Skip to main content
Go to home

FIDDLE ENSEMBLE

Open to members of the Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, String Orchestra, and new members by Audition. 

Designed and open to members of Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra and String Orchestra,  the program begins in February.  Students participate in a minimum of six coachings led by Aldo Lavaggi for a final performance to conclude the program.  

Why Fiddle?

Discover captivating melodies and lively dance tunes from across the globe, including the jigs and reels of the British Isles and American old-time favorites. Fiddle music has deep roots in dance traditions, and in this workshop, we will explore how to infuse your playing with the groove and rhythm that inspires people to move. You'll learn to play by ear, harmonize, improvise and craft rhythmic accompaniments. 

About the Instructor

Aldo Lavaggi is a multi-instrumentalist, performer, and music educator based near Hudson, NY. With over 20 years of experience, he has been a dedicated ambassador of traditional music and dance, leading public and private workshops across New England. Aldo is the Co-founder and director of Fiddles in the Forest, a new music camp for young string players held at the Ashokan Center in Olive Bridge, NY. He co-founded the Columbia County Contradance, now in its 15th season, and is passionate about fostering community resilience through music and dance.  Together with his group, The Russet Trio, Aldo has appeared at festivals such as the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, and Ashokan Music and Dance Camp.  He is a certified Waldorf teacher and Spacial Dynamics Level I practitioner.

REHEARSAL TIMES & LOCATION

The six 90-minute rehearsals will be scheduled on Sundays and all rehearsals will take place at Brown School in Schenectady.

SUNDAY, September 29
Rehearsal

SUNDAY, October 6
Rehearsal

SUNDAY, November 3
Rehearsal

SUNDAY, November 17
Rehearsal

SUNDAY, November 24
Rehearsal

SUNDAY, December 1
Rehearsal

SUNDAY, December 8
Dress Rehearsal

Concert dates:
The Fiddle Ensemble’s concert will be on 12/15 at 5pm Additional performance opportunities may be available.

Rehearsal Times/Length:
90-minute rehearsals, 2:30-4:00 

Note: Rehearsal will go until 4:15 when collaborating with the Chamber Music Program for the finale portion.

Instructor
Aldo Lavaggi 

Manager
David Bebe




Cost & Registration Guidelines

For all scheduled events (coaching, dress rehearsal, and the concert) and any special masterclass opportunities:

COST = $250

Tuition assistance is available and participation is not dependent on the student’s ability to pay the full tuition. 

Eligible Instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass


Other instruments may participate upon approval. Please contact David Bebe at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any request to join the Fiddle Ensemble with an instrument other than violin, viola, cello or double bass. 

Please contact Dr. David Bebe at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions!

Current Orchestra members register now! New Members please submit an audition video below.

For New Musicians only. Please click the link below to submit an audition. Audition videos should present two pieces of a contrasting nature.

Please contact Dr. David Bebe at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions!