One hundred ten Luttrell Elementary third, fourth, and fifth graders are learning the basics of fiddle playing along with classical violin techniques under the direction of their music teacher, Ms. Jennifer Fields.

In keeping with its theme: “Fiddlin' Around Union County”, the Union County Heritage Festival Committee submitted an Arts Fund Grant to the East Tennessee Foundation in 2018. The theme also would be used to tribute Roy Acuff, Union County's own famous fiddler. The grant would host a fiddle contest. In addition, the grant would purchase 15 fiddles (violins) and the associated supplies to teach fiddle playing as a part of the music enrichment curriculum. When the Heritage Festival was notified that the grant would be for $8000 paid in two equal stipends, the entire faculty and principal Stacy Smith reorganized the entire enrichment program to enable the enrichment classes to be in groups of 15 so each class member could have an individual fiddle. Finally, Ms Fields wrote a curriculum and the classes launched in January of 2019.

One purpose of the grant is to bring professional musicians into the school to share their skills and encourage the students. To this end, renowned musicians Wayne Goforth, fiddle player, and Claude McCoy, guitarist, visited Luttrell Elementary in late May. Ms. Izzy Norton, one of Mr. Goforth's student fiddle players, and her parents also came to LES. Izzy delighted the students with her ability to play several tunes at the young age of ten years old. Mr. Goforth fiddled several songs as well as explaining some techniques such as “tater” which informs the musicians of a group the key and when to play. According to Wayne, the difference in a violin and a fiddle is the violin sings, but the fiddle dances! Ms. Fields invited Izzy to play with the Luttrell students and all enjoyed the experience.

The Arts Fund Grant will provide three more fiddles for LES this school year. Ms. Fields is excited to add fiddle playing to the regular music classes. The Union County Heritage Festival will continue to support the program and help it to become sustainable throughout the school year. The Heritage Festival Committee appreciates the support and cooperation by the faculty, the staff, the school administration, and especially Ms. Fields for the success of the Arts Fund Grant. The East Tennessee Foundation offers grants and support throughout the East Tennessee region and strives to bring the arts to all citizens.

The Luttrell Elementary Fiddle Club and Folk Dancers will perform at the Union County Heritage Festival on Saturday, October 5, at noon on the Gazebo Stage.