Scottish Fiddle Clubs and Societies
Scroll Down to find listings for: Eastern, Midwest, Southern, & Western United States,Canada, Scotland, & Australia (NEW ENTRIES for New Zealand!!)
Eastern US
Massachusetts
The Boston Scottish Fiddle Club – Holds monthly workshops on Sundays in Belmont to learn Scottish tunes from top fiddle teachers/performers in the Boston area and beyond. The club also hosts popular monthly sessions on the third Wednesday of each month at the Canadian American Club in Watertown. The Young Fiddlers workshop series meets on various Friday evenings to learn tunes from top musicians in the area. The club’s performing group, the Boston Scottish Fiddle Orchestra, rehearses regularly and performs at various events. The fiddle club welcomes players of all levels and instruments. Website: bsfc.org
DC Area
Potomac Valley Scottish Fiddle Club -Meets usually 2nd Sunday of the month. 2:30 workshop with tunes taught by ear and from written music. Around 5:30 potluck supper. Around 6:30, following dinner, Scottish jam session. Held at various homes and community centers, Metro DC area. Dues $25/year individual. $35/year family includes newsletter, music.
Contact: Elke Baker, Director
Box 236
Glenelg MD 21737
301-854-916
Florida
Lanark Scottish Fiddle Orchestra, Tallahassee, FL -(meets in the North Florida panhandle community of Lanark Village, Florida, near Tallahassee) Meets 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month, beginning at 2:00 EST. Chillas Hall in Lanark Village.Contact: Cal Allen www.geocities.com/calart2k
New Hampshire
The Strathspey and Reel Society of New Hampshire -With over 100 members, the group gathers monthly to play music and learn about the rich heritage of the musical traditions of Scotland. Membership is open to musicians of any level, from beginner to expert. The SRSNH holds Gatherings on the last Sunday of the month from September through June. These Gatherings, held in New Hampshire’s capital city of Concord, run from 12:30-4:00 p.m. The group performs several times each year at events as varied as the New Hampshire Highland Games to an afternoon concert at a local nursing home. The SRSNH offers scholarships to its members for attendance at music workshops, camps, and festivals.Contact: Sylvia Miskoe, Music Director
New Jersey
Jersey Jam -Meets about once a month in Central New Jersey on Saturdays 3 pm until 7 pm with a tea break, followed by a pot-luck dinner, to play from collections of Scottish Fiddle music from Barbara McOwen, Elke Baker, Liz Donaldson and others. All instruments are welcome.
For dates and directions contact Lorraine Jackson. (last updated 2/9/09)Contact : Lorraine Jackson (609)936-0891
New York (Southern Tier)
The Bonnie Loch Fiddle Club - under the direction of Sue Tillotson is open to all ages and levels. The club meets one Saturday a month in Lakewood NY, (near Jamestown) to learn new tunes. To find out more about the club and the schedule, see The Bonnie Loch Fiddle Club on Facebook or contact Sue Tillotson, (716) 397-9696.
The Rochester Strathspey and Reel Society - 1st Wednesday of the month
Sheridan's Pub, 7:00
1551 Mt Hope Ave, Rochester, NY 14620 (click for map)
Brooklyn
Weekly Scottish traditional music session ~ ionascottishsession.com.
Cameron Scottish Music Ensemble -St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 85 Greenway South, Forest Hills, NYMeets about once a month on Saturdays, 10 am - 3 pm, or Sundays, 2-6 pm, for workshops with various teachers including Elke Baker, Barbara McOwen, Liz Donaldson and others. All instruments welcome.Fee per class includes snacks. Reduced rate for seniors and full-time students.Contact: Isabelle Smith (718)793-6238 all times
North Carolina
Scottish Fiddle Club of Raleigh, NC -
We are a community-based group that gets together to share some Scottish Fiddle music. We welcome beginners to Scottish Fiddling. All instruments are welcome. We have anywhere from 7-10 fiddles, 2 or 3 cellos, and a myriad of other instruments attend each month, and our group is growing! We meet at my house on the 2nd Monday of the month
at 7:30 pm and go until... A typical monthly meeting will follow a format of learning a tune by ear, take a short break, then read through some predetermined music, slowly at first, and gradually increase the tempo. An open jam session of Scottish tunes can follow. Our goal is to build a common repertoire of tunes that we can share. Directions: Send an Email for directions. Contact: Blaine NiermanWeb Site: http://groups.google.com/group/raleighscotscom
Triad Scottish Fiddlers and Friends, Winston-Salem, NC - The Triad Scottish Fiddlers and Friends meet monthly at members' homes. We are located in the Winston-Salem, North Carolina area. At each meeting we try to learn a new tune by ear and sight read through some new music. After a time of gabbing and snacking, we jam on some well learned tunes. We have several collections of music we use in our meetings. We welcome anyone who is interested in playing Scottish music. We do not, however, teach you how to play an instrument. Our friends include lap and hammer dulcimers, harps, violas, guitars and whistles players. We have performed at many
events, from Art in the Park to heritage festivals. Please email one of us for the monthly schedule.Contact: Nora Garver or Debbie Morris
Virginia
The Mid-Atlantic Scottish Fiddlers club (MASF) meets monthly at “The Presbytery of the James”, 3218 Chamberlayne Ave, Richmond, VA 23227. The group is led by 10-time Scottish Fiddle champion Dr. John Turner.
Most commonly, our club meets on the last Saturday, but the date changes for holidays and other special events (i.e The Highland Games). We have frequent attendees who come from Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, NC, and Northern VA.
2015 SESSION DATES for Mid-Atlantic Scottish Fiddle Club, Presbytery of the James, Richmond, VA
JAN 31, FEB 28, MAR 21, APR 25, MAY 23, JUNE 20, JULY 11, AUG 22, SEPT 26, OCT 31, NOV 21, DEC 19.
Contact Gary Whaley garaejean@verizon.net
Tennessee
Knoxville Scottish Music Club -Typically meets the fourth Sunday of each month Meetings begin at 2:30 PM. We start off with a learning session in which we slowly go over new tunes. We usually try to learn at least one tune by ear. Sheet music is available for all the tunes. We take a break around 4:00 for refreshments and conversation, and spend the rest of the afternoon playing Scottish tunes both old and new. All instruments are welcome.Contact: David Picken, 865-805-5441 www.knoxvillescottishmusic.org
Midwest US
Michigan
Ann Arbor Scottish Fiddle Club -First Saturday. Contact: Barbara Trevethan (313)769-0710 Michigan - Grand Rapids Scottish Fiddlers and Friends -Meets irregularly. Contact: Jan Stalker (616)957-0686
Great Lakes Scottish Fiddle Club -Meet Saturdays. Ceilidh Band rehearsals Wednesdays. Dues $10 includes newsletter,music and info.Music Director: Ree Grisham
Ohio
Ohio Scottish Fiddle Session & Potluck -Sundays, 2-4 pm. First Church in Oberlin, U.C.C., corner of Rt 511 & Hwy 58.Contact: Bruce Erwin (216)774-2762
Scioto Scottish Fiddle Club -Meets the first Sunday of the month during the academic year.The meeting starts by reviewing previously learned tunes then by learning a new tune by ear. Snacks with conversation happen at the break and before the jam session. Music is provided. The goal is to build a common repertoire of tunes that can be played together by the group. Emphasis in on learning the tunes in the Scottish style and arranging for group performance. All instruments are welcome. Music Director: Melinda Crawford Contact: Sandra Utrata
Wisconsin - The Caledonian Scottish Fiddle Club of Chili -More info to come.Contact: Deb Johnson Southern
Southern US
Louisiana
The New Orleans Strathspey and Reel Society -The Gulf South’s only Scottish Fiddle Orchestra - Serving (mostly) Southeast Louisiana and Mississippi Meets weekly in Metairie, LA on Thursdays at 7:00 pm Contact: Jim Gunter, 504-915-3325
Tennessee
Knoxville Scottish Music Club -Typically meets the fourth Sunday of each month. Meetings begin at 2:30 PM. We start off with a learning session in which we slowly go over new tunes. We usually try to learn at least one tune by ear. Sheet music is availablefor all the tunes. We take a break around 4:00 for refreshments and conversation, and spend the rest of the afternoon playing Scottish tunes both old and new. All instruments are welcome.Contact: David Picken, 865-805-5441 www.knoxvillescottishmusic.org
Texas
SMUSH (a Scottish fiddle/music club - Denton, Texas - Monthly sessions usually on the 3rd Sunday at 2:30PM pm. Other appropriate instruments for a Scottish music session are also invited. Fun, friendly and free session. Please check the website for addition details:
http://dentoncelticdancers.org/SMUSH.html
California
Peninsula Scottish Fiddlers - Regular meetings and performances in San Francisco Area and south. Founded by Colin Gordon (1934-2005) Directed by Shauna Pickett-Gordon. Call or email first, please: Shauna Pickett-Gordon. Phone: (650) 728-0862 www.thefiddlers.com
Under the musical direction of Alasdair Fraser, the San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers formed out of Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School in 1989 and now meet monthly for jamming, workshops and merrymaking. Highlights of the SFSF calendar include our Spring Concerts and Winter Weekend retreat. The club's monthly newsletter is packed with information on local concerts, gig opportunities and club news. Come join us!
Editor: Cynthia Cowgill, newsletter@sfscottishfiddlers.org
Membership: Erin Seaton, membership@sfscottishfiddlers.org
San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers: Under the musical direction of Alasdair Fraser, the San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers formed out of Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School in 1989 and now meet monthly for jamming, workshops and merrymaking. Highlights of the SFSF calendar include our Spring Concerts and Winter Weekend retreat. The club's monthly newsletter is packed with information on local concerts, gig opportunities and club news. Come join us!
Editor: Cynthia Cowgill, newsletter@sfscottishfiddlers.org
Membership: Erin Seaton, membership@sfscottishfiddlers.org
The Scottish Fiddlers of Los Angeles meets monthly in Pasadena at the home of our Director, Jan Tappan. We have one or two concerts in the spring and play at various Highland games and other venues throughout the year. We generally have about 30 members and welcome fiddlers of all levels as well as guitars, cellos, accordions, harps, etc. Dues are $25 per year, due in October. Contact scottishfiddlers@gmail.com. Website: www.scottishfiddlers.org.
Colorado
Caber Feidh Scottish Music Society - Meets third Sunday at 1:30pm. Some 8-10 people, all instruments, have been attending.
Donation $2 per session. Pam Nation, Director
NEW! Scottish Fiddle Club of Colorado - http://www.scotsfiddle.org/ kenmcintosh@idcomm.com, holds workshops, presents concerts and hosts an annual competition for kids.
Oregon
The Bend Scottish Fiddlers, Bend, OR -
We meet for jams and rehearsals Mondays at 7 pm at Marshall High School and Thursdays at 2 at a private home . We have enjoyed workshops with Alasdair Fraser, and have jammed with the San Francisco Scottish Orchestra. We have played at the Tower Theatre, the High Desert Celtic Festival, and for the High Desert Celtic Society and Sons of Norway, and for various events and venues through out the year. We welcome anyone interested in learning tunes in the true Scottish tradition,. Contact Person: Rhonda Huff
Scottish Fiddle Club of Oregon, Portland, OR
The Scottish Fiddle Club in Portland, OR meets the third Sunday of the month from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at members' homes. We play at the Portland Highland Games mid-July, The Grotto around Christmas, at St. Aidan's Celtic Festival the end of August, and Robert Burns Night in January. We have had zoom workshops with Scots fiddlers from Scotland and in person pre-Covid, usually in the Spring. Membership is $15/year. Contact: Leslie Hirsch, lajhirsch@gmail.com
Washington -
Northwest Scottish Fiddlers meet monthly in members' home throughout the greater Seattle area. Check the website calendar for details and exact dates. Meetings generally are on the second Sunday of the month, throughout the school year. Calum MacKinnon serves as the music director, and teaches fiddles, guitars, cellos and basses Scottish tunes and melodies by ear. The club also performs regularly throughout the greater Seattle area. Website:http://www.nwscottishfiddlers.org
Washington Scottish Session Music Pacific Northwest, Mount Vernon, WA. Meets 3-6 on Sunday afternoons. Usually meets the 2nd Sunday at the Skagit River Brewery in Mount Vernon. Check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scottish-Session-Music-Pacific-NW/118428268169282 or contact skye@sos.net.
Virginia
The Williamsburg Strathspey and Reel Society.
Director: David Gardner
Facebook Page: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1962903873950943&ref=content_filter
About:
Promoting the musical culture of Scotland for local musicians and interested individuals through Scottish fiddle music in a low stress and fun environment. We meet typically twice a month on Saturdays from 4-6 PM in the Bruton Parish Choir Room in the Vestry Building. (201 W Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA 23185)
Currently David Gardner hosts a weekly live Facebook session at 4PM ET every Saturday.
Contact: gardnerfiddle@gmail.com
Canada
Glengarry Strathspey and Reel Society - Contact: Donaldson MacLeod RR #1, Box 50 Dunvegan, Ontario
Canada K0C 1J0(613)525-3597
Newfoundland Association of Scottish Fiddlers - Organizes concerts and workshops twice a year, Cape Breton style; weekly radio show.
Contact: Gordon Bennett
P.O.Box 37
Cartyville, Newfoundland
Canada A0N 1G0(709)645-2403
Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra -
Meets 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 8-10 pm, year round at Highlands United Church,
3255 Edgemont boulevard, North Vancouver, B.C. Canada. RSCDS dances, concerts, ceilidhs, social events.
Lifetime dues: $100. covers rehearsal fees, music book, etc.
Janet Wright, Music Director. www.vancouverfiddleorchestra.ca/
Info: Lois Meyers-Carter: (604) 947-2440
Scotland
Aberdeen Strathspey & Reel Society-Contact: Karen Gill - 01224 826341
Angus Strathspey & Reel Society, Contact: Sandy Ingram - 01307 840223
Ayr & Prestwick Strathspey & Reel Society -Contact: Mrs. Elsie Smith - 01292 316284
Banchory Strathspey & Reel Society -Contact: A.M. Smith - 0133 9882107
Bearsden Fiddlers Contact: Gillian Milroy - 0141 762 1045Border
Strathspey & Reel Society-Contact: Dougie Anderson - 01450 370356www.bordersrs.com
Caledonian Fiddle Orchestra (Glasgow)Contact: Julie DicksonClyde
Coast Strathspey & Reel Society Contact: Elizabeth Robertson - 01475 675681
Cowal Fiddle Workshop -Contact: Ruth McManus - 01369 702612
Cults Strathspey and Reel Society - Contact: Leslie Skene - 01224 585359
Cunningham Young Fiddlers Contact: Mrs. Jill Taylor - 01294559791
Dundee Strathspey & Reel Society - Contact: Morag Sutherland on +44 7411991956
or Mhairi Douglas on +44 1241870479
Strathspey & Reel Society - Contact: Elizabeth Smith - 01383 821802
Dunkeld and District Strathspey & Reel Society - Contact: Marion Chalmers - 01250 883 498
East Lothian Strathspey & Reel Society - Contact: May Guy - 01875 870282
Edinburgh Highland RSS - Contact: Nicola Foy - 0131 343 1923(more coming soon)
NEW ZEALAND
Auckland:
The Auckland Scottish Fiddle Club meets at 7.30pm on the 2nd Friday of every month except January. Come to St Luke's Church, Remuera Rd, Remuera, Auckland. We start with a slow session, learn a new tune together and then have a faster session after supper. All welcome. Contact Anne-Marie Forsyth learnScotsfiddle@gmail.com
The Scottish Celtic Music Club meets at 7.30pm on the 3rd Friday of every month except January and December. Come to St Luke's Church, Remuera Rd, Remuera, Auckland. The club has put together several books of listening music and dance sets to play together. All welcome. Contact John Hawthorn at john.hawthorn@xtra.co.nz
The Hillsborough Ceilidh Club meets on the last Friday of every month (whether there are 4 or 5 Fridays) except December. Totally family-friendly and fun; all welcome to come and play, dance or even call. We meet at St David in the Fields, Hillsborough Rd, Hillsborough, Auckland. Contact Heather Laird heatherl@xtra.co.nz
Wellington:
The Ceol Alba Scottish Music Club is dedicated to the playing of Scottish music. The group usually meets each month on the fourth Friday, from 7:30in the evening, at Chilton St James School, Lower Hutt. Contact Lynne Scott lynne@scott.gen.nz
Dunedin:
Whatever your level, if you've learnt to play the violin or cello, you can be part of the BIG sound of a Fiddle Club. Whether you can read music (all music is provided) or play by ear, you can learn the jigs, reels, strathspeys and marches and enjoy the massed fiddle experience - there's nothing else like it! Wednesdays, 7:30 - 8:30pm, North East Valley Community Buildings (next to NEV Normal School), Dunedin. Contact Anna Bowen -anna.bowen1@gmail.com - (03) 473-0216