thanks to Forrest, Jim, Mici, Vern, Rich, Steve, Greg, and Dwight for the great music and help with packing up afterward.

Special Encore by Gayle Clarity

Our very own Oregon Trail Blazer, Gayle Clarity, gave a preview performance at Mira Vista—a six-tune treat! She’ll be joining us Friday for the jam and workshop. Welcome aboard, Gayle! Also, a heartfelt thanks to Nancy for helping with Gayle’s transportation.

More Play-Outs & Gatherings

Spring Creek Play-Out

Banjo Jim reports:

“It went really well. Great crowd and we had 3 fiddle players, 1 mandolin, 3 guitars, and a banjo. We had a lot of fun.”

Thanks to everyone who participated!

S/W Sr. Center Lunch Jam

A big lunch crowd created a warm setting for some great music and fellowship. Supporters like Kathy, Nancy, Norah, Judi, Jan, and Jean made it extra special. Thanks to Jean as well for bringing the Jam Guidelines to the table!

Musicians included: Peggy, Steve, Bill, Ben, Mici, Gary, Forrest, Jim, Greg, Denise, and Gary. The music continued at Creekside, where about 40 attendees enjoyed tunes by Greg, Gary, Forrest, Vern, Steve, Bob, and Dennis. A special shout-out to Sandy and Jack for joining us!

News & Notes

  • Photographs from the S/W Sr. Center are coming soon to the website. A local photographer took great shots, and we’re working on posting them.
  • Gayle Clarity is officially moving into Mountain Glen this month. Welcome to District 4, Gayle—we’re excited to have another skilled fiddler join us!
  • Special appreciation to Megan for bringing Sarah Jane (Danny Vandenberg’s sister) and friend Jay Morrison, our talented picture taker.

Looking Ahead

Fiddle Camp 2025

It’s only six months away!

  • Dates: Monday, July 28 – Friday, August 1, 2025
  • Location: Chelan County Expo Center (Fairgrounds)
  • Registration Opens: Monday, April 7th
  • Learn more here: Fiddle Camp Info
  • Questions? Contact Corrine Agnew at wotfaworkshop@gmail.com

Helpful Links & Resources

Jam Session Reminders

Let’s keep our sessions harmonious and enjoyable for all:

  • Be considerate: Listen, stay in tune, and be collaborative.
  • Be prepared: Choose songs within a 3-minute window to give everyone a turn.
  • Wait your turn: Respect solo turns and don’t overpower others.
  • Keep the beat: No rushing or dragging the tempo.

Your courtesy makes a huge difference—thank you!

District 4 Contact Info

  • Interim Chair: Fred Robbins | (206) 786-3369 | fred@robbinsmetal.com
  • Treasurer & Scheduler: Sarah Buntin | (360) 679-6595 | itsrustyoldhalo@frontier.co
  • Calendar: Fred Robbins

Closing Thoughts

Thank you all for contributing your time, talents, and heart to our musical community. Whether you’re performing, supporting, or sharing the joy of music—your presence matters. We send blessings to those who are caregiving or on other journeys and look forward to seeing everyone again soon.

Happy Playing & Stay Tuned!

– Fred Robbins

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