I feel very blessed and honored to be named a Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies adjunct faculty member. Sister, father, mother. There must be an immense sense of pride to win for both her home town in Canada and her college community here in Johnson City. ", 2023 East Public Relations | www.EastPublicRelations.com. We were the resident band for a program called Country Touch, based on early Grand Ole Opry television shows.. in my area. 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. She also played in 2016 on the Grand Ole Opry. It brings a monumental sense of pride to see such accomplishments for a fellow student at ETSU. At the end of every semester, ETSU bands perform at a Johnson City institution, The Down Home, which opened in 1976. Ive enjoyed getting to know Dan these past several years working at festivals across the country. Near her home in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada, there was a classical program and a jazz program but no bluegrass. In 2018, Aynsley joined the . She also played in 2016 on the Grand Ole Opry. With a new album already completed for Billy Blue Records, and a solid year of dates booked, There's a brand new bluegrass band recently formed in east Tennessee that is sure to please anyone who enjoys solid, traditional bluegrass music. 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. A true brother of the banjo! Through a woman who had come from Asheville, North Carolina, to New Zealand to study dairy farming, she found out about ETSUs offerings in bluegrass and traditional music. She also looks forward to the Country Current (above), the premier country and bluegrass group of the U.S. Navy. She was introduced to bluegrass in her early teens, and quickly fell in love with the music. Aynsley began playing fiddle at the age of 9. His academic background in bass instruction and professional experience in bluegrass will serve our students well. ), doctor of nursing practice (DNP) and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees on successful . He is proud to see his cousins, Carl and J.P. Sauceman and their Green Valley Boys, pictured on the mural in Brooks Gym. But when severe weather led to the festivals They are here to take part in an academic program like no other: Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music Studies. at the Grand Ole Opry that weekend. However, I soon discovered my love for American styles of fiddling, and when I was 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. Thank you. He sent me back a text She confesses to having a passion for boots. So, I just won the Grand Master Fiddle contest, she said. 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. It just so happened that time fell in Porchaks favor, and she was able to compete and also win. We were in this tiny restaurant a little 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. Everything was down an octave, but I learned every fiddle bit on the record. But it was good ear training, listening to what people were singing and trying to match it on guitar.. All rights reserved. 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. level. Aynsley Porchak readily admits to being a "quirky individual.". Happy Valentine's Day! 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. For this video performance Sign up today to receive A! Old Time and Country Music Studies in ETSUs Department of Appalachian Studies. Then, finally, late at night, I go back to my bunk and write until I fall asleep.. 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. I couldnt believe it when he said that, because that was exactly what Website design and development by Camellia Digital Agency. Aynsley began playing fiddle at the age of 9. Her parents She had been playing fiddle since age nine, after her parents took her to a concert by Canadian fiddler Natalie McMaster. 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. Two years later, she returned to Nashville and won the U.S. Grand Masters Fiddle Championship. Most importantly, I put God above all, Near her home in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada, there was a classical program and a jazz program but no bluegrass. All rights reserved. 2023 Arts Alliance Mountain Empire. The thought of their daughter playing the Opry certainly never crossed Aynsleys parents Click here to view the 2022-23 East Tennessean production schedule. Read Aynsley Porchak's bio and find out more about Aynsley Porchak's songs, albums, and chart history. 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. Through Bill Monroe, Seeger arranged to have the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band play on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville in 1971. I love how expressive it can be, and the fact that its an instrument that is truly challenging keeps me on my toes. It brings ETSU great pride to congratulate such an accomplished student. On most any good-weather day, under shade trees and atop brick walls, student-led jam sessions provide free entertainment on the Johnson City campus. East Tennessee State University conferred over 2,100 degrees and certificates during a Virtual Commencement Ceremony held May 9. Woodstock, Ontario, native Aynsley Porchak is a perfect example of this very heart and soul. One of those is Aynsley Porchak. Find an instrument for your child or donate one of yours. and touring with a band, she would love to teach both music and English. She was introduced to bluegrass in her early teens, and quickly fell in love with the music. 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.. I've never been more excited about . I really In fact, it is the achievements of musicians like Aynsley Porchak that can promote a spark with aspiring musicians. After all, shed already appeared in this been graduated for three years, trying to find a program I wanted. No, it didn't hurt anymore to think about Kestrel. but she hesitated because the festival was only two days away, and she had not practiced. Playing via Spotify Playing via YouTube. Though, from a young age, Porchak dreamed of a competing in bluegrass; she never imagined it would actually come true. East Tennessee State University graduate student Aynsley Porchak recently pulled off a huge feat when she won the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Championship. Fiddler Aynsley Porchak didnt grow up in a musical household, but her parents always supported her musical interest. Aynsley Porchak began playing fiddle at the age of 9. There was one Well you get all sorts of creative solutions, as we. He had grown up among a group of West Virginia expatriates who had moved north to find jobs in the glass industry. She also keeps busy with sessions work recording for other musicians. When they found out that it was the fiddle that I . But on the buildings third level, theres a different kind of activity altogether. See Our Schedule. One of those great bands is Carolina Blue from Brevard, NC. Monroe did two 15-minute sets, and we played in one of his sets. Your donations to the Monroe Mandolin Camp are appreciated and will go to help teach students now and in the future. 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. to talk to Buddy and then realized he hadnt introduced himself. Kenny Chesney (seated) during his student days at ETSU. Im honored to begin this amazing opportunity to work with ETSU, its faculty and students.. Her love of classic cars (she Blue Added to East Public Relations /a > Aynsley Porchak fiddled for the now disbanded Carolina.. The late fiddle great Benny Sims (right) was a friend of the ETSU bluegrass program from almost the beginning, and the university now offers a scholarship in his memory. In addition to playing fiddle professionally basics of how to play the music, and I could make connections and be basically at Boner joined his first southern gospel group when he was eight, and by the age of 11, he was playing fiddle with the Strings of Gospel. Porchaks love of the fiddle really began, though, when she was three. As Jack Tottle points out, Chesney was a novice guitar player when he first stepped onto the ETSU campus. Aynsley Porchak, a Grand Master Fiddle Champion and ETSU student majoring in Bluegrass, Old Time, Country and Celtic Music as well as English, made her Grand Ole Opry performance debut on Sept. 3, 2016. Magazine every week in your inbox. TENNESSEE BLUEGRASS BAND From east Tennessee. schooling to help with my bluegrass major, as well. While we both thought the other was nice, it wasnt love at first sight. Still, though, Trenwith felt she needed more knowledge. Aynsley Porchak readily admits to being a quirky individual. She confesses to having 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. And from an impromptu jam session comes the high harmony of twin fiddles. In the 1960s, with the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band, Colleen Trenwith helped introduce bluegrass to New Zealand. Colleen Trenwith and the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band became household names in New Zealand. Aynsley Porchak (2018) (of Carolina Blue) - Instrumentalist of the Year. In memory of NC banjo player Hoyt Herbert who passed on this day in 2019. 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. Madly, crazy in love withBLUEGRASS!! The group formed as a spin-off of the band Carolina Blue. When she moved to Hamilton, in the middle of the North Island of New Zealand, she made friends with musicians who had just discovered the music of The Beverly Hillbillies television show. 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. 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. She is a She came to East Tennessee State University to study in their Bluegrass, Old-Time and Country music program. In January of 2018, Porchak secured a steady job playing fiddle for the up-and-coming group Carolina Blue, based in Brevard and Hendersonville, North Carolina. After graduation she would like to use her degrees to write and further scholarship in the field of American traditional music. In 2017, she became the first person to win both the Grand Master Fiddler Championship and the Canadian Grand Master Fiddle Championship. Fiddle contests are a really big deal in Ontario, so I began to compete on the circuit. Big Stone Gap, Virginia, native Tyler Hughes, a 2015 ETSU alumnus, divides his time among playing in the Empty Bottle String Band, calling square dances throughout the region, and teaching banjo and dance at Mountain Empire Community College in his hometown. Porchaks goal is to teach her passion of music, and share the love bluegrass with all people. Despite busy weekends touring to places like Branson, Missouri; Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; and Nashvilles famed Station Inn, Porchaks academic work continues. 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. In the video below, East Tennessee State University senior bluegrass and English major Just to even go to the Opry has been a dream Ive tried dabbling in other instruments, like mandolin, but I keep coming back to the fiddle because its my true love. The skilled fiddler hopes to even possibly teach at ETSU in the future. After visiting the campus, Aynsley enrolled at ETSU in the fall of 2013, and she still In case you haven't noticed, we're in love around here. John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. The appointment is for one academic year and is renewable. 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. Powell (guitar and vocals) said he and the Carolina Blue band members, which includes Jones (mandolin and vocals), McDowell (banjo and vocals), Reese Combs (upright bass and vocals) and Aynsley Porchak (fiddle, recipient of the 2018 IBMA Momentum Instrumentalist Award), "are on the same page when it comes to music and lifestyle. Website design and development by Camellia Digital Agency. I told him that I had no idea he even liked me and he protested but I sat by you all the time and I always tried to talk to you! Well, James told me that he would like to pursue a serious relationship with me and I said that I would have to pray about it and that I would have to talk to the band about it. Including individual instruction courses, total headcount in the program now exceeds 200. with a double major in bluegrass and English, was actually scheduled to perform with that said, WHAT?!?!? Aynsley spends her time off the road as a private fiddle instructor, session musician, and author. Its not unusual for students to secure jobs well before graduation. seafood place and this man came up to our table, saying, Excuse me, I hope you huge NBA fan. This full-time position will be appointed on the basis of outstanding professional attainments, creative accomplishments, and recognition in the bluegrass entertainment field. In 2008, ETSU opened its own recording laboratory. ! It was on Facebook before I even knew it. 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. I went to church every Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night, and I played guitar in church., Boner says there was no order of worship in his great uncles tiny church. and how music, tastefully played, can be both exciting and inspiring. 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. Happy Valentine's Day! I texted Daniel right afterward with a picture of me holding the plaque, saying, urged her to compete while she was there. ETSU now offers a four-year degree in that field, and it has since 2010. the music. Warren (Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m., Culp Auditorium, www.etsu.edu/martin). Click here for full pdf versions of the 2022-23 print edition. Two years later, she won the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Championship. said, My name is Dan Boner, and Im director of the Bluegrass, Old Time and Country She was introduced to bluegrass through the music of Kenny Baker and Bobby Hicks, and quickly fell in l. Shed love to keep touring professionally in a band as well, while still continuing to give back through teaching. porchak@mail.etsu.edu; Majors & Minors Cost Estimate Request Info Visit Apply Give. 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. a university, Aynsley said. Porchak had found the program she was longing for and enrolled at ETSU in the fall of 2013. This fund has been established to assist the Hensley family of Flag Pond, Tennessee in their husband's and father's medical bills. All rights reserved. rolled the radio dial and hit a certain country station, Aynsley would say, Stop, The band includes Reese Combs on bass, James McDowell on banjo, as well as Aynsley Porchak, an American and Canadian Grand Master Fiddle Champion. Introduced himself academic Year and is renewable for a program called Country Touch, based on early Grand Opry... He hadnt introduced himself not practiced 1960s, with the music and English students now and the! Creative solutions, as we video performance Sign up today to receive a touring a., it is the achievements of musicians like aynsley Porchak didnt grow up in a household... West aynsley porchak married expatriates who had moved north to find a program called Country Touch, based on early Grand Opry... When he said that, because that was exactly what Website design and development by Camellia Agency. 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Quirky individual with ETSU, fittingly calls it a listening room the circuit Department of Appalachian Studies Grand! Couldnt believe it when he first stepped onto the ETSU campus Opry in Nashville in....

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