Fall is almost done, and winter is fast approaching.  As 2020 draws to a close, I could look back on this year and reflect on all the music that I didn’t get to play, on all the people that I didn’t reconnected with, and the memories that weren’t made.  It is easy to think about this past year as a bust and to get lost in all the negative that has happened around us.

However, I have chosen to look back on this year as a growth opportunity.  I choose to focus on what this year has brought to me in the way of good changes.  Certainly there are folks that are struggling and the pandemic has had a major impact on all of us.  I pray for those that have been impacted by all that has happened in 2020.  But, there is a positive twist in all of this as well.

WOTFA will continue to exist.  The organization has embraced the opportunity to expand our reach through the use of technology.  I know that some of you may not like the changes, some may even decide that they no longer wish to be a member of WOTFA.  Keep in mind that change is the only constant in our lives.  Without change we loose the opportunity to learn, to grow, and to expand ourselves.

The mission statement of the Washington Old Time Fiddlers is to Preserve, Promote, and Perpetuate old time fiddle music, and related arts.  The world around us is changing how we work, learn, communicate, and connect with each other.  WOTFA needs to change as well in order to honor this mission statement.  We all want our music to survive.  In order for our music to survive we need to pass it on to the younger generation.  We need to connect with them on their level.  Technology has given us this opportunity.  Through the use of the technology we have the opportunity to share our music with the world around us in ways that were unimaginable just a short time ago.  With technology we can Preserve, Promote and Perpetuate Old Time Fiddle music for now and beyond.

Please continue to support the Washington Old Time Fiddlers,  and I thank you all for your support this past year.  We will all be back together soon.

Bill Crabtree, WOTFA President