Porchak began playing the fiddle at 9-years-old and developed a passion for bluegrass and competition quickly. Her thesis topic is the music of the Louvin Brothers, Charlie and Ira, from the Sand Mountain region of northern Alabama. 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. She had been playing fiddle since age nine, after her parents took her to a concert by Canadian fiddler Natalie McMaster. She applied successfully for a Public Performance Scholarship and enrolled. 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. Takes the music extremely traditional Bluegrass . 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. Basically, my goals are to be a blessing to others, to get as good as I possibly placing seventh.. Some have built on those projects by adding more songs and putting out records., According to Blue Highways Tim Stafford, This program is helping ETSU take the worldwide lead in educational leadership in the field of contemporary music studies.. Warren (Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m., Culp Auditorium, www.etsu.edu/martin). Aynsley is also an experienced contest fiddler. 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. In the 1960s, with the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band, Colleen Trenwith helped introduce bluegrass to New Zealand. porchak@mail.etsu.edu; Majors & Minors Cost Estimate Request Info Visit Apply Give. His great uncle, Larry Boner, was a guitar-strumming preacher. 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. 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. The thesis is a lyrical analysis of Louvin Brothers songs and how the brothers bridged the gap between the sacred and the secular, Porchak says. Aynsley Porchak is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Nina Hensley. Aynsley Porchak wins Canadian Grand Masters. She also received the 2018 IBMA Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year award. Shortly after winning, she learned that she was the first person ever to win both Canadian and American Grand Masters fiddle championships. that as the 2015 winner, she will be a judge for the 2016 competition and perform Despite busy weekends touring to places like Branson, Missouri; Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; and Nashvilles famed Station Inn, Porchaks academic work continues. 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. Were still together almost a year and a half later. Sign up today to receive A! "We met for the first time when I auditioned for Carolina Blue in December two years ago. Porchak had found the program she was longing for and enrolled at ETSU in the fall of 2013. 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 Porchak(Photograph contributed / ETSU). 2022, Lincoln Mash (guitar) and Tyler Griffith (bass) joined the band. I grew up hearing loud preaching and attending homecomings and Saturday night singings, Boner says. They made their SOIMF debut in 2018 and we are thrilled to have this award-winning band return to the Roberts Centre this spring. Two years later, she won the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Championship. I loved 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. However, by February, James was starting to have a crush on me but I was completely oblivious. In 2015, she won the Grand Master Fiddler Championship in Nashville, Tennessee, and performed on the Grand Old Opry stage. 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. He continued Its power seems inescapable. In case you haven't noticed, we're in love around here. the ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band at the Outer Banks Bluegrass Island Festival in North Aynsley spends her time off the road as a private fiddle instructor, session musician, and author. But that wasn't all. . I took it on as a technical exercise.. appreciate the care that ETSU has put into its music programs. Music program at East Tennessee State University. My jaw dropped, because Id already In case you haven't noticed, we're in love around here. Courses in Celtic music at ETSU are taught by Jane MacMorran, a former U.S. National Scottish Fiddling Champion. Woodstock, Ontario, native Aynsley Porchak is a perfect example of this very heart and soul. The future holds many possibilities for Aynsley. But I was set at ease immediately, and I love the campus ), doctor of nursing practice (DNP) and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees on successful . Through Bill Monroe, Seeger arranged to have the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band play on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville in 1971. When Carolina Blue co-founder Bobby Powell left the group, he took the name Carolina 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. Aynsleys parents to talk to Buddy and then realized he hadnt introduced himself. Nearby a bass fiddle vibrates the floor. Her love of classic cars (she 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. Logout. I love the diversity [of ETSU], we have so many awesome teachers here, its a blessing, said Porchak. They select their own material, arrange it, and record it. She also played in 2016 on the Grand Ole Opry. Sister, father, mother. He was a huge influence on us, says Trenwith. This full-time position will be appointed on the basis of outstanding professional attainments, creative accomplishments, and recognition in the bluegrass entertainment field. Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music 304 Brooks Memorial Hall | PO Box 70435 Johnson City, TN 37614 (Get Directions) Phone: 423-439-7072; Department of Appalachian Studies. 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. She was also given the honor of playing the Grand . And from an impromptu jam session comes the high harmony of twin fiddles. Let me start off by saying that the differences in driving from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Euclid, Ohio are almost polar opposites. Receive updates about CBA events and news. competing in the youth division of the Grand Master Championship. Aynsley Porchak (2018) (of Carolina Blue) - Instrumentalist of the Year. In fact, the fiddle player did not even intend to compete in the 2017 Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Championship due to time constraints. She was introduced to bluegrass through the music of Kenny Baker and Bobby Hicks, and quickly fell in love with the music. and the area. She graduated in 2017 with an additional bachelors degree in English, and completed her masters degree in Appalachian Studies in 2020. During that competition, we were fortunate to have lunch with session musician Buddy Spicher at a tiny little seafood place in Nashville, Porchak remembers. Dan Eubanks, bassist with Special Consensus, and Aynsley Porchak. Practice, play, and perform at the Father's Day Festival. 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! 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 . they took such an interest in this style of music as to start a degree program for She also received the 2018 IBMA Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year award. While touring, I write in the RV, she tells me. I don't think there's anything wrong with pullin pop into the genre with covers like this. ETSU graduate student Aynsley Porchak is quickly making a name for herself in music circles, recently becoming the first person ever to win both American and Canadian Grand Masters fiddle Find a band near you or share your band info with the world! 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. it was probably the fiddle which attracted her to the music. Her technical prowess is second to none. 24 / 7 Professional Support Studies. seafood place and this man came up to our table, saying, Excuse me, I hope you ), doctor of public health (Dr.P.H. Ursula K. Le Guin. 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. Morehead State University in Kentucky offers a traditional music program, directed by Raymond McLain, formerly with ETSU. Id been looking for. He writes, Ill forever be grateful to the Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music Studies program. Her friends joke that she pays rent at the library. Bluegrass, Old Time and Country Music Studies program, Jake Workman releases 20 Flatpick Standards, Vol. it.. So, I just won the Grand Master Fiddle contest, she said. He introduced himself as Dan Boner, Director of the Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music Studies Program at East Tennessee State University.. All rights reserved. It was the last violin he would ever make. 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. When the students are done with their degrees, they get to have in their hands a product they can use for promotion, Boner says. In 2018, Aynsley joined the . ! It was on Facebook before I even knew it. 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. 2023 Arts Alliance Mountain Empire. 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. Below is an exclusive East Tennessean interview with Porchak, in which she describes her time at ETSU and journey as a musician. She was introduced to bluegrass through the music of Kenny Baker and Bobby Hicks, and quickly fell in love with the music. He could play all the instruments and showed me a lot on the fiddle, such as rhythmic bowing styles.. Near her home in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada, there was a classical program and a jazz program but no bluegrass. The band has created a partnership, friendship, and family with the other band members; Reese Combs (bass), James McDowell (banjo), and Aynsley Porchak (fiddle). In 2012, after years of lessons, Porchak traveled with her family to Nashville to participate in the Grand Masters Fiddle Championship. My number one goal is to teach music, especially higher education, said Porchak. She graduated in 2017 with an additional bachelors degree in English, and completed her masters degree in Appalachian Studies in 2020. In fact, it is the achievements of musicians like Aynsley Porchak that can promote a spark with aspiring musicians. She is a The group formed as a spin-off of the band Carolina Blue. She was introduced to bluegrass in her early teens, and quickly fell in love with the music. 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. Your donations to the Monroe Mandolin Camp are appreciated and will go to help teach students now and in the future. jazz program, and (there were) lots of classical programs, but nothing like bluegrass level. He is proud to see his cousins, Carl and J.P. Sauceman and their Green Valley Boys, pictured on the mural in Brooks Gym. East Tennessee State University conferred over 2,100 degrees and certificates during a Virtual Commencement Ceremony held May 9. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), East Tennessean 2023 Readers Choice Awards, ETSU alumna receives Presidents Lifetime Achievement Award, Next on the queue: Netflixs Murdaugh Murders, Traveling exhibit visits Culp Center as part of Black History Month, Bluegrass features musical talent in showcase performance, Chanticleer vocal group performs at Martin Center, Pantsuit Politics co-hosts part of Festival of Ideas, Free pop-up shop continues to grow on campus, Access ETSU partners with regional music group for event, Baseball shuts out App State in 5-0 home win, HASCA President on what it means to be a leader. 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. Old Time and Country Music Studies in ETSUs Department of Appalachian Studies. 24 / 7 Technical Support . Funeral . 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. This is an historic first, making her, We've just received the results from the 2015 Grand Masters Fiddler Championship, held September 26-27 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville. Thank you. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents. 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. 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. She is a connoisseur of tea. He'd been a fool, but he'd had to forgive himself for worse. They are here to take part in an academic program like no other: Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music Studies. Fiddle contests are a really big deal in Ontario, so I began to compete on the circuit. She tours with Carolina Blue, a vintage-inspired traditional bluegrass band and is part of a three-piece Celtic ensemble called Atlantic North. About the author: Fred Sauceman has worked at ETSU since 1985. 2021, the Meadors left the group to start a family. Not only would I like to teach that someday, I would love to be able to use my English When she isnt on the road, she teaches privately and in the Junior Appalachian Musician program on the ETSU campus. International Bluegrass Music Association 4206 Gallatin Pk Nashville, TN 37216 USA Map it Phone 615-256-3222 | Toll Free 1-888-438-4262 . 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. ~ Carry On is a free, 30-minute YouTube Live program that explores traditional music and the people who make it presented by the Northeast Ohio Musical Heritage Assn. She plays in the ETSU Spicher, and they took him to lunch. Porchak has been playing the fiddle since she was 9 years old. Along the way, a minor was added in 2005. in my area. At the end of every semester, ETSU bands perform at a Johnson City institution, The Down Home, which opened in 1976. While playing local bars and restaurants like the Chuckey Trading Company, Chesney earned his Mass Communications degree from ETSU in 1990. But when severe weather led to the festivals but she hesitated because the festival was only two days away, and she had not practiced. After visiting the campus, Aynsley enrolled at ETSU in the fall of 2013, and she still After this amazing achievement, Porchak plans to focus on earning her graduate degree. Aynsley Porchak. I've never been more excited about . 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 . 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. Click here if youre interested in buying an ad. Her love of classic cars (she collected die-cast cars as a youngster) led to her hobby of photography. Aynsley is also an experienced contest fiddler. Im still in shock, said Porchak, I could have never dreamed I could have been the first [to win both awards].. Aynsley is working on a graduate degree in Appalachian Studies at ETSU. of the fiddle players who influenced Aynsley the most as a young musician. loves it. L-R: Jack Tottle, Raymond McLain, and Dan Boner. In 2008, ETSU opened its own recording laboratory. There have been as many as 42, says program director Dan Boner, himself an accomplished guitarist and fiddle player.
