Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic bring tradition, passion, and pride to the gazebo

The Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic has been playing since 1994 and the youth-oriented group’s repertoire ranges from the traditions of American folk fiddle, bluegrass, jazz, western swing, and Celtic music.

by Marsha Chartrand

The Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic began in 1994 with a simple idea: to introduce an alternative style of music education to public-school students to maintain and expand their interest in music performance. Since then, the group set the standard for extracurricular music programs in the United States, and has grown into a model of instruction and motivation that is emulated across the nation.

The group is an example of what students can and will achieve if given adult direction with the opportunity to explore and pursue their own creative interests. Working alongside the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic artistic team, the students help plan shows, craft arrangements, and make organizational decisions, giving the group a creative edge and high level of enthusiasm that is clearly visible in their performances. The Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic members are selected through competitive auditions and truly represent the positive side of today’s youth.

The widely acclaimed Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic’s history includes more than 1,500 performances throughout the nation. The group has performed three times at the White House and twice on the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center, as well as at a State of Michigan’s Presidential Inaugural Ball. Annual summer tours have spanned the United States from the east coast to the west coast; down south to up north; and have also included performances in Canada, tours in Europe, and visits to Saline’s sister cities of Brecon, Wales, and Lindenberg, Germany.

And this week, the Fiddlers Philharmonic will grace the stage at the Manchester Gazebo with some energetic music that may pull you up out of your seats and onto your feet! Thanks to the generous support of the Manchester community with their donations as well as grant funding from Michigan Humanities again in 2022, these concerts remain free and open to the public. Our freewill donation basket is passed each week during intermission.

The Riverfolk Music & Arts Organization also appreciates the generosity of Emanuel Church, always at the ready with restroom facilities and as our “emergency rain location.“ The spacious gym at Emanuel is also a fun place to celebrate live music with the Fiddlers, so don’t miss this concert — rain or shine!

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.