SHAUNCEY ALI

ABOUT

MadFiddle is a youth development program that explores traditional and contemporary fiddle music and performs concerts with an adult backing band. With an emphasis on aural tradition, social-emotional learning and intergenerational performance, MadFiddle fosters a culture where young musicians grow through shared music making.

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The six ensembles supported in MadFiddle rehearse separately and perform together in large groups.  In-person instruction is supplemented with an online learning platform that provides adaptability for different learning styles at home.

MadFiddle uses an original and evolving curriculum that visits an array of folk traditions - from bluegrass and the blues to old-time and ragtime to Scottish, swing, Scandinavian, South American and beyond. ​

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COMMUNITY & PERFORMANCE

MadFiddle's work in the community has included benefit concerts for Mujilla Falls Agricultural Center in Zambia Africa, the United Way for Dane County, UW-Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcus (PANDAS).

Together, MadFiddle & Highway 151 have appeared at venues such as the Overture Center, Stoughton Opera House, MYArts Starlight Theater, Barrymore Theater, Sugar Maple Traditional Music Festival, Old Music Hall, High Noon Saloon, UW-Madison Science Festival, Willy Street Fair and more.

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collaboration

Since 2021, MadFiddle has facilitated educational and collaborative opportunities for other local youth music programs including Music Makers, Music con Brio, Madison Cello Ensemble and Suzuki Strings of Madison.  These opportunities include workshops and performances in partnership with the Sugar Maple Traditional Music Festival.

MADFIDDLE RESILIENCE SCHOLARSHIP

In 2021, the program launched the MadFiddle Resilience Scholarship to support families who face greater than average financial barriers.  The scholarship supports families with costs related to tuition, concert admission and concert dress.  

AN INTERGENERATIONAL EXPERIENCE

In addition to performances with Highway 151, MadFiddle has facilitated collaboration with internationally-touring musicians and other professional musicians.  Showing our students that folk music extends beyond the bounds of age and ability has always been central to our mission.  MadFiddle also facilitates listening opportunities that broaden the scope of culturally-based music appreciation.

HONORS

In 2020 MadFiddle was awarded "Youth Ensemble of the Year" by the Madison Area Music Association.  In 2016, Shauncey Ali was awarded "Teacher of the Year" by the same organization.