This is the official website of the Fiddleheads. We are a group of young musicians interested in learning and performing traditional fiddle tunes associated in some way with Northern Vermont..

On this site you’ll find information about the Fiddleheads plus where to see the group perform.  There are galleries of photos taken at previous events, plus some related music resources.

What is Fiddleheads?

Started in the early winter of 2003, Fiddleheads is a group of young people (usually no younger than 5, no older than early 20’s) interested in learning and performing traditional tunes.

Fiddlers participate by learning a variety of fiddle tunes, played mostly in a group format. The tunes highlight the Yankee, French, Irish, Scottish and other cultural heritages, mostly associated with northern Vermont, New England and New York, as well as influences from outside the state. Participants learn to value the contributions of these cultures, to use traditional music to celebrate the contributions of different cultural groups, and when possible, to learn directly from representatives of those cultures.

Regular participation in rehearsals and performances is welcome but not required, and there is no cost associated with being part of the group.  There are not fees or other obligations for participants.  The primary goal is the enjoyment of traditional music and playing that music with others.  Playing instruments is the primary focus of the group, but singers and dancers are welcome, as well as fiddle, cello, bass, guitar, banjo, mandolin, whistle, keyboard, percussion and other instrumentalists.

The group has had rehearsals and workshops with Seamus Connolly, Kimberly Fraser, Franklin Heyburn, Jerry Holland, Eileen Ivers, Alan Jabbour, Daniel Lemieux, Howie MacDonald, Troy MacGillivray, Sandy MacIntyre, Natalie MacMaster, Miamon Miller, Bruce Molsky, Maired ni Mhaongaigh, Tommy Peoples, Pete Sutherland, Ciaran Tourish, April Verch, Ron West and others.  The group has been featured in Vermont Life magazine, has released 2 CDs, and has sponsored trips to music camps to Cape Breton and New York.

For more information about the group, contact Mark Sustic, PO Box 163, Fairfax, Vermont 05454, (802)849-6968, ormrksustc@together.net.

Fiddleheads By Mark Sustic

I have several reasons for facilitating this group. I’ve played fiddle since I was a teenager, and have an interest in helping young people learn about and appreciate the music that continues to be an important part of my life. I’ve also been a teacher my entire life, from preschool to high school and college, and passing on what I know to others is something I enjoy and feel an obligation to. Many young people interested in playing the fiddle in a traditional style don’t know about or have opportunities to interact with others with similar interests.

Fiddleheads is a chance to create an environment where that happens. Young people who like traditional fiddle styles can use Fiddleheads to be around others who play, and benefit from the motivation that comes from preparing for performances. I get asked to perform at a variety of community events, which I use as opportunities for those involved with Fiddleheads to get experience with performing.

If you are interested in learning more about the group, contact me at 849-6968 or mrksustc@together.net.

Eleven Fiddlehead Goals

1. Have a safe place to play where musicians feel comfortable and supported
2. Learn and play traditional fiddle tunes
3. Teach fiddle tunes to others
4. Learn about cultural heritages of northern Vermont
5. Learn and remember tunes without relying solely on music notation
6. Increase ability to use music notation as a resource
7. Play music at public events
8. Connect and get to know others with similar interests
9. Attend events together
10. Meet and learn from visiting master musicians
11. Have some fun!….. last on the list but the most important!