Old-Time Fiddling in Big Sky Country

Abstract

Old-time fiddling in Montana and neighboring states and provinces is highly organized but, except for a few well publicized contests, is rather invisible to people outside the fiddlers' circle. In Montana, old-time fiddling is structured around a state-wide association and organized into seven regional districts. The old-time fiddlers' association is much more than just a musical group. It is also a tightly knit social organization. Each district holds an annual series of jamborees and other “fiddle faddles.” These are festive social events, not competitions. Old-time fiddling is more active in Rocky Mountain Montana than in Great Plains Montana, and in the Missoula, Bitterroot and Flathead valleys than elsewhere in the mountains. The fiddlers and accompanists are amateur musicians, come from all walks of life, are predominantly in the older age group and more of them are men than women. The songs played are generally old-time fiddle tunes, not country-western music and the instruments used are mostly ordinary violins and guitars, not expensive ones. The highlight of each year's activities is the state fiddle contest held at Poison on Flathead Lake during the local cherry harvest.