She is a Logout. Im still in shock, said Porchak, I could have never dreamed I could have been the first [to win both awards].. Most importantly, I put God above all, 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. Leicester, a Grammy Award-winning, all-star Flatt and Scruggs cover band comprised She is the daughter of Roger and Jan Porchak and is from Woodstock, Ontario, Canada. This is an historic first, making her. This e-mail with their questions early teens, and improvised solos are defining., grandchildren and one Great Grandchild - Quora /a > Aynsley Porchak aynsley porchak married playing fiddle the! L-R: Jack Tottle, Raymond McLain, and Dan Boner. It just so happened that time fell in Porchaks favor, and she was able to compete and also win. with internationally known, award-winning musicians like Ricky Skaggs and Sam Bush, 24 / 7 Technical Support . Porchak began playing the fiddle at 9-years-old and developed a passion for bluegrass and competition quickly. Im so excited and honored to be a part of a program I have admired so much since I became aware of it, and the brilliant graduates that have come through it, to join the ranks of successful professionals in the roots music world, not to mention the world class faculty. rolled the radio dial and hit a certain country station, Aynsley would say, Stop, The Future of the Past. There have been as many as 42, says program director Dan Boner, himself an accomplished guitarist and fiddle player. Near her home in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada, there was a classical program and a jazz program but no bluegrass. . When she isnt on the road, she teaches privately and in the Junior Appalachian Musician program on the ETSU campus. Two years later, she returned to Nashville and won the U.S. Grand Masters Fiddle Championship. This eventually led to the Grand Master Championship and the Tennessee State Fiddle Playback options She accepted Paul Trenwiths invitation to join the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band as well as his marriage proposal. The Tennessee Bluegrass Band is shining a light on the importance of traditional bluegrass. 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. I was an only child and a homeschooled student, so I had my qualms about coming to 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. He earned a degree in Vocal Music Education at ETSU before the university started awarding degrees in Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music Studies. Her love of classic cars (she collected die-cast cars as a youngster) led to her hobby of photography. I wake up in the morning and write on the trip to the venue. This full-time position will be appointed on the basis of outstanding professional attainments, creative accomplishments, and recognition in the bluegrass entertainment field. Patch was also recorded as the title track of a Grammy Award-winning album by another 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. Two years later, she won the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Championship. Then between first and second sets of music, I write again. 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. Championship. Madly, crazy in love withBLUEGRASS!! She is a connoisseur of tea. But when severe weather led to the festivals ETSU student Aynsley Porchak (right) is the only person ever to win both the American and Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Championships. can with my music, just keep learning because you can always learn and just continue Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park Accepting Entries for Quilt Show, World-Folk fusion ensemble comes to Big Stone Gap, 'School of Rock' on stage in Jonesborough, Appalachian Music Project announces children's choir, 'Beauty & The Beast Jr.' is at Knoxville Children's Theatre, Southwest Virginia Museum hosts Wise JAMS, Bristol Virginia Historic Preservation Award Program Seeks Nominations, @Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace, @University of Virginia's College at Wise. Aynsley is also an experienced contest fiddler. In addition to these adjunct hires, a broad search is currently underway for the Artist in Residence in Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music Studies. Lessons, links, and essays to help you enjoy playing and practicing even more. She tours with Carolina Blue, a vintage-inspired traditional bluegrass band and is part of a three-piece Celtic ensemble called Atlantic North. This week's (and last weekend's) adventures were one for the books!! As Jack Tottle points out, Chesney was a novice guitar player when he first stepped onto the ETSU campus. They handed me the record Flatt and Scruggs at Carnegie Hall! and told me to learn every fiddle part on it, she recalls. said, My name is Dan Boner, and Im director of the Bluegrass, Old Time and Country . Aynsley Porchak (Photograph contributed / ETSU) Porchak, an Appalachian studies grad student here at ETSU, is the first person to have won both the American and Canadian Grandmaster Fiddle Championships. International Bluegrass Music Association 4206 Gallatin Pk Nashville, TN 37216 USA Map it Phone 615-256-3222 | Toll Free 1-888-438-4262 . Sign up today to receive A! She also has great success in the competitive world of fiddling. More information about bluegrass at ETSU is available online. East Tennessee State University conferred over 2,100 degrees and certificates during a Virtual Commencement Ceremony held May 9. Click here to view the 2022-23 East Tennessean production schedule. Just to even go to the Opry has been a dream ETSU wasnt the first higher education institution in America to offer a degree in bluegrass and other traditional music. 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. Happy Valentine's Day! 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. of the fiddle players who influenced Aynsley the most as a young musician. In addition to playing fiddle professionally She had been playing fiddle since age nine, after her parents took her to a concert by Canadian fiddler Natalie McMaster. Woodstock, Ontario, native Aynsley Porchak is a perfect example of this very heart and soul. to talk to Buddy and then realized he hadnt introduced himself. Click here for full pdf versions of the 2022-23 print edition. It brings a monumental sense of pride to see such accomplishments for a fellow student at ETSU. Still, though, Trenwith felt she needed more knowledge. After attending numerous contests and concerts, I started lessons at age 9, and I never looked back, she said. In 2018, Aynsley joined the . They made their SOIMF debut in 2018 and we are thrilled to have this award-winning band return to the Roberts Centre this spring. She speaks highly of the teachers and the program. 2022, Lincoln Mash (guitar) and Tyler Griffith (bass) joined the band. Her technical prowess is second to none. Aynsley spends her time off the road as a private fiddle instructor, session musician, and author. Aynsley began playing fiddle at the age of 9. I loved In 2012, after years of lessons, Porchak traveled with her family to Nashville to participate in the Grand Masters Fiddle Championship. She plays in the ETSU 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. My Profile This fund has been established to assist the Hensley family of Flag Pond, Tennessee in their husband's and father's medical bills. Soon the band was invited to perform on television. 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. All rights reserved. Submit stories for publication/editorial guidelines. I couldnt believe it when he said that, because that was exactly what Aynsley Porchak (2018) (of Carolina Blue) - Instrumentalist of the Year. Word about her musical past spread quickly on campus, and by the time she had achieved sophomore status, she was hired as an adjunct faculty member. Contact Us. Receive updates about CBA events and news. urged her to compete while she was there. Aynsley Porchak began playing fiddle at the age of 9. 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. Shortly after winning, she learned that she was the first person ever to win both Canadian and American Grand Masters fiddle championships. The group formed as a spin-off of the band Carolina Blue. Aynsley began playing fiddle at the age of 9. Aynsley Porchak In this thesis, I demonstrate how analysis through literary criticism can provide a commentary on Appalachian song. dont mind, but Mr. Spicher, Ive just got to tell you, Im such a fan of your music, placing seventh.. 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. Supporting and inspiring the next generation to play and enjoy music. So close to the university, we have this amazing place where so many influential musicians have played, says Porchak. Monroe did two 15-minute sets, and we played in one of his sets. I don't think there's anything wrong with pullin pop into the genre with covers like this. Basically, my goals are to be a blessing to others, to get as good as I possibly "We met for the first time when I auditioned for Carolina Blue in December two years ago. See Our Schedule. of mine, and the idea of playing there it hasnt sunk in yet.. The program at South Plains College, a two-year school in Levelland, Texas, is one year older, but ETSUs program is the countrys largest and most extensive. cancellation, she headed to Nashville to surprise one of her own students, who was In 2017, Porchak won the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Championship, making her the only person in history, thus far, to have captured both titles. appreciate the care that ETSU has put into its music programs. Website design and development by Camellia Digital Agency. Meet The Band. Mommy, right there! That happened repeatedly, and her parents eventually thought 3739 Balboa St. #5090San Francisco, CA 94121-2605(844) BLU-GRASS(844-258-4727), CBA EventsCalendarFeature ArchiveBluegrass Breakdown. Here he is playing with Alison Krauss and ETSU alumnus Barry Bales, then with Krauss and her band, Union Station, in 1991. 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. Below is an exclusive East Tennessean interview with Porchak, in which she describes her time at ETSU and journey as a musician. Its not unusual for students to secure jobs well before graduation. She also received the 2018 IBMA Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year award. All rights reserved. of Fiddle Patch, Aynsley is accompanied by Daniel Boner, director of Bluegrass, As a girl in Wellington, New Zealand, she would gather with her family around the piano while her father, Gordon Bain, played old songs like Its a Long Way to Tipperary. When she was eight, she started taking classical violin lessons. When it comes to English, British Victorian literature is my cup of tea, she says. Boner says the equipment, much of it obtained through grant funding, is remarkable. Several courses make use of the lab, including a capstone class that requires students to prepare a four-song demo. So did the divine right of kings. Very cool. put her in the car seat and drive around the country block playing music. From her carseat, she demanded that her mother stop dialing the radio when station BX 93 in London, Ontario, aired songs by country artists Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, and George Strait, whose sidemen played the fiddle. She was introduced to bluegrass in her early teens, and quickly fell in love with the music. When the students are done with their degrees, they get to have in their hands a product they can use for promotion, Boner says. 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. She was introduced to bluegrass through the music of Kenny Baker and Bobby Hicks, and quickly fell in love with the music. In addition to awarding bachelors, masters, and graduate certificates, ETSU bestowed doctor of education (Ed.D. Morehead State University in Kentucky offers a traditional music program, directed by Raymond McLain, formerly with ETSU. 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. It gives us a venue to showcase our students to the public. Owner Ed Snodderly, who teaches dobro and guitar at ETSU, fittingly calls it a listening room. 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. Including individual instruction courses, total headcount in the program now exceeds 200. We played a Slim Dusty song and, for an encore, a Mac Wiseman song.. When they found out that it was the fiddle that I liked, they took me to watch some of the fiddle competitions close to my home, and I fell in love with the music I heard. I get a great deal of satisfaction when I see the light go on in students eyes, when they first understand something and accomplish a tune that they didnt think they could play before.. 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. I really Thank you. 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. Bluegrass Pride and Celtic Pride bands, and has had opportunities to share the stage 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. No, it didn't hurt anymore to think about Kestrel. In 2018, Porchak won the International Bluegrass Music Associations Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year award, for up-and-coming artists. Though, from a young age, Porchak dreamed of a competing in bluegrass; she never imagined it would actually come true. The appointment is for one academic year and is renewable. 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. I feel very blessed and honored to be named a Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies adjunct faculty member. Aynsley spends her time off the road as a private fiddle instructor, session musician, and author. It taught me that I could foster the music of our region not only for employment but also to work for change and to educate a new generation about the historical and cultural significance of Appalachian music.. 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. about bluegrass. Originally a western swing tune for the steel guitar called The New Zealand had one channel in the late 1960s, Trenwith says. In 2015, she won the Grand Master Fiddler Championship in Nashville, Tennessee, and performed on the Grand Old Opry stage. We were the resident band for a program called Country Touch, based on early Grand Ole Opry television shows.. Aynsley is working on a graduate degree in Appalachian Studies at ETSU. Majors & MinorsCost EstimateRequest InfoVisitApplyGive. Your donations to the Monroe Mandolin Camp are appreciated and will go to help teach students now and in the future. Congratulations to James Mcdowell and Aynsley Porchak on getting engaged yesterday. All three are alumni of ETSUs Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies Program. This was right after the O Brother, Where Art Thou? phenomenon, and programs like ours were exploding, Boner says. Find a band near you or share your band info with the world! She was introduced to bluegrass in her early teens, and quickly fell in love with the music. huge NBA fan. TENNESSEE BLUEGRASS BAND From east Tennessee. Pittsburgh-rolling hills, winding hig For more information about ETSUs blue grass roots or interested in playing for yourself, contact the music department at 423-439-4270. 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