Branch #1 Prince George

Prince George has a population of 78,000 and is located about 1,100 km north of the US border on Highway 97, it is also roughly midway on the 1,000 km route between Prince Rupert and Jasper (Highway 16). The city was founded at the confluence of the Nechako and Fraser Rivers. The settlement initiated here in 1807 and was known as Fort George. Although Prince George is no longer a rough lumber town it does lie as the center of Canada's largest softwood lumber producing area.

B.C. OLD TIME FIDDLERS' ASSOCIATION

BRANCH #1 - PRINCE GEORGE

The British Columbia Old Time Fiddlers' Association was formed in 1969 in Prince George by a group of individuals dedicated to promoting and preserving the Canadian style of old time fiddling in British Columbia. By 1978 other fiddlers from throughout B.C. were interested in forming a provincial association and approached the Prince George group with the proposal to turn the name British Columbia Old Time Fiddlers' Association over to the provincial body. After some discussion, it was agreed upon and Prince George became Branch #1.

There are now 13 active branches in the province with a total membership in excess of 700. Most branches host an annual fiddle contest or jamboree where musicians gather for fun and fellowship. At one time the Prince George branch named itself "Championship City" and hosted the provincial championship contest annually. With the change to the branch structure, the provincial championship contest now moves from branch to branch on an annual rotation.

Prince George Branch has a current membership of about one hundred and eighty-five and approximately one third of the members are musicians who donate their time and musical talent to play and entertain at seniors' homes and various other venues around the city. We still host an annual contest in July.

Competitors are required to play three mandatory pieces: a waltz, a jig, and a breakdown. They are judged by a panel of three who are removed from sight so only the sound of the fiddlers is considered. Audiences also love to come and watch, even those who don't play. Our contest brings out the best of the best. Players like the Sabir Sisters, Ivonne Hernandez, Daniel Lapp, Calvin Vollrath and Mike Sanyshyn have been competitors in Prince George in past years. This year's special guest and judge is Kelli Trottier.

Our group has hosted several concerts with notable fiddlers such as Calvin Vollrath and Bruce Blair from Alberta, Ivan Hicks and the Maritime Express from New Brunswick, and Gordon Stobbe from Nova Scotia along with BC's, Ivonne Hernandez, the Sabir Sisters, Mike Sanyshyn and Patti Lamoureux have all attracted good crowds to tap their toes and clap their hands along with the lively tunes.

Our members are very proud of our two giant fiddles, which have been displayed at our contests and a popular entry in Prince George parades for many years. During the beginning stages the executive worked with the supervisor of Aurora Industries, Carl Forsberg, in experimenting with a number of prototypes, which in 1977, resulted in the final product, which we do proudly display. Carl carefully enlarged the plans so that the giant fiddles remain in exact proportion to the authentic instrument. The overall length of the fiddle is 16 feet with the bow stretching to 20 feet. Each unit weighs in at 150 pounds. The bodies are framed with fir stock and plywood used to fabricate the face and back. The neck is constructed by laminated fir with the scroll formed in detail. The strings are vinyl coated wire and can be adjusted to produce the required vibrations to resemble musical tones. The giant fiddles continue to attract viewers and are a topic of conversation each and every time they are on display. They have now been retired and may find a new home on permanent display in out city.

One of the objectives of the Prince George Branch of the B.C. Old Time Fiddlers' Association is to encourage and to promote interest in children under the age of 18 years in the art of Old Time Fiddling and Violin playing. Our Branch currently sponsors fiddle students in their music lessons and we are pleased to see these young people ranging in age from 5 to 18 coming to perform at jam sessions and other musical events. In recent weeks, these young musicians have performed at the Pine Center Mall in support of the Variety Club Telethon, at the French Canadian Association Winter Festival, the Studio 2880 Craft Fair, the Simon Fraser Lodge Seniors Residence and a number of other senior residences in the community. They are always eagerly welcomed and appreciated by those who enjoy the music they bring. Our younger generation of old time fiddlers has been called upon to open many of our concerts. They continue to be supported by our local branch of the B.C. Old Time Fiddlers' Association, who through sponsorship nurture these young people's love of music, need for education and exposure to the art forms of musical greats.

The Old Time Fiddlers are busy almost every week in Prince George. Each Thursday evening they hold a jam session at the Elder Citizens Recreation Centre, 1692 - 10th Ave. where everyone is welcome to play, listen and learn. We also have monthly dances at the Elder Citizens Recreation Centre where music and food are provided for the crowd.

The Prince George Old Time Fiddlers have promoted Old Time Fiddling in our community for 39 years and look forward to a future of continued success.