Welcome to the website of the British Columbia Old Time Fiddlers’ Association (BCOTFA). Old Time Fiddling is a music genre and has nothing to do with age as we have fiddlers from pre-school age to many in their 90’s. In fact the very best way to have the music we love live on after us is by involving youngsters. One of the best ways to get youngsters involved is in the school system. Every school is different and is subject to the approval of the local School Board, however, to the best of my knowledge every time a school has been approached by a fiddler to help in their music program by including a fiddling program it has been accepted with open arms. The key is to approach the school and then dedicate the time to work with young people. This can be the most rewarding aspect of fiddling.

A good way to promote fiddling is by asking to hear more of it on either TV or radio. There is an app. called “cbcmusic” that is available through itunes. This is a free little app that works on either your computer, ipad or your smart phone. The app. features music genre’s of many different types from classical to hip hop. The CBC is receptive to hearing from people if they would like something added and I have asked them to include a fiddle stream – I got a response saying, they will if and when they get enough requests! If we want to hear more “Old Time Fiddle Music” then the best thing to do is be proactive. You can contact CBC and let your request be known at: Radio Music JLIB_HTML_CLOAKING   It doesn’t have to be long and complex a simple request for a fiddle music stream on “cbcmusic” would be all you need to do.

Throughout the province the BCOTFA is comprised of 13 active branches. Most branches have weekly music jams; many hold monthly old time dances; some host annual fiddle contests; others feature jamborees; most host concerts featuring nationally recognized fiddle stars, and at least one branch hosts monthly Contra dances.

To keep in contact with our fiddling friends around the province we publish a quarterly BCOTFA Newsletter that is also published online, and this newsletter is full of information from all the branches around the province. The newsletter deserves special mention as its present editor, Florence Tellier, has been turning out a high quality product for a number of years, now.

So, if you are new to the BCOTFA, enjoy this web page. Look up a branch near you and join in with their activities. And if you are a current BCOTFA member, thanks for being part of the organization and it is a pleasure serving you as President.