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Photograph by Chad Pilster
Fiddlesticks: Art Deems, on the junk fiddle, plays bluegrass with Jake and the Bluegrass Band. Deems can play the fiddle behind his head, upside down, on his back and in a few other unusual positions.
Fiddlers on the Roof
Monthly fiddlers' jam has welcomed both new and old for more than 20 years
By Michele Leung
Accuse Fritz Buell of fiddling around, and he'd be downright pleased. It would be a testament to his tenacity in picking up a new instrument eight years ago and sticking with it. "When I retired from construction, I wanted a hobby," he says. "I went to the library and saw a video called Texas Fiddling Made Easy."
It was a long road, but Buell's enthusiasm eventually led him to the company of other fiddlers at the Santa Clara Valley Fiddlers Association, of which he is now president. "I got so carried away," he says.
The association's goal is to preserve old-time fiddling music, like bluegrass, Texas swing, gospel and "old-timey"--a form of traditional country music from the South. The group has 240 members, ranging from novices to experienced, competition winners.
Many retired senior citizens and professionals, such as scientists and doctors, hold memberships, but the group hopes that scholarships will also attract young people. Classical violinists round out the SCVFA's profile.
Despite the group's name, the fiddle does not have an exclusive hold on members. Other instruments include the banjo, mandolin, guitar, bass, tin whistle, harmonica and even the saw. In short, anything acoustic, nothing electric, and--sorry--no percussion.
One way the members celebrate their music is to get together for informal jam sessions held at local restaurants and churches. About a dozen musicians meet weekly at Willow Glen's St. Francis Episcopal Church on Pine Street. Ken Jones, a card-carrying SCVFA member for the past 10 years, plays guitar at the church every Monday night. "We support the fiddlers," Jones says. "They need us as backup."
But the biggest jam is once a month at John Muir Middle School. For an entire afternoon, musicians of all ages convene to perform. Non-musicians are also welcome to listen and soak in the sounds. And dancers are always welcome.
"We like to have company," Jones says. "Sometimes people want to come and dance, and hey, we like that."
Evelyn McCuistion, the jamboree MC, is in charge of the action on stage. She likes the soothing nature of the music best. "I don't care how depressed you are. Music is such a healer," she says.
Away from the stage, the music goes on. Fiddlers congregate in small circles, and the jamming begins. Anyone is free to jump in or stand back and listen to the different genres.
"Every music has its habits," says Dave Barton. In bluegrass, musicians play the tune once or twice in solo fashion, whereas in old-timey, everyone plays at once. The more accomplished musicians often elect to play bluegrass, but old-timey has room for beginners.
"It's pretty egalitarian," says Paul Clarke of old-timey. "You can make interesting music without being a virtuoso."
Astute observers at the jams may see a subtle difference between fiddlers and classical players. While classical violinists must read music, many fiddlers learn by imitation. "They can't read the dots," Barton says. Although many classical violinists tend to look down on those who can't read, Barton says they shouldn't: ironically, those who don't read music learn the tunes faster.
Aside from these monthly meetings, members hold special performances at schools and convalescent homes. Later this month, the SCVFA will make an appearance at Woodland for a weekend of music. "We take over the whole shopping center," says Buell. "There will be players from all over Northern California."
Another big event is the National Old-Time Fiddler's Contest, held annually in Weiser, Idaho. Fiddlers from all over the country meet in the "little one-horse town" and claim the high school as their own. Buell says he often sees the same people at recurring fiddling events. "They travel in their motor homes. They're like gypsies."
Members pride themselves on their dedication to the association. In his seven-year tenure as president, Buell says he's only missed two meetings. McCuistion, who has been MC for 19 years, was absent from the stage just four times. The jams have been a regular fixture at John Muir for more than two decades. Month in, month out, rain or shine, the fiddlers will come.
For club members, the group has been a venue to share their passion. The SCVFA jams are a breeding ground for bands that spring up. Group members who play informally with each other become serious about holding regular rehearsals.
Teaching is also a built-in function. Buell, who got his start from a videotape, knows about getting a little help from his friends. "If you really want to learn, you bump shoulders with somebody, and he'll tell you what you need to know."
Those interested in attending SCVFA jam sessions should come to John Muir school on the first Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. For more information, visit www.scvfa.org, write to P.O. Box 110636, Campbell, 95011, or call Fritz Buell at 408.378.8873.
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Willow Glen, California Since 1992
