If you’d love to play with us, we’d love to play with you! Check back in November to sign up for the Winter season.
How It Works
Fall and Spring seasons
The Fiddle Orchestra has three formal seasons each year. The Spring and Fall seasons, each typically with 50–60 members, have 10 weeks of rehearsals, culminating in a concert. For each of those seasons, Annika is joined by a musical co-director. The co-director varies from season to season, with each season’s repertoire highlighting the particular co-director’s interests. Between those two seasons is the winter season, a mellower time when Annika teaches lots of new material and we can lean into new musical ideas without the pressure of performing.
Summer months
In the summer months Fiddle Orchestra members host a session at the barn at Historic Northampton. This is open to all, and is a time when we play tunes for the sheer fun of sharing the music with like-minded musicians (and yes, this could be you, even if you don’t think of yourself as a “musician” as such). Although there is a registration fee for the other seasons, the summer is a free-to-all drop-in. Fiddle Orchestra members act as the host, but everyone is welcome.
Nonprofit
Legally, the Fiddle Orchestra of Western Massachusetts is a 501(c)(3) entity operating under the aegis of CDSS, the Country Dance & Song Society. A five-member Board of Directors provides oversight and direction.
Testimonials
“Fiddle orchestra is the highlight of my week. As an adult learner, I take comfort in my fumbles getting lost in a sea of fiddles, and relish playing with this amazing community of musicians who have helped propel my playing forward.” —Ashley
“Annika is such an accomplished musician and music teacher, and her enthusiasm is boundless. She makes leading a very large ensemble comprised of all kinds of instruments look effortless, and she finds ways to connect with everyone in the group. She invites local musicians to help co-direct each season, which is a great way to bring in new tunes and styles, and it all comes together miraculously in a culminating public concert.” —Doug
“Besides being a fun and upbeat experience, I really like the opportunity to slowly but surely work on improving my playing. … I can start a season being able to play only one note or chord per measure and then add to it as the weeks go on.” —Ben
“[Fiddle Orchestra is] a learning environment that is inclusive of all skill levels. The music is interesting and I appreciate that it crosses so many genres. It’s also fun to be a part of arranging the music and creating a performance that brings all our learning together in the end. It’s very satisfying!” —Aimee
“Annika teaches so many tricks and strategies for learning and playing by ear. It was something I didn’t think I could do, but am now proudly working on.” —Alyson
“Playing with others is a lot more fun than playing in the woodshed by myself.” —Abe
“…an incredible community of individuals who support, challenge, and inspire one another every single week under the musical leadership of Annika Amstutz, whose holistic and musically driven, energetic leadership style is one that focuses on providing a safe and enjoyable nurturing environment in which the student learns at their own pace, choosing to play music either by ear or by notation or both. Whether you are a seasoned performer or someone returning to your music after a long break, there is a place for your unique voice and talent here. … We build lasting friendships, share laughs, and create beautiful experiences together.” —Pierre