I really We've helped hundreds of small business create a successful Web presence. Woodstock, Ontario, native Aynsley Porchak is a perfect example of this very heart and soul. Funeral . 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. Championship. jazz program, and (there were) lots of classical programs, but nothing like bluegrass Very cool. TENNESSEE BLUEGRASS BAND From east Tennessee. Aynsley is also an experienced contest fiddler. Pennsylvania brothers Jacob and Joey Mosley grew up tagging along with their father, Jeffrey, to bluegrass festivals in southern Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. Shortly after winning, she learned that she was the first person ever to win both Canadian and American Grand Masters fiddle championships. 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. Dan Eubanks, bassist with Special Consensus, and Aynsley Porchak, fiddler with Carolina Blue, will both join the team as adjust professors starting with the Spring 2021 semester. Click on one photo to see large photos in sequence. Soon the band was invited to perform on television. After all, we've got some of th. Formed in 2020 by Aynsley Porchak (fiddle), Lincoln Hensley (banjo), John Meador (guitar), Gracie Meador (bass) and Tim Laughlin (mandolin). All rights reserved. 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. Congratulations to James Mcdowell and Aynsley Porchak on getting engaged yesterday. 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. 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 . In addition to awarding bachelors, masters, and graduate certificates, ETSU bestowed doctor of education (Ed.D. Two years later, she returned to Nashville and won the U.S. Grand Masters Fiddle Championship. August 28, 2017 | by John Lawless. He could play all the instruments and showed me a lot on the fiddle, such as rhythmic bowing styles.. She decided to compete, telling no one else, not even her mentor, Daniel Boner, director All rights reserved. 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. Let me start off by saying that the differences in driving from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Euclid, Ohio are almost polar opposites. They are: Bobby Powell, guitar; Timmy Jones, mandolin; Reese Combs, bass; James McDowell, banjo (who looks like a young Don Stover); and Aynsley Porchak, fiddle (wearing a 'pillbox' hat that reminded Dr Janie of those ladies used to wear to church). The skilled fiddler hopes to even possibly teach at ETSU in the future. But that wasn't all. Aynsley Porchak readily admits to being a quirky individual. She confesses to having she recalled, noting that they invited the stranger to pull up a chair. . Aynsley Porchak (2018) (of Carolina Blue) - Instrumentalist of the Year. She graduated in 2017 with an additional bachelors degree in English, and completed her masters degree in Appalachian Studies in 2020. He continued He was a huge influence on us, says Trenwith. She accepted Paul Trenwiths invitation to join the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band as well as his marriage proposal. Aynsley is also an experienced contest fiddler. Porchak has been playing the fiddle since she was 9 years old. The Meadors are married. In this thesis, I demonstrate how analysis through literary criticism can provide a commentary on Appalachian song. Not only would I like to teach that someday, I would love to be able to use my English . 16 years old, I went to Weiser, Idaho, for the National Old Time Fiddlers Contest, While touring, I write in the RV, she tells me. Aynsley Porchak. Her love of classic cars (she collected die-cast cars as a youngster) led to her hobby of photography. She frequently makes obscure literary references, and even enjoys literary criticism. Happy Valentine's Day! Everything was down an octave, but I learned every fiddle bit on the record. Takes the music extremely traditional Bluegrass . Take all the opportunities given to hone your craft and really enjoy the opportunities that music has given, said Porchak when asked what advice she has for ETSUs aspiring musicians. No, it didn't hurt anymore to think about Kestrel. as well as Bobby Hicks, whom she has long admired. Supporting and inspiring the next generation to play and enjoy music. 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 performs with the ETSU Bluegrass, Celtic and Country Pride Bands. Practice, play, and perform at the Father's Day Festival. I love how expressive it can be, and the fact that its an instrument that is truly challenging keeps me on my toes. One year, while she and her parents were in Nashville for the Grand Master contest, Below is an exclusive East Tennessean interview with Porchak, in which she describes her time at ETSU and journey as a musician. The group formed as a spin-off of the band Carolina Blue. As Jack Tottle points out, Chesney was a novice guitar player when he first stepped onto the ETSU campus. My Profile Chat email or call (480)-624-2500. Very cool. Aynsley is working on a graduate degree in Appalachian Studies at ETSU. So, I just won the Grand Master Fiddle contest, she said. Online access to music lessons with our favorite musicians. level. 24 / 7 Professional Support Fiddler Aynsley Porchak didnt grow up in a musical household, but her parents always supported her musical interest. I loved This man came up to our table and he recognized Buddy. Aynsley Porchak began playing fiddle at the age of 9. 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. At a banjo pickers convention in New Zealand, Trenwith and her band met American folk singer Mike Seeger. that as the 2015 winner, she will be a judge for the 2016 competition and perform When she couldnt fall asleep, her mom would Aynsley Porchak. It was the last violin he would ever make. Two years later, she won the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Championship. Then between first and second sets of music, I write again. She is a connoisseur of tea. 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. While we both thought the other was nice, it wasnt love at first sight. She frequently makes obscure literary references, and even enjoys literary criticism. Receive updates about CBA events and news. huge NBA fan. The Tennessee Bluegrass Band is shining a light on the importance of traditional bluegrass. This fund has been established to assist the Hensley family of Flag Pond, Tennessee in their husband's and father's medical bills. it.. East Tennessee State University graduate student Aynsley Porchak recently pulled off a huge feat when she won the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Championship. Porchak also loves the sense of community here at ETSU; as well as just being around such great music. They are here to take part in an academic program like no other: Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music Studies. Happy Valentine's Day! In 2018, Porchak won the International Bluegrass Music Associations Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year award, for up-and-coming artists. 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. Those interested may apply at jobs.etsu.edu.. Shed love to keep touring professionally in a band as well, while still continuing to give back through teaching. 2023 California Bluegrass Association. Aynsley Porchak began playing fiddle at the age of 9. The year that film came out, 2000, ETSU alumnus Kenny Chesney had already released a Greatest Hits album, on his way to country music superstardom. She also keeps busy with sessions work recording for other musicians. 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. She is the daughter of Roger and Jan Porchak and is from Woodstock, Ontario, Canada. Patch was also recorded as the title track of a Grammy Award-winning album by another Her parents gratefully giving Him all the glory for all His many blessings.. a university, Aynsley said. Near her home in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada, there was a classical program and a jazz program but no bluegrass. Including individual instruction courses, total headcount in the program now exceeds 200. 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! been graduated for three years, trying to find a program I wanted. During the spring semester of 2019, there were 35 student bands, operating under the auspices of what is now the Department of Appalachian Studies. 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! But I was set at ease immediately, and I love the campus 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. Aynsley Porchak Fiddle. Left to right: Henry Johns, Danny Stewart, and Haley Stiltner. 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. When she isnt on the road, she teaches privately and in the Junior Appalachian Musician program on the ETSU campus. 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. Aynsley Porchak(Photograph contributed / ETSU). Madly, crazy in love withBLUEGRASS!! Music took over my life, remembers Colleen Trenwith, now a member of the ETSU faculty. 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. One of those great bands is Carolina Blue from Brevard, NC. Along the way, a minor was added in 2005. "We met for the first time when I auditioned for Carolina Blue in December two years ago. 3739 Balboa St. #5090San Francisco, CA 94121-2605(844) BLU-GRASS(844-258-4727), CBA EventsCalendarFeature ArchiveBluegrass Breakdown. He'd been a fool, but he'd had to forgive himself for worse. 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. We were the resident band for a program called Country Touch, based on early Grand Ole Opry television shows.. 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. . She was introduced to bluegrass in her early teens, and quickly fell in love with the music. 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. After visiting the campus, Aynsley enrolled at ETSU in the fall of 2013, and she still appreciate the care that ETSU has put into its music programs. Opening Act-The Mosley Brothers. 2022 SM Living, LLC. They handed me the record Flatt and Scruggs at Carnegie Hall! and told me to learn every fiddle part on it, she recalls. She plays in the ETSU In addition to playing fiddle professionally Read Aynsley Porchak's bio and find out more about Aynsley Porchak's songs, albums, and chart history. I was an only child and a homeschooled student, so I had my qualms about coming to 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. Sign up today to receive A! She was introduced to bluegrass through the music of Kenny Baker and Bobby Hicks, and quickly fell in love with the music. Music is such a beautiful way to bring people together, and if I can make someone forget about whatever sadness they have going on in their life just for a little while through my playing, I feel like my job is done, she says. 2021, signed a recording contract with Billy Blue Records. of Jerry Douglas, Shawn Camp, ETSU alumnus Barry Bales, Charlie Cushman and Johnny She earned a double bachelor's in both English . 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