FAIRMONT – Chris Haddox, the WVU professor and Morgantown musician whose self-titled album made a splash on the national folk and Americana charts when it was released two years ago, is appearing at Fairmont State University today with his fiddle in hand.
He won’t be showing people how to play it. He’ll be showing people how to fix it.
Haddox is hosting a workshop on fiddle repair as part of the West Virginia Folklife Program, which is a project of the state Humanities Council.
“Sessions like these are pretty important for the art and tradition of it all,” Haddox said.
Other sessions on clawhammer banjo and old-time fiddle are also part of the afternoon.
Sessions begin at 4 p.m. today at the Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center, located near the entrance of the Fairmont State campus on Locust Avenue.
Lydia Warren, the director of the center, said she likes the way the sessions are being structured by the humanities council.
“It provides a framework for West Virginia traditions to be celebrated and passed along,” she said.
Artisans or masters of the craft, be it by playing the instrument or repairing it, will work through the basics in front of an audience.
Haddox will be there with his apprentice and fellow musician, Mary Linscheid.
Both will go through the basics of repairing the instrument that is a staple of old-time music in West Virginia and Appalachia.
Call that an entrance to West Virginia’s cultural history, Haddox said, echoing Warren.
One taking in craftsmanship and musicianship at the same time.
“This is the only way you can really learn if you’re trying to learn things like this,” Haddox said.
“You get with people and watch what they do.”
Years back, he got into the basics of guitar-building when he studied with Gilbert Stiles, a luthier in Preston County whose instruments were nationally known.
The afternoon also features remarks from Jennie Williams, the official state folklorist for West Virginia, who will discuss how regional music links communities — be they in Appalachia or elsewhere.
Meanwhile, a reception and old-time music jam will follow after the workshops, so bring your acoustic instruments and join in, Warren said.
