In memory of NC banjo player Hoyt Herbert who passed on this day in 2019. Click here if youre interested in buying an ad. collected die-cast cars as a youngster) led to her hobby of photography. In 2018, Aynsley joined the . 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. Monroe did two 15-minute sets, and we played in one of his sets. She was introduced to bluegrass in her early teens, and quickly fell in love with the music. Aynsley Porchak plays Fiddle Patch, which, she says, is everything that I like She is the daughter of Roger and Jan Porchak and is from Woodstock, Ontario, Canada. of Bluegrass, Old Time and Country Music Studies in ETSUs Department of Appalachian He was like a one-man bluegrass band. Blue Added to East Public Relations /a > Aynsley Porchak fiddled for the now disbanded Carolina.. In 2008, ETSU opened its own recording laboratory. L-R: Jack Tottle, Raymond McLain, and Dan Boner. Aynsley Porchak. To add another international dimension to her story, Porchak won those competitions playing a fiddle inlaid with ivory and rosewood and crafted by Xiadong Guan, who made and repaired violins for the Beijing Symphony before he moved to Canada. But when severe weather led to the festivals One of those great bands is Carolina Blue from Brevard, NC. A devoted student of Kenny Baker, Porchak set out to record and post a video of her, We've enthused several times about Aynsley Porchak, the talented young fiddler with Carolina Blue. He introduced himself as Dan Boner, Director of the Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music Studies Program at East Tennessee State University.. Madly, crazy in love withBLUEGRASS!! They made their SOIMF debut in 2018 and we are thrilled to have this award-winning band return to the Roberts Centre this spring. When she isnt on the road, she teaches privately and in the Junior Appalachian Musician program on the ETSU campus. 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. Your donations to the Monroe Mandolin Camp are appreciated and will go to help teach students now and in the future. 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. A violin in Porchaks possession that is too precious for public performance belonged to her great-grandfather, Cazmir Porzak, who left Poland in 1913 when he was 16 with only the clothes he was wearing and his treasured instrument. Porchak also loves the sense of community here at ETSU; as well as just being around such great music. She also looks forward to the After graduation she would like to use her degrees to write and further scholarship in the field of American traditional music. August 28, 2017 | by John Lawless. So did the divine right of kings. Soon the band was invited to perform on television. Walk into Brooks Gymnasium on the campus of East Tennessee State University and youll likely hear the cadence of an ROTC drill instructor or the squeaks of shoes during basketball practice. Aynsley Porchak readily admits to being a quirky individual. She confesses to having His academic background in bass instruction and professional experience in bluegrass will serve our students well. 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. Following an invitation that the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) extended to its members that they share a memory from "75 years of bluegrass," we thought that we would collect a few to share with you. She earned a double bachelors in both English and bluegrass from ETSU, and has always possessed a genuine love and talent for music. Formed in 2020 by Aynsley Porchak (fiddle), Lincoln Hensley (banjo), John Meador (guitar), Gracie Meador (bass) and Tim Laughlin (mandolin). and the area. Left to right: Henry Johns, Danny Stewart, and Haley Stiltner. About the author: Fred Sauceman has worked at ETSU since 1985. 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. 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. She also played in 2016 on the Grand Ole Opry. about bluegrass. Originally a western swing tune for the steel guitar called The I couldnt believe it when he said that, because that was exactly what She is the first person to win both competitions. 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. 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. Music really does mean a lot to me. I loved the sound of the program, because it incorporated the 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. Through Bill Monroe, Seeger arranged to have the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band play on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville in 1971. 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 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. Aynsley was taken to see influential Cape Breton fiddler Natalie McMaster. My Profile Find a band near you or share your band info with the world! The band has created a partnership, friendship, and family with the other band members; Reese Combs (bass), James McDowell (banjo), and Aynsley Porchak (fiddle). of mine, and the idea of playing there it hasnt sunk in yet.. But that wasn't all. ), doctor of nursing practice (DNP) and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees on successful . I love how expressive it can be, and the fact that its an instrument that is truly challenging keeps me on my toes. He continued Everything was down an octave, but I learned every fiddle bit on the record. The late fiddle great Benny Sims (right) was a friend of the ETSU bluegrass program from almost the beginning, and the university now offers a scholarship in his memory. Championship. top U.S. fiddle championship the previous four years, twice placing as high as sixth, 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. 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. 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. 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. At the end of every semester, ETSU bands perform at a Johnson City institution, The Down Home, which opened in 1976. 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. East Tennessee State University graduate student Aynsley Porchak recently pulled off a huge feat when she won the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Championship. Practice, play, and perform at the Father's Day Festival. Porchak had found the program she was longing for and enrolled at ETSU in the fall of 2013. East Tennessee State University conferred over 2,100 degrees and certificates during a Virtual Commencement Ceremony held May 9. Majors & MinorsCost EstimateRequest InfoVisitApplyGive. When she couldnt fall asleep, her mom would 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. Then between first and second sets of music, I write again. Leicester, a Grammy Award-winning, all-star Flatt and Scruggs cover band comprised it was probably the fiddle which attracted her to the music. Pittsburgh-rolling hills, winding hig Oh, and shes also the current Grand Master Fiddle Champion, having won the 44th annual contest last fall a contest she did not think she was going to attend. Formed in 2020 by Aynsley Porchak (fiddle), Lincoln Hensley (banjo), John Meador (guitar), Gracie Meador (bass) and Tim Laughlin (mandolin). When she moved to Hamilton, in the middle of the North Island of New Zealand, she made friends with musicians who had just discovered the music of The Beverly Hillbillies television show. In fact, the fiddle player did not even intend to compete in the 2017 Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Championship due to time constraints. Ive enjoyed getting to know Dan these past several years working at festivals across the country. She speaks highly of the teachers and the program. urged her to compete while she was there. In 2016, she earned a bachelor of science degree in General Studies with a minor in Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music Studies and is now a full-time member of the faculty. put her in the car seat and drive around the country block playing music. 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. Aynsley Porchak. competing in the youth division of the Grand Master Championship. Contact Us. In 2018, Porchak won the International Bluegrass Music Associations Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year award, for up-and-coming artists. 24 / 7 Professional Support Fiddler Aynsley Porchak didnt grow up in a musical household, but her parents always supported her musical interest. Playing via Spotify Playing via YouTube. Sister, father, mother. He sent me back a text For more information about ETSUs blue grass roots or interested in playing for yourself, contact the music department at 423-439-4270. 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. She also received the 2018 IBMA Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year award. The group formed as a spin-off of the band Carolina Blue. Porchak, who has bachelors degrees in both Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music Studies and English from ETSU, plus a masters in Appalachian Studies, feels humbled to join the faculty at her alma mater. ETSU student Aynsley Porchak (right) is the only person ever to win both the American and Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Championships. Her love of classic cars (she collected die-cast cars as a youngster) led to her hobby of photography. All rights reserved. This recent graduate of the bluegrass program at East Tennessee State University is an Ontario native, and a professional performer, who won both the US and, The dream for every college student - and every parent back home mailing the checks - is to find a job in their field right after graduation. Basically, my goals are to be a blessing to others, to get as good as I possibly Website design and development by Camellia Digital Agency. I look forward to passing on my knowledge to students and helping them become just as passionate about learning as I am!. There is a great deal of music going on at any given time within the small focus of Sam Wilson Hall and Brooks Memorial Gym, and the numerous students within . Playback options 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. Colleen Trenwith and the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band became household names in New Zealand. Kenny Chesney (seated) during his student days at ETSU. 24 / 7 Technical Support . Boner discovered the ETSU program through a high school English teacher in southern New Jersey and enrolled as a student in 2000. 2022 SM Living, LLC. I truly feel like it has changed my life for the better. Here he is playing with Alison Krauss and ETSU alumnus Barry Bales, then with Krauss and her band, Union Station, in 1991. 2023 California Bluegrass Association. One year, while she and her parents were in Nashville for the Grand Master contest, After visiting the campus, Aynsley enrolled at ETSU in the fall of 2013, and she still dont mind, but Mr. Spicher, Ive just got to tell you, Im such a fan of your music, While touring, I write in the RV, she tells me. 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. Powell (guitar and vocals) said he and the Carolina Blue band members, which includes Jones (mandolin and vocals), McDowell (banjo and vocals), Reese Combs (upright bass and vocals) and Aynsley Porchak (fiddle, recipient of the 2018 IBMA Momentum Instrumentalist Award), "are on the same page when it comes to music and lifestyle. Walking down that hallway, you might hear the lonely, resonating notes of a dobro. October 13, 1932 - February 8, 2021, Thomas Donald Hensley passed away on February 8, 2021 in Erwin, Tennessee. The Meadors are married. Aynsley Porchak Fiddle. This is a labor of love,but every dollar = a cup of coffee whileI work at keeping this resource up to date.Thanks for whatever you send my way! 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 graduated in 2017 with an additional bachelors degree in English, and completed her masters degree in Appalachian Studies in 2020. Aynsley Porchak is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Nina Hensley. No, it didn't hurt anymore to think about Kestrel. They'll perform two shows for us on Saturday, March 28th. My Profile Country Current (above), the premier country and bluegrass group of the U.S. Navy. During the spring semester of 2019, there were 35 student bands, operating under the auspices of what is now the Department of Appalachian Studies. "We met for the first time when I auditioned for Carolina Blue in December two years ago. didnt listen to country music, and her mom thought it unusual that every time she Shortly after winning, she learned that she was the first person ever to win both Canadian and American Grand Masters fiddle championships. Aynsley began playing fiddle at the age of 9. He earned a degree in Vocal Music Education at ETSU before the university started awarding degrees in Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music Studies. Aynsley Porchak In this thesis, I demonstrate how analysis through literary criticism can provide a commentary on Appalachian song. said, My name is Dan Boner, and Im director of the Bluegrass, Old Time and Country appreciate the care that ETSU has put into its music programs. She gave up her job as a teacher to go on the road, introducing bluegrass music to New Zealand. Program Director Dan Boner is happy to have both of these folks on staff. the music. East Tennessee State University All Rights Reserved. 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. of Jerry Douglas, Shawn Camp, ETSU alumnus Barry Bales, Charlie Cushman and Johnny a passion for boots. Its not unusual for students to secure jobs well before graduation. Very cool. Porchak, an Appalachian studies grad student here at ETSU, is the first person to have won both the American and Canadian Grandmaster Fiddle Championships. Aynsley managed to secure a couple of lessons with legendary session fiddler Buddy After all, shed already appeared in this Patch was also recorded as the title track of a Grammy Award-winning album by another the epicenter of all this music.. This eventually led to the Grand Master Championship and the Tennessee State Fiddle Oklahoma Stomp, the song was adapted for the fiddle and renamed by Dale Potter, one Below is an exclusive East Tennessean interview with Porchak, in which she describes her time at ETSU and journey as a musician. So close to the university, we have this amazing place where so many influential musicians have played, says Porchak. a little outdated, and I would love to be able to use my English to write more about ETSU wasnt the first higher education institution in America to offer a degree in bluegrass and other traditional music. of Aynsleys all-time favorite fiddlers, Bobby Hicks. The program also wants to remind everyone of their newest faculty opportunity, an Artist In Residence position, starting this Fall. 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. Though, from a young age, Porchak dreamed of a competing in bluegrass; she never imagined it would actually come true. Aynsley is also an experienced contest fiddler. She is also an experienced contest fiddler, winning the Grand Master Fiddler Championship in 2015 in Nashville, and in 2017 the Canadian Grand Master Fiddle Champion, making her the first person to win both competitions.Visit https://neomha.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CarryOn_ResourceGuide_Episode-6_AynsleyPorchak.pdf for a resource guide to accompany this program. Aynsley is also an experienced contest fiddler. Along the way, a minor was added in 2005. Maybe the newest great love story to emerge, is that of Carolina Blue's James McDowell and Aynsley Porchak, aka "Jaymsley." 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. Including individual instruction courses, total headcount in the program now exceeds 200. 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If youre interested in buying an ad of 2013 a minor was Added in 2005 Natalie.! Boner says just being around such great music Barry Bales, Charlie Cushman and Johnny a for! Jack Tottle, Raymond McLain, and the Hamilton County bluegrass band play on road...
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