June 1, 2026 (Old-Time Rollick Thoughts)

June 1, 2026 (Old-Time Rollick at Ashokan 2026)

I am sitting on my back porch gazing in awe at how much my garden grew in the four days I was away from home. I am now reflecting on what I brought home from the wonderful camp where Howard and I taught. It was our first time teaching at the Ashokan Center’s Old-Time Rollick. Emily Schaad, one of my favorite fiddlers, put together a staff of kind and talented folks, some who I have known and loved for years and some new folks that I am now pleased to call friends. I learned the tune Ashokan Farewell some time back in the 90’s but have never had the opportunity to meet the composer, Jay Unger. Listening to him actually play this tune and playing it with him at the end of camp was so touching. Experiencing the musicianship and compassion of his partner Molly Mason was equally touching and astounding.

It was very inspiring to spend the weekend feeling close to nature and being surrounded by such a rich history of sharing music, food, and stories. I am grateful to what this camp has brought to so many individuals over the years and now being a part of its history myself.

On the trek home, I was thinking about my presentation regarding my method of understanding the fiddle. It is hard to find a balance of giving folks what they want (a tune) and imparting information that is going to make a larger impact on their fiddling. I came home with some ideas that I am looking forward to expanding upon.

I am going to share a couple of Saturday video’s that might be fun for you all to go back and work with. This summer, since I will be traveling more, I will be writing about thoughts and insights from places I have been teaching as well picking out archived videos sprinkled with some new ones here and there. I have been overwhelmed and grateful for those who support me on substack with a paid subscription. If you become a paid subscriber, you will get the videos to practice with while I have them up. Remember, you can also join the hoedown tier on Patreon and get everything I share here as well as our tune of the month video (including the past five years worth of tunes.)

Here is a picture of my June garden that is still somewhat in its baby stages of growth and one from the weekend of teaching. Thanks for helping me grow as a teacher and a student. As always, if you would like for me to address something, please write to me. And those of you who I met over the weekend at Ashokan, thanks for being there and allowing me to put a face with a name!