Karen Reed

This time of year has traditionally been the time for the Orangeville Fall Fiddle Workshop. Our spring workshop was postponed and was finally "forwarded" to the fall with modifications. Grateful to the participants who stayed the course and joined this past weekend. Part two is scheduled for the upcoming weekend and, as one participant described it, " this is the first time I have felt normal in about 8 months". All safety protocols are followed. Looking forward to this coming weekend.

Update from the Karen Reed Fiddle Orchestra!! " After a long silence, it is time to update everyone. The orchestra members have been amazing! They persevered through the past 7 months rehearsing on Zoom where no one could hear anyone else except Karen's playing. Last night we finally had our first in person rehearsal which included an online option for those not able to attend. I am so proud of the dedication and resiliency of these fiddlers! The Christmas concert is on the horizon! Stay tuned."

Happy World Fiddle Day and Canada's National Fiddle Day everyone!! Normally I run a fiddle jam in Waterloo to celebrate World Fiddle Day but this was the best we could do :) Zoom jamming :) :) :) I am so appreciative of those who joined in on the marathon of tunes ;) Fun times!

As we go through this pandemic, many things have changed. I have lost my gigs, as all musicians have, and I have lost some of my student base. However, I am grateful to those who have been able to stay on through online lessons and show their support in various ways. The orchestra continues to move forward, my pets and myself are doing OK. Thank you for your support! These are hard times - stay strong and stay tuned. Prayers for all!!!

I had a great turn out at yesterday's jam at the Button Factory in Waterloo! It is exciting to have so many fiddlers come and support these jams and help promote/maintain the tradition of Canadian fiddling. I appreciate the dedication, the distance many travel, and the commitment to community that is demonstrated through participation. The next jam date is April 19th. :)