The three musicians who have directed the Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music Studies Program at ETSU. But bluegrass courses and private instruction quickly changed that. I was an only child and a homeschooled student, so I had my qualms about coming to Its power seems inescapable. Logout, The Tennessee Bluegrass Band, surely one of the most highly anticipated young bands in our music of late, is already dealing with personnel changes. All rights reserved. It doesn't always work out that way, but when it does, it's generally, Aynsley Porchak, a recent graduate of the ETSU Bluegrass, Country & Old Time Music program has won the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Championship, just one year after winning the US competition last year. that said, WHAT?!?!? She was introduced to bluegrass in her early teens, and quickly fell in love with the music. 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. Receive updates about CBA events and news. Aynsley Porchak Fiddle. I texted Daniel right afterward with a picture of me holding the plaque, saying, Were still together almost a year and a half later. Chat email or call (480)-624-2500. Sign up today to receive A! Contact Us. Aynsley is also an experienced contest fiddler. 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. Ted Hensley was admitted to the Johnson City Medical Center on February 3rd with six esophageal varices pouring blood into his system. . In 2008, ETSU opened its own recording laboratory. She is a seafood place and this man came up to our table, saying, Excuse me, I hope you However, I soon discovered my love for American styles of fiddling, and when I was Aynsley has been my twin-fiddle buddy going back to when she first started at ETSU. My Profile as well as Bobby Hicks, whom she has long admired. We live in capitalism. She frequently makes obscure literary references, and even enjoys literary criticism. Aynsley Porchak plays Fiddle Patch, which, she says, is everything that I like In 2018, Aynsley joined the . Courses in Celtic music at ETSU are taught by Jane MacMorran, a former U.S. National Scottish Fiddling Champion. In January of 2018, Porchak secured a steady job playing fiddle for the up-and-coming group Carolina Blue, based in Brevard and Hendersonville, North Carolina. In case you haven't noticed, we're in love around here. When they found out that it was the fiddle that I . Kenny Chesney (seated) during his student days at ETSU. Old Time and Country Music Studies in ETSUs Department of Appalachian Studies. While playing local bars and restaurants like the Chuckey Trading Company, Chesney earned his Mass Communications degree from ETSU in 1990. 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. The appointment is for one academic year and is renewable. Very cool. The rest is history. I shocked myself, because I didnt think Id make the top 10, she continued, adding Her love of classic cars (she When the students are done with their degrees, they get to have in their hands a product they can use for promotion, Boner says. 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. All rights reserved. She came to East Tennessee State University to study in their Bluegrass, Old-Time and Country music program. After all, we've got some of the best bands in the business making plans to be with us next month and what's not to love about that! the epicenter of all this music.. She was introduced to bluegrass in her early teens, and quickly fell in love with the music. She decided to compete, telling no one else, not even her mentor, Daniel Boner, director At the end of every semester, ETSU bands perform at a Johnson City institution, The Down Home, which opened in 1976. Aynsley Porchak, a recent graduate of the ETSU Bluegrass, Country & Old Time Music program has won the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Championship, just one year after winning the US competition last year. John Meador and Hensley have played gigs together although they performed with separate bands, (John with Kentucky Just Us and Lincoln with the Price Sisters), and Meador is married to . While touring, I write in the RV, she tells me. This man came up to our table and he recognized Buddy. Woodstock, Ontario, native Aynsley Porchak is a perfect example of this very heart and soul. It was the last violin he would ever make. The band has created a partnership, friendship, and family with the other band members; Reese Combs (bass), James McDowell (banjo), and Aynsley Porchak (fiddle). For example, some textbooks are High-res versions are in Flickr. Her life became a series of quartets and orchestras and Gilbert and Sullivan operas. ETSU musicians meet the late Bill Monroe, backstage (above) at the Paramount Center for the Performing Arts in Bristol, Tennessee, in September of 1995. ), doctor of public health (Dr.P.H. Including individual instruction courses, total headcount in the program now exceeds 200. basics of how to play the music, and I could make connections and be basically at Ive enjoyed getting to know Dan these past several years working at festivals across the country. Music really does mean a lot to me. I grew up hearing loud preaching and attending homecomings and Saturday night singings, Boner says. schooling to help with my bluegrass major, as well. 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. but she hesitated because the festival was only two days away, and she had not practiced. TENNESSEE BLUEGRASS BAND From east Tennessee. She applied successfully for a Public Performance Scholarship and enrolled. He is proud to see his cousins, Carl and J.P. Sauceman and their Green Valley Boys, pictured on the mural in Brooks Gym. about bluegrass. Originally a western swing tune for the steel guitar called The I told him that I had no idea he even liked me and he protested but I sat by you all the time and I always tried to talk to you! Well, James told me that he would like to pursue a serious relationship with me and I said that I would have to pray about it and that I would have to talk to the band about it. The Meadors are married. Read Aynsley Porchak's bio and find out more about Aynsley Porchak's songs, albums, and chart history. Madly, crazy in love withBLUEGRASS!! August 28, 2017 | by John Lawless. International Bluegrass Music Association 4206 Gallatin Pk Nashville, TN 37216 USA Map it Phone 615-256-3222 | Toll Free 1-888-438-4262 . Aynsley began playing fiddle at the age of 9. porchak@mail.etsu.edu; Majors & Minors Cost Estimate Request Info Visit Apply Give. 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. For this video performance East Tennessee State University All Rights Reserved. rolled the radio dial and hit a certain country station, Aynsley would say, Stop, While we both thought the other was nice, it wasnt love at first sight. Near her home in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada, there was a classical program and a jazz program but no bluegrass. Blue Added to East Public Relations /a > Aynsley Porchak fiddled for the now disbanded Carolina.. Fiddle Music program at East Tennessee State University. My jaw dropped, because Id already Find an instrument for your child or donate one of yours. Porchak finished her bachelor of arts degree with a double major in Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music Studies and English and immediately began work on a master of arts in Appalachian Studies. She is the daughter of Roger and Jan Porchak and is from Woodstock, Ontario, Canada. She was introduced to bluegrass in her early teens, and quickly fell in love with the music. Her parents 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. Aynsley Porchak and Lincoln Hensley went to school together through the East Tennessee State University Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies program. at the Grand Ole Opry that weekend. 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. 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. 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. I took it on as a technical exercise.. She is a connoisseur of tea. She was also given the honor of playing the Grand . He'd been a fool, but he'd had to forgive himself for worse. In the video below, East Tennessee State University senior bluegrass and English major So close to the university, we have this amazing place where so many influential musicians have played, says Porchak. Oklahoma Stomp, the song was adapted for the fiddle and renamed by Dale Potter, one 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. But when severe weather led to the festivals Majors & MinorsCost EstimateRequest InfoVisitApplyGive. Just to even go to the Opry has been a dream minds when she was a toddler in Canada. She confesses to having a passion for boots. Aynsley Porchak. Her friends joke that she pays rent at the library. Amythyst Kiah (below) during her student days at ETSU, performing old-time music with a group at The Carter Family Fold in Scott County, Virginia. She is the first person to win both competitions. We've helped hundreds of small business create a successful Web presence. After attending numerous contests and concerts, I started lessons at age 9, and I never looked back, she said. I slowed the record down to 16 2/3 speed. Porchaks love of the fiddle really began, though, when she was three. L-R: Jack Tottle, Raymond McLain, and Dan Boner. Here he is playing with Alison Krauss and ETSU alumnus Barry Bales, then with Krauss and her band, Union Station, in 1991. Shed love to keep touring professionally in a band as well, while still continuing to give back through teaching. Get recommendations for other artists you'll love. 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. collected die-cast cars as a youngster) led to her hobby of photography. They made their SOIMF debut in 2018 and we are thrilled to have this award-winning band return to the Roberts Centre this spring. of Jerry Douglas, Shawn Camp, ETSU alumnus Barry Bales, Charlie Cushman and Johnny 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! Opening Act-The Mosley Brothers. the music. She also played in 2016 on the Grand Ole Opry. and the area. But the program had its beginning back in 1982 when Dartmouth-educated mandolin player Jack Tottle first started teaching courses in the music of the region through the universitys Center for Appalachian Studies and Services. Aynsley was taken to see influential Cape Breton fiddler Natalie McMaster. Two years later, she returned to Nashville and won the U.S. Grand Masters Fiddle Championship. ETSU wasnt the first higher education institution in America to offer a degree in bluegrass and other traditional music. When Carolina Blue co-founder Bobby Powell left the group, he took the name Carolina Blue with him and the remaining members formed a new band. Thanks to Ken Perlman for the news that the American Banjo Camp (of which he and Peter Langston are co-directors) will take place online by Zoom on 11 and 12 September 2021. She earned a double bachelors in both English and bluegrass from ETSU, and has always possessed a genuine love and talent for music. For more information about ETSUs blue grass roots or interested in playing for yourself, contact the music department at 423-439-4270. I couldnt believe it when he said that, because that was exactly what As I argue, one particular duo of Appalachian musicians, the . Fiddler Aynsley Porchak didnt grow up in a musical household, but her parents always supported her musical interest. 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. She was introduced to bluegrass through the music of Kenny Baker and Bobby Hicks, and quickly fell in love with the music. But on the buildings third level, theres a different kind of activity altogether. Click on one photo to see large photos in sequence. Boner joined his first southern gospel group when he was eight, and by the age of 11, he was playing fiddle with the Strings of Gospel. But that wasn't all. Funeral . In order to further hone her craft, Aynsley enrolled in East Tennessee State Universitys Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies degree program in 2013. the ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band at the Outer Banks Bluegrass Island Festival in North She is a connoisseur of tea. Walking down that hallway, you might hear the lonely, resonating notes of a dobro. The thesis is a lyrical analysis of Louvin Brothers songs and how the brothers bridged the gap between the sacred and the secular, Porchak says. He writes, Ill forever be grateful to the Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music Studies program. 2023 Arts Alliance Mountain Empire. Supporting and inspiring the next generation to play and enjoy music. 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 . Porchak has been playing the fiddle since she was 9 years old. The band includes Reese Combs on bass, James McDowell on banjo, as well as Aynsley Porchak, an American and Canadian Grand Master Fiddle Champion. 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 Porchak. On each day four back-to-back classes in bluegrass banjo and four back-to-back classes in old-time banjo will be held, and there is a stellar set of instructors, including Greg Cahill and Jeff Scroggins on the bluegrass side. Formed in 2020 by Aynsley Porchak (fiddle), Lincoln Hensley (banjo), John Meador (guitar), Gracie Meador (bass) and Tim Laughlin (mandolin). concert later this month when the Bluegrass Pride Band will open for The Earls of His great uncle, Larry Boner, was a guitar-strumming preacher. She was introduced to bluegrass through the music of Kenny Baker and Bobby Hicks, and quickly fell in l. Patch was also recorded as the title track of a Grammy Award-winning album by another Spicher, and they took him to lunch. 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. Big Stone Gap, Virginia, native Tyler Hughes, a 2015 ETSU alumnus, divides his time among playing in the Empty Bottle String Band, calling square dances throughout the region, and teaching banjo and dance at Mountain Empire Community College in his hometown. One of those is Aynsley Porchak. 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. It gives me a chance to be where the music is happening. 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. Morehead State University in Kentucky offers a traditional music program, directed by Raymond McLain, formerly with ETSU. can with my music, just keep learning because you can always learn and just continue In this thesis, I demonstrate how analysis through literary criticism can provide a commentary on Appalachian song. Then between first and second sets of music, I write again. And from an impromptu jam session comes the high harmony of twin fiddles. Aynsley Porchak began playing fiddle at the age of 9. ", 2023 East Public Relations | www.EastPublicRelations.com. ETSU now offers a four-year degree in that field, and it has since 2010. Aynsley Porchak readily admits to being a "quirky individual.". This full-time position will be appointed on the basis of outstanding professional attainments, creative accomplishments, and recognition in the bluegrass entertainment field. 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. Series of quartets and orchestras and Gilbert and Sullivan operas and attending homecomings and Saturday singings. And private instruction quickly changed that see large photos in sequence Toll Free 1-888-438-4262 ETSU, and Country music program. Of twin fiddles in a band as well as Bobby Hicks, whom she has long.. Study in their bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country music Studies program at ETSU and orchestras Gilbert. 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