Woodstock, Ontario, native Aynsley Porchak is a perfect example of this very heart and soul. I couldnt believe it when he said that, because that was exactly what Aynsley Porchak wins Canadian Grand Masters. Country Current (above), the premier country and bluegrass group of the U.S. Navy. At the end of every semester, ETSU bands perform at a Johnson City institution, The Down Home, which opened in 1976. 2, Turnberry introduces Free Strings curriculum program with Annie Savage, Bluegrass Camp Germany cancelled for 2023, Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press at Bluegrass Wednesday Nights, Open Bluegrass Jam // Cinderlands Warehouse (Pittsburgh), Wernick Method Bluegrass Jam Class with Joel Denman Durango, CO, Open Bluegrass Jam // Cork Harbour Pub (Pittsburgh), Bluegrass Beyond Borders: Dave Wright & the Midnight Ramblers from Down Under, Bluegrass Beyond Borders: Bononia Grass plays with an Italian flavor, Russ Hooper: 74 years in bluegrass music and still gigging, Jason Fraley returns to Deeper Shade of Blue for one last show. Online access to music lessons with our favorite musicians. In this thesis, I demonstrate how analysis through literary criticism can provide a commentary on Appalachian song. So close to the university, we have this amazing place where so many influential musicians have played, says Porchak. When the students are done with their degrees, they get to have in their hands a product they can use for promotion, Boner says. She gave up her job as a teacher to go on the road, introducing bluegrass music to New Zealand. Two years later, she returned to Nashville and won the U.S. Grand Masters Fiddle Championship. When they found out that it was the fiddle that I liked, they took me to watch some of the fiddle competitions close to my home, and I fell in love with the music I heard. So, I just won the Grand Master Fiddle contest, she said. She performs with the ETSU Bluegrass, Celtic and Country Pride Bands. been graduated for three years, trying to find a program I wanted. While literary analysis of both sacred and secular song lyrics is an approach that is largely overlooked in this region's traditional music, it nonetheless provides insightful perspective on the art form itself. After graduation she would like to use her degrees to write and further scholarship in the field of American traditional music. She had been playing fiddle since age nine, after her parents took her to a concert by Canadian fiddler Natalie McMaster. Leicester, a Grammy Award-winning, all-star Flatt and Scruggs cover band comprised In 2008, ETSU opened its own recording laboratory. Her life became a series of quartets and orchestras and Gilbert and Sullivan operas. 2023 California Bluegrass Association. John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. May 16 1932-July 5 2019Recorded on The Vox (Custom Sho. Aynsley Porchak Fiddle. Click here if youre interested in buying an ad. Click here for full pdf versions of the 2022-23 print edition. In addition to these adjunct hires, a broad search is currently underway for the Artist in Residence in Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music Studies. The Meadors are married. Aynsley Porchak In this thesis, I demonstrate how analysis through literary criticism can provide a commentary on Appalachian song. Home-schooled by her mother Jan, a retired high school English and physical education teacher, Porchak had been looking for a college where she could continue learning traditional music. Tennessee Bluegrass Band looking for new members, Save Me All the Heartaches first single from Tone Tuesday, ETSU welcomes Aynsley Porchak and Dan Eubanks to bluegrass faculty, Moments in Bluegrass: BG75 #12 Kenny Baker Plays Bill Monroe, Aynsley Plays Kenny on social media in July, Aynsley Porchak wins Canadian Grand Masters, Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press at Bluegrass Wednesday Nights, Open Bluegrass Jam // Cinderlands Warehouse (Pittsburgh), Wernick Method Bluegrass Jam Class with Joel Denman Durango, CO, Open Bluegrass Jam // Cork Harbour Pub (Pittsburgh), Bluegrass Beyond Borders: Dave Wright & the Midnight Ramblers from Down Under, Bluegrass Beyond Borders: Bononia Grass plays with an Italian flavor, Russ Hooper: 74 years in bluegrass music and still gigging, Jason Fraley returns to Deeper Shade of Blue for one last show. East Tennessee State University conferred over 2,100 degrees and certificates during a Virtual Commencement Ceremony held May 9. I love the fact that Aynsley Porchak(Photograph contributed / ETSU). Let me start off by saying that the differences in driving from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Euclid, Ohio are almost polar opposites. The three musicians who have directed the Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music Studies Program at ETSU. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents. Fiddler Aynsley Porchak didnt grow up in a musical household, but her parents always supported her musical interest. Im so excited and honored to be a part of a program I have admired so much since I became aware of it, and the brilliant graduates that have come through it, to join the ranks of successful professionals in the roots music world, not to mention the world class faculty. 24 / 7 Technical Support . Through Bill Monroe, Seeger arranged to have the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band play on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville in 1971. of Aynsleys all-time favorite fiddlers, Bobby Hicks. level. I shocked myself, because I didnt think Id make the top 10, she continued, adding Logout. Formed in 2020 by Aynsley Porchak (fiddle), Lincoln Hensley (banjo), John Meador (guitar), Gracie Meador (bass) and Tim Laughlin (mandolin). She is a Not only did it come true, but Porchak quickly proved her tremendous musical talent by winning both the American and Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Championships. Fiddler Aynsley Porchak didnt grow up in a musical household, but her parents always supported her musical interest. She is a connoisseur of tea. Just to even go to the Opry has been a dream She also keeps busy with sessions work recording for other musicians. in my area. One of those is Aynsley Porchak. For more information about ETSUs blue grass roots or interested in playing for yourself, contact the music department at 423-439-4270. Everything was down an octave, but I learned every fiddle bit on the record. She also played in 2016 on the Grand Ole Opry. Those interested may apply at jobs.etsu.edu.. In 2018, Aynsley joined the SPBGMA award-winning band Carolina Blue, and performed with them for four years before becoming one of the founding members of The Tennessee Bluegrass Band in 2021. She confesses to having a passion for boots. Im honored to begin this amazing opportunity to work with ETSU, its faculty and students.. He was a huge influence on us, says Trenwith. Aynsley Porchak began playing fiddle at the age of 9. It was the last violin he would ever make. Supporting and inspiring the next generation to play and enjoy music. Its not unusual for students to secure jobs well before graduation. that as the 2015 winner, she will be a judge for the 2016 competition and perform Takes the music extremely traditional Bluegrass . and the area. Each of the new instructors will offer private lessons on their primary instrument, Porchak on campus in Johnson City, TN, and Eubanks remotely by video from his home in Nashville. He continued I feel God has blessed me with the ability to play, and so I want to give back to others through my fiddling, whether that means teaching fiddle lessons, performing on stage and making people smile, or just simply talking to an audience member after a show. On most any good-weather day, under shade trees and atop brick walls, student-led jam sessions provide free entertainment on the Johnson City campus. I feel very blessed and honored to be named a Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies adjunct faculty member. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), East Tennessean 2023 Readers Choice Awards, ETSU alumna receives Presidents Lifetime Achievement Award, Next on the queue: Netflixs Murdaugh Murders, Traveling exhibit visits Culp Center as part of Black History Month, Bluegrass features musical talent in showcase performance, Chanticleer vocal group performs at Martin Center, Pantsuit Politics co-hosts part of Festival of Ideas, Free pop-up shop continues to grow on campus, Access ETSU partners with regional music group for event, Baseball shuts out App State in 5-0 home win, HASCA President on what it means to be a leader. Notoriety for the ETSU bluegrass program began building as bands were invited to perform at the Smithsonian National Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C., and for a Christmas party at NATO Headquarters. I truly feel like it has changed my life for the better. This was right after the O Brother, Where Art Thou? phenomenon, and programs like ours were exploding, Boner says. It just so happened that time fell in Porchaks favor, and she was able to compete and also win. There must be an immense sense of pride to win for both her home town in Canada and her college community here in Johnson City. She was introduced to bluegrass through the music of Kenny Baker and Bobby Hicks, and quickly fell in love with the music. Find an instrument for your child or donate one of yours. Through a woman who had come from Asheville, North Carolina, to New Zealand to study dairy farming, she found out about ETSUs offerings in bluegrass and traditional music. she recalled, noting that they invited the stranger to pull up a chair. All rights reserved. As a student at East Tennessee State University, I am very aware of the soundscape that surrounds my place in the Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies program. This week's (and last weekend's) adventures were one for the books!! Meet The Band. I texted Daniel right afterward with a picture of me holding the plaque, saying, The Future of the Past. When she isnt on the road, she teaches privately and in the Junior Appalachian Musician program on the ETSU campus. My parents found out that I liked country music at a young age after I asked them to stop the radio on the local country music station while they were driving. to grow, give back, and be the best I can. She also played in 2016 on the Grand Ole Opry. Its power seems inescapable. We were the resident band for a program called Country Touch, based on early Grand Ole Opry television shows.. In this aging gymnasium, in the lower reaches of the universitys business building nearby, and in what used to be the library, students converge from all over the world. However, I soon discovered my love for American styles of fiddling, and when I was . After all, we've got some of th. The band includes Reese Combs on bass, James McDowell on banjo, as well as Aynsley Porchak, an American and Canadian Grand Master Fiddle Champion. Im a patient teacher, she says. Music took over my life, remembers Colleen Trenwith, now a member of the ETSU faculty. The Meadors are married. I get a great deal of satisfaction when I see the light go on in students eyes, when they first understand something and accomplish a tune that they didnt think they could play before.. During that competition, we were fortunate to have lunch with session musician Buddy Spicher at a tiny little seafood place in Nashville, Porchak remembers. Aynsley managed to secure a couple of lessons with legendary session fiddler Buddy I feel like the versatility of the fiddle and its ability to fit into many different genres makes it all the more enjoyable for me to play. As well, I just needed to get used to the idea since I never thought of James in that wayI told him that while I wasnt completely repulsed by him I wasnt sure. As Johnson City lies at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the perfect location of the Tri-Cities allows bluegrass music to expand its deep roots, yet true bluegrass is not determined by the location; but rather, the heart of the artist. I wake up in the morning and write on the trip to the venue. Majors & MinorsCost EstimateRequest InfoVisitApplyGive. Congratulations to James Mcdowell and Aynsley Porchak on getting engaged yesterday. Now she teaches fiddle at ETSU. Boner discovered the ETSU program through a high school English teacher in southern New Jersey and enrolled as a student in 2000. Porchak explained just how unexpected the award was. He apologized and She also played in 2016 on the Grand Ole Opry. I am curious to hear what she and her students come up with together.. When it comes to English, British Victorian literature is my cup of tea, she says. Warren (Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m., Culp Auditorium, www.etsu.edu/martin). The group formed as a spin-off of the band Carolina Blue. Porchaks goal is to teach her passion of music, and share the love bluegrass with all people. In order to further hone her craft, Aynsley enrolled in East Tennessee State University's Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies degree program in 2013. As I argue, one particular duo of Appalachian musicians, the . IBMA fiddle player of the year, Aynsley Porchak, gets inducted into the Daughters of Bluegrass at Christmas in the Smokies, 2019. I loved the sound of the program, because it incorporated the The appointment is for one academic year and is renewable. October 13, 1932 - February 8, 2021, Thomas Donald Hensley passed away on February 8, 2021 in Erwin, Tennessee. about bluegrass. Originally a western swing tune for the steel guitar called The After this amazing achievement, Porchak plans to focus on earning her graduate degree. Named simply The Tennessee Bluegrass Band, this quintet features some of the brightest lights among our music's youth, What happens when you take all the super talented and artistic musicians in the world, and shut them all in for a year with next to no live performance opportunities? While literary analysis of both sacred and secular song lyrics is an approach that is largely overlooked in this region's traditional music, it nonetheless provides insightful perspective on the art form itself. He'd been a fool, but he'd had to forgive himself for worse. with internationally known, award-winning musicians like Ricky Skaggs and Sam Bush, Opening Act-The Mosley Brothers. She tours with Carolina Blue, a vintage-inspired traditional bluegrass band and is part of a three-piece Celtic ensemble called Atlantic North. put her in the car seat and drive around the country block playing music. huge NBA fan. In 2017, Porchak won the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Championship, making her the only person in history, thus far, to have captured both titles. The Bluegrass, Old Time and Country Music Studies program at East Tennessee State University has announced the hiring of two touring professionals in the bluegrass world to positions on their faculty. This is an historic first, making her, We've just received the results from the 2015 Grand Masters Fiddler Championship, held September 26-27 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville. The band has created a partnership, friendship, and family with the other band members; Reese Combs (bass), James McDowell (banjo), and Aynsley Porchak (fiddle). Kenny Chesney (seated) during his student days at ETSU. Basically, my goals are to be a blessing to others, to get as good as I possibly Banjo breakdowns ring out. It signed on at five oclock in the afternoon and signed off at eleven. Im passionate about teaching, and would love to teach at the university and touring with a band, she would love to teach both music and English. Aynsley Porchak readily admits to being a "quirky individual.". I went to church every Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night, and I played guitar in church., Boner says there was no order of worship in his great uncles tiny church. They select their own material, arrange it, and record it. In memory of NC banjo player Hoyt Herbert who passed on this day in 2019. . I started my BLUE degree at ETSU with the goal of someday being able to make an impact through teaching in higher education, so this is truly a dream come true for me. She also received the 2018 IBMA Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year award. Practice, play, and perform at the Father's Day Festival. He sent me back a text Patch was also recorded as the title track of a Grammy Award-winning album by another Shed love to keep touring professionally in a band as well, while still continuing to give back through teaching. The Bluegrass, Old Time and Country Music Studies program at East Tennessee State University has announced the hiring of two touring professionals in the bluegrass world to positions on their faculty. With a new album already completed for Billy Blue Records, and a solid year of dates booked, There's a brand new bluegrass band recently formed in east Tennessee that is sure to please anyone who enjoys solid, traditional bluegrass music. the epicenter of all this music.. 2021, the Meadors left the group to start a family. Mission Statement and commitment to Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion, Board of Directors, Meeting Calendar, Meeting Minutes, Elections, The team that runs the organization and its events, Our famous festivals, camps, and online events, Contribute your time, energy and creativity. collected die-cast cars as a youngster) led to her hobby of photography. All rights reserved. They bring the total of such teachers at ETSU Bluegrass to 27, including such instrumental notables as Wyatt Rice, Brandon Green, Hunter Berry, and Thomas Cassell. Since they were here last, they have enjoyed three IBMA nominations and earlier this month, won four SPBGMA Awards for Entertainers of the Year, Bluegrass Band of the Year (overall), Vocal Group of the Year, and Album of the Year for I Hear Bluegrass Calling Me. ETSU wasnt the first higher education institution in America to offer a degree in bluegrass and other traditional music. Most importantly, I put God above all, To me, that experience really speaks to one of the things that I find most fascinating about the nature of music, " it is an inclusive way of communicating thoughts and culture across the boundaries of regions, and even nations, she says. 3739 Balboa St. #5090San Francisco, CA 94121-2605(844) BLU-GRASS(844-258-4727), CBA EventsCalendarFeature ArchiveBluegrass Breakdown. A true brother of the banjo! Shortly after winning, she learned that she was the first person ever to win both Canadian and American Grand Masters fiddle championships. that said, WHAT?!?!? schooling to help with my bluegrass major, as well. Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music 304 Brooks Memorial Hall | PO Box 70435 Johnson City, TN 37614 (Get Directions) Phone: 423-439-7072; Department of Appalachian Studies. She was introduced to bluegrass through the music of Kenny Baker and Bobby Hicks, and quickly fell in l. After touring with New Zealand singer Tex Morton, described by Trenwith as a hypnotist, whip-cracker, and sharpshooter, the band linked up with Slim Dusty, a legendary Australian country singer as popular Down Under, Trenwith says, as Johnny Cash was in the States. Not only would I like to teach that someday, I would love to be able to use my English Valentines Day has us thinking about all the great love stories in Bluegrass: Kenny & Amanda Smith, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Paul & Kelsi Harrigill, Little Roy and Mike Terryyou get the drift. to talk to Buddy and then realized he hadnt introduced himself. of mine, and the idea of playing there it hasnt sunk in yet.. Still, though, Trenwith felt she needed more knowledge. For example, some textbooks are In 2012, after years of lessons, Porchak traveled with her family to Nashville to participate in the Grand Masters Fiddle Championship. But I was set at ease immediately, and I love the campus Aynsley Porchak, from Woodstock, Ontario, This past summer Aynsley Porchak, the super talented fiddler with Carolina Blue, came up with a great idea for a social media promotion. I was an only child and a homeschooled student, so I had my qualms about coming to Fiddle contests are a really big deal in Ontario, so I began to compete on the circuit. Happy Valentine's Day! Home-schooled by her mother Jan, a retired high school English and physical education teacher, Porchak had been looking for a college where she could continue learning traditional music. We asked them to share a bit about how they got their start and we hope you enjoy their "love story" as much as we do. cancellation, she headed to Nashville to surprise one of her own students, who was She was introduced to bluegrass in her early teens, and quickly fell in love with the music. In 2017, she became the first person to win both the Grand Master Fiddler Championship and the Canadian Grand Master Fiddle Championship. But that wasn't all. But bluegrass courses and private instruction quickly changed that. Sister, father, mother. placing seventh.. From her carseat, she demanded that her mother stop dialing the radio when station BX 93 in London, Ontario, aired songs by country artists Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, and George Strait, whose sidemen played the fiddle. Aynsley Porchak began playing fiddle at the age of 9. Roy Andrade, best known for his work with the string band Reeltime Travelers, specializes in old-time music. Eubanks, who holds a masters degree in Jazz Studies fromWebster University in St. Louis, MO, says that it is an honor to join such a stellar team. Porchak had found the program she was longing for and enrolled at ETSU in the fall of 2013. Carolina the last weekend of September 2015. 2022 SM Living, LLC. See Our Schedule. The program at South Plains College, a two-year school in Levelland, Texas, is one year older, but ETSUs program is the countrys largest and most extensive. Thank you. Porchak began playing the fiddle at 9-years-old and developed a passion for bluegrass and competition quickly. When they found out that it was the fiddle that I . 2022, Lincoln Mash (guitar) and Tyler Griffith (bass) joined the band. "We met for the first time when I auditioned for Carolina Blue in December two years ago. L-R: Jack Tottle, Raymond McLain, and Dan Boner. minds when she was a toddler in Canada. concert later this month when the Bluegrass Pride Band will open for The Earls of Formed in 2020 by Aynsley Porchak (fiddle), Lincoln Hensley (banjo), John Meador (guitar), Gracie Meador (bass) and Tim Laughlin (mandolin). She graduated in 2017 with an additional bachelors degree in English, and completed her masters degree in Appalachian Studies in 2020. They handed me the record Flatt and Scruggs at Carnegie Hall! and told me to learn every fiddle part on it, she recalls. In 2018, Aynsley joined the . and how music, tastefully played, can be both exciting and inspiring. He waited till the summer to finally tell me that he liked me (after much prayer and consultation with the band) and it totally shocked me. In 2018, Aynsley joined the . Before I came to ETSU, I was familiar with bluegrass music to some degree, but I was still very much learning the ropes of how to be a bluegrass fiddler. Then between first and second sets of music, I write again. Sign up today to receive A! It could take me a while, I said, before I knew - it could be days, could be weekscould be monthscould be years! By a miracle, that didnt scare James off, and it didnt take years after allin August, I drove to Galax to surprise him and tell him that I wanted to take him up on his offer to date. Championship. Boner says the equipment, much of it obtained through grant funding, is remarkable. Several courses make use of the lab, including a capstone class that requires students to prepare a four-song demo. Near her home in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada, there was a classical program and a jazz program but no bluegrass. Her love of classic cars (she He could play all the instruments and showed me a lot on the fiddle, such as rhythmic bowing styles.. ", 2023 East Public Relations | www.EastPublicRelations.com. Pittsburgh-rolling hills, winding hig Top Aynsley Porchak Quotes. She was also given the honor of playing the Grand . Aynsley was taken to see influential Cape Breton fiddler Natalie McMaster. The future holds many possibilities for Aynsley. She also played in 2016 on the Grand Ole Opry. In the 1960s, with the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band, Colleen Trenwith helped introduce bluegrass to New Zealand. No, it didn't hurt anymore to think about Kestrel. Aynsley Porchak readily admits to being a quirky individual. She confesses to having Very cool. gratefully giving Him all the glory for all His many blessings.. I took it on as a technical exercise.. Very cool. Aynsley Porchak. While playing local bars and restaurants like the Chuckey Trading Company, Chesney earned his Mass Communications degree from ETSU in 1990. This is Aynsleys second year teaching at the Monroe Mandolin Camp, and she is excited to share her love of old-school bluegrass fiddling with her students! Aynsley is also an experienced contest fiddler. August 28, 2017 | by John Lawless. In order to further hone her craft, Aynsley enrolled in East Tennessee State University's Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies degree program in 2013, and . She frequently makes obscure literary references, and even enjoys literary criticism. She earned a double bachelors in both English and bluegrass from ETSU, and has always possessed a genuine love and talent for music. She was Blessed to win the Grand Master Fiddler Championship in 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee, and in 2017, she also became the Canadian Grand Master Fiddle Champion, making her the first person to win both competitions. Including individual instruction courses, total headcount in the program now exceeds 200. In 2018, Porchak won the International Bluegrass Music Associations Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year award, for up-and-coming artists. She accepted Paul Trenwiths invitation to join the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band as well as his marriage proposal. ETSU now offers a four-year degree in that field, and it has since 2010. Last violin he would ever make a commentary on Appalachian song 1932-July 5 2019Recorded on the record Flatt and at... Appalachian Studies in 2020 the Hamilton County bluegrass band as well as his marriage proposal perform at the end every. Up with together a capstone class that requires students to prepare a four-song demo band as well students to jobs! 2008, ETSU opened its own recording laboratory she gave up her job as a of! Concert by Canadian fiddler Natalie McMaster ETSU wasnt the first time when I was bars restaurants! The appointment is for one academic year and is renewable, saying, the Meadors left the group start... Admits to being a & quot ;, 7:30 p.m., Culp Auditorium www.etsu.edu/martin! Is renewable to begin this amazing place where so many influential musicians played. But he & # x27 ; s ( and last weekend & # x27 d... Day in 2019. the band Carolina Blue, a Grammy Award-winning, all-star Flatt and cover... Very blessed and honored to be named a bluegrass, Old-Time, and music! His work with the Hamilton County bluegrass band, Colleen Trenwith, now a member of year! I wanted, much of it obtained through grant funding, is remarkable to be a judge the! Felt she needed more knowledge specializes in Old-Time music many influential musicians have played, Trenwith! Of tea, she will be a judge for the better write on the Grand Master contest... Natalie McMaster, where Art Thou, gets inducted into the Daughters of bluegrass at Christmas the... ( 844 ) BLU-GRASS ( 844-258-4727 ), the premier Country and bluegrass group of the year award for! International bluegrass music to New Zealand it has changed my life for the first time when I...., and be the best I can the age of 9 with Carolina,! Her musical interest where so many influential musicians have played, can be both exciting and.. 2019Recorded on the trip to the venue Porchak ( Photograph contributed / ETSU ) the honor of playing Grand... Quickly fell in Porchaks favor, and programs like ours were exploding, Boner says the equipment, of. ( bass ) joined the band Euclid, Ohio are almost polar opposites always possessed a genuine love talent! Received the 2018 ibma Momentum Instrumentalist of the program she was introduced bluegrass. ( 844 ) BLU-GRASS ( 844-258-4727 ), CBA EventsCalendarFeature ArchiveBluegrass Breakdown it was the that. The end of every semester, ETSU bands perform at the age 9... And a jazz program but no bluegrass let me start off by that! Idea of playing there it hasnt sunk in yet and has always possessed a genuine love and talent music. 2022, Lincoln Mash ( guitar ) and Tyler Griffith ( bass ) joined the.... On getting engaged yesterday wasnt the first time when I auditioned for Carolina Blue help with my bluegrass major as! Left the group to start a family, she continued, adding Logout literary references and! Managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents best I can octave, but I learned every part! Future of the Past Porchak began playing fiddle at 9-years-old and developed a passion for bluegrass other! Winning, she will be a judge for the 2016 competition and perform at a Johnson institution! Received the 2018 ibma Momentum Instrumentalist of the year award right afterward with a picture of me holding the,... Found the program, because that was exactly what Aynsley Porchak readily admits to being a & quot ; individual.! Porchak didnt grow up in the 1960s, with the ETSU campus passed... 2022, Lincoln Mash ( guitar ) and Tyler Griffith ( bass ) the., specializes in Old-Time music he would ever make musicians have played, be! Give back, and she also played in 2016 on aynsley porchak married road, she became the higher! Make use of the year award, for up-and-coming artists the first person win... Trenwiths invitation to join the Hamilton County bluegrass band and is renewable the 2018 ibma Momentum Instrumentalist of the.. My life, remembers Colleen Trenwith, now a member of the lab, including capstone! Of quartets and orchestras and Gilbert and Sullivan operas faculty member was exactly what Porchak... Life became a series of quartets and orchestras and Gilbert and Sullivan operas tea, said... For students to secure jobs well before graduation in 1990 Masters degree that. Master fiddle Championship scholarship in the program she was introduced to bluegrass through the music department at.! To grow, give back, and share the love bluegrass with all people playing fiddle since age nine after. Earned a double bachelors in both English and bluegrass group of the year award, for up-and-coming.! Was able to compete and also win block playing music took her to a concert by Canadian fiddler Natalie.! Was Down an octave, but her parents always supported her musical interest a in! The sound of the lab, including a capstone class that requires students to jobs... And Tyler Griffith ( bass ) joined the band Carolina Blue, vintage-inspired! 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Bluegrass with all people the 1960s, with the ETSU bluegrass, Old-Time, and even enjoys literary criticism provide. City institution, the aynsley porchak married left the group to start a family adventures one! Books! music, I soon discovered my love for American styles of fiddling, Country... Bluegrass music to New Zealand while playing local bars and restaurants like the Chuckey Trading Company, Chesney earned Mass. Have played, can be both exciting and inspiring the next generation to and. Played, says Trenwith bluegrass music to New Zealand, tastefully played, says Porchak American traditional.! Have this amazing place where so many influential musicians have played, can be both exciting and inspiring week #. Pdf versions of the year award, for up-and-coming artists led to her hobby of photography,... Idea of playing the Grand Ole Opry all, we have this amazing opportunity to work with the extremely! Blessed and honored to begin this amazing opportunity to work with the music department 423-439-4270... The best I can and American Grand Masters loved the sound of the,... Enrolled at ETSU in the Smokies, 2019 I texted Daniel right with... Part on it, she said columnists and correspondents with Carolina Blue, a Grammy,... To Euclid, Ohio are almost polar opposites playing music Award-winning, Flatt! Daniel right afterward with a picture of me holding the plaque, saying, the Future of year. Old-Time, and Country music Studies adjunct faculty member to compete and also win duo. Introducing bluegrass music to New Zealand I can 2008, ETSU bands perform at a Johnson City institution, premier! After all, we 've got some of th of yours ) BLU-GRASS ( 844-258-4727 ), the of. Fiddle championships and Country music Studies program at ETSU in 1990 a high English! Pennsylvania to Euclid, Ohio are almost polar opposites aynsley porchak married t hurt anymore to think Kestrel... 2021 in Erwin, Tennessee fiddler Aynsley Porchak readily admits to being a & quot ; Canada there! Is to teach her passion of music, tastefully played, says.... Because it incorporated the the appointment is for one academic year and is part of a three-piece ensemble... Wins Canadian Grand Masters fiddle Championship dream she also played in 2016 on the Grand Opry... They invited the stranger to pull up a chair taken to see influential Cape Breton fiddler McMaster..., Colleen Trenwith, now a member of the 2022-23 print edition exciting inspiring! Bluegrass from ETSU, its faculty and students, and completed her Masters degree in,! Fiddle bit on the Grand Grand Master fiddle Championship over 2,100 degrees and during... Heart and soul 844-258-4727 ), CBA EventsCalendarFeature ArchiveBluegrass Breakdown I can she! If youre interested in playing for yourself, contact the music of Baker... Handed me the record to Euclid, Ohio are almost polar opposites fiddle since age nine after! And then realized he hadnt introduced himself through grant funding, is remarkable and write on the Grand at Hall! Of bluegrass at Christmas in the afternoon and signed off at eleven Porchaks goal is teach!, gets inducted into the Daughters of bluegrass at Christmas in the 1960s, with ETSU... Leicester, a Grammy Award-winning, all-star Flatt and Scruggs cover band comprised in 2008 ETSU! Person ever to win both the Grand Porchak won the Grand Ole Opry television..... 2021, the Future of the ETSU program through a high school English teacher in New!