CT-ASTA
Fiddle Fest
Online registration has closed. Students may register on-site on March 2. On-site registrants are not eligible for scholarships.
2024 CT-ASTA Fiddle Fest
Open to Connecticut string students in grades 5-12 (there will be separate groups based on playing level)
Teachers do not need to be ASTA members for students to participate.
Registration Deadline: February 14, 2024
Date: March 2, 2024 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (snow date March 16, 2024)
Location: Glastonbury High School
Address: 330 Hubbard St, Glastonbury, CT 06033
Fee: $30 per student . Scholarship assistance is available---use the registration form to request a scholarship.
What happens at Fiddle Fest?
Jamming (learn 1 or 2 jam tunes before you come--scroll down for recordings and sheet music)
Learning by ear
Playing in small bands grouped by level of playing experience
Working with guest teachers who are experts in different styles of non-classical string playing.
Exploring non-classical music styles (not only fiddling!)
Creating original arrangements
Fiddle Fest is CT-ASTA's take on the Nutmeg String Workshop, which formerly ran in Storrs.
Questions? Please contact ctastastrings@gmail.com
Jam Tunes-learn before you come to Fiddle Fest
Scroll down and click on the links for audio recordings and sheet music.
***Note: we strongly encourage learning by ear. Knowing the music by heart and being independent from the dots will make jamming, arranging, and performance go smoother. This page attempts to help everyone learn the same versions of the tunes. Still, your teachers may add or change ornaments, bowings, and harmonies, so it's best to treat the sheet music as "more what you'd call 'guidelines' than actual rules," like the Pirates' Code!
Junior Jam
Students who have been playing their instrument for 2 years or less, or are in Suzuki Book 1-please learn the following tune before attending the workshop so that you can jam with other students.
1. The Wren - Key of Em 🔊audio 🎼sheet music
Main Jam
Students who have been playing their instrument for more than 2 years, or are in Suzuki book 2 and up-please learn the following tunes before attending the workshop so that you can jam with other students and arrange for performances.
1. The Wren - Key of Em 🔊audio 🎼sheet music
2. Road to Lisdoonvarna - Key of Em 🔊audio 🎼sheet music
Viola and cello parts for Road to Lisdoonvarna include both a "high" and a "low" part. This refers to high or low octave.
High octave for viola and cello includes simple shifts to 3rd position (viola) or 4th position (cello). Original melodic shape and range.
Low octave for viola and cello has no shifting or extensions,
Advanced bass players may play the high cello part.