Business & Tech

Saline Fiddlers To Travel to Scotland This Summer

Learn more about this Saline-based business in this week's Small Business Shout Out.

Mark Visovatti, booking agent for the Saline Fiddlers, said the group has a rich history in the Saline area.

"Back in August of 1994, Bob Phillips, the Fiddlers' founder, gathered 22 high school string musicians with one or two years of informal fiddling instruction," Visovatti said. "He asked them to consider forming a group with two primary goals: to learn traditional American fiddle music and perform for small audiences, thus perpetuating this rich, musical heritage. Since 1994, the Saline Fiddlers have undeniably set the standard for extracurricular music programs in the United States."

Recently Visovatti submitted information about his business to Patch. If you have a business and want to participate in Patch's Small Business Shout Out you can fill out the form here.

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How did your business come to be?: Back in August of 1994, Bob Phillips, the Fiddlers' founder, gathered 22 high school string musicians with one or two years of informal fiddling instruction. He asked them to consider forming a group with two primary goals: to learn traditional American fiddle music and perform for small audiences, thus perpetuating this rich, musical heritage.

Since 1994, the Saline Fiddlers have undeniably set the standard for extracurricular music programs in the United States. The group began with a simple idea: introduce an alternative style of music education to public school students. It has grown into a model of instruction and motivation that is being emulated across the nation. Yet more importantly, it is a brilliant example of what young adults can and will achieve if given a direction and the opportunity to explore, and pursue their own interests.

The Saline Fiddlers' history includes more than 1000 performances all over the United States and several foreign countries. They have been honored to perform three times at the White House and twice on the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center, as well as at the State of Michigan's Presidential Inaugural Ball in January 2001. The Fiddlers have shared the stage with many top artists as well as other student groups. Especially gratifying is the number of student fiddle organizations, which have started around the country inspired by the Saline Fiddlers. The Saline students look forward to sharing workshops and concerts with these new fiddle ensembles.

This summer of 2013 the Saline Fiddlers will be travelling to Saline, Michigan's sister city of Brecon, Wales, Scotland and England for a 14 day goodwill tour.

What's a fact about your business that most customers probably don't know?: The Saline Fiddlers are members of the Michigan Humanities Council Touring Directory. Any Michigan resident non-profit entity can apply for a grant to host the Saline Fiddlers for performances or workshops. Click this link into your browser to learn more or apply for a grant: http://www.michiganhumanities.org/programs/touring/

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When was the business founded?: August 1994

Why did you choose to locate to Saline?: Saline, Michigan is home to a thriving music education program and is currently named "Best place to raise kids in Michigan" by National News Magazine Bloomberg Business Week.

What kind of services do you offer?: The Saline Fiddlers are available for hire year round for performances at all kinds of events. The Saline Fiddlers also have CD music recordings available for sale.

The Saline Fiddlers is America's premier youth fiddling show band. They blend traditional fiddle tunes with a philharmonic size wave of sound. Their fusion of folk, bluegrass, mountain music, western swing, Celtic tunes, and American classics starts toes tapping and hands clapping. 

The Fiddlers can adapt to almost any performance space or situation. Their music appeals to audiences of all types and ages. The group comes ""self-contained,"" including their own sound system, and requires only a well lit performance space and a clean dressing room.

The Saline Fiddlers are a nonprofit music education and performance organization. Supported by hours of volunteer labor, donations from fans and sponsors, sales of recordings and fees for performing, the Fiddlers also provide community service by means of music in and around their hometown.

What do you want your business to be best known for?: The Saline Fiddlers is America's premier youth fiddling show band of music, song and dance!

What's your most popular product or service?: Bringing smiles of joy and appreciation to people all over the world!

For more information on this business, visit www.salinefiddlers.com.


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