Central Chapter Fiddlers

About Our Chapter

Welcome to the Central Chapter Fiddlers (CCF) Website. The CCF is a chapter of the New York State Old Tyme Fiddlers Association (NYSOTFA). The mission of the NYSOTFA is to preserve, promote and perpetuate New York State old time fiddling. This chapter is comprised of musicians of all skill levels who play mainly old time fiddle music. In addition to our monthly meetings, we get together on occasion to learn new fiddle tunes and share our tunes and talents with one another. We're always seeking new members and eagerly welcome new musicians, regardless of skill level. If you're interested in old time fiddling or wish to learn more about it, feel free to contact us.

Our Music

Our main goal is to preserve and share fiddle tunes, so that is mostly what we play. These fiddle tunes are largely traditional jigs, reels, hornpipes, waltzes, two steps, polkas and various square and round dance tunes. In addition to old time fiddle tunes, country songs, popular 1940's music and hymns have become a part of the CCF repertoire as well. This provides our musicians and audience members some added variety to listen to and enjoy.

Where We Perform

The Central Chapter Fiddlers perform at village parks, craft fairs, nursing facilities, living history sites, libraries, regional fiddling events, pumpkin farms, campgrounds, and at other various venues. If you're interested in having the Central Chapter Fiddlers perform at your next venue, please contact us for further details. We appreciate your support and promise to provide your audience with a quality performance. See the Calendar and Events section above to view our performance schedule.

Where and When We Meet

The CCF meets the third Friday of each month at the Trinity Episcopal Church, 98 Main Street, Camden, NY from 7 PM - 9 PM. The typical monthly meeting usually begins around 6:30 PM with the musicians jamming. The business meeting starts at 7 PM and normally lasts about 30 minutes or so. The meeting is typically followed by more jamming. Anyone is welcome to attend and join in, regardless of your skill level. We also meet informally at various times to learn new tunes, share our skills with each other and to play tunes. On rare occasions our meeting time and location might change, so be sure to check out our calendar for the latest updates.

Consider Becoming a CCF Member

Years ago when work was hard and times were simpler, rural New York State communities often held country dances after a barn raising or at a quilting or husking bee. These dances were often in the home, the local grange or dance hall. "Money Musk", "Opera Reel" and "Fisher's Hornpipe" are examples of common fiddle tunes played at these country dances. Later, when square dancing came on the scene, "Marching Through Georgia", "Turkey in the Straw" or "Pistol Packin' Mama" were (and still are) common tunes one might have danced to. The CCF tries to keep all of these old and newer fiddle tunes alive by learning them and sharing them with anyone who is interested in our state's traditional musical history. If you're interested in traditional New York State fiddling, then consider becoming a member of our chapter. Maybe you already play the fiddle or would like to learn how to play one. Maybe you play a guitar, piano, mandolin, accordion or another traditional instrument and have an interest in learning some of these old time tunes. If so, then consider becoming a member of the CCF. Even if you don't play an instrument, our group is friendly and welcoming to anyone who wishes to be a part of our chapter. To join, you can contact the Central Chapter Fiddlers or visit the NYSOTFA website where you can print out the membership application.

Current CCF Officers

  • PRESIDENT: Sarah Wilson

  • VICE PRESIDENT: Chad Miller

  • TREASURER/MEMBERSHIP: Jolynn Stressing

  • SECRETARY: Terry Bailey