About WOTFA
Officers
- President, Billie Donovan, 307-462-3113, bdon@bresnan.net
- President-Elect, Dick Enders,AEC@Bresnan.net
- Secretary, Dick Lefevre, dandjlefevre@msn.com
- Treasurer, Nancy Haynes stoneag@hughes.net 307 864-2593
- Dave Brinkman takes care of this web page. Contact Dave with news and information. brinkman@uwyo.edu
Dues Dues for the Wyoming Old Time Fiddle Association are $10 for individuals and $20 for families. Please support fiddle music by joining WOTFA.
State Contest Information
The 2016 State Contest was August 13-14, 2016 in Douglas, Wyoming at the Wyoming State Fair. Contact WOTFA President Billie Donovan for information. bdon@bresnan.net
There will not be a contest in 2017.
Fiddle Teachers
Several fiddlers around the state teach fiddle lessons. Contact any of these folks for more information.
Kelly Wells Northwest Wyoming 664-2539 kttwells18@gmail.com
Casey Whiteman Casper 307-277-2524 cafiddle@gmail.com
Shelly Rubrect Jackson 307 730-7825 fiddlestix@wyoming.com
Erica Flom, Riverton 208-890-8490 ericaflom@hotmail.com
Bob Mathews, Cheyenne fiddle@bresnan.net
Cody Stadelmaier, Ft. Collins cjfiddle@msn.com970-219-0796
Please send additions or corrections to Dave Brinkman brinkman@uwyo.edu
Kelly Wells Northwest Wyoming 664-2539 kttwells18@gmail.com
Casey Whiteman Casper 307-277-2524 cafiddle@gmail.com
Shelly Rubrect Jackson 307 730-7825 fiddlestix@wyoming.com
Erica Flom, Riverton 208-890-8490 ericaflom@hotmail.com
Bob Mathews, Cheyenne fiddle@bresnan.net
Cody Stadelmaier, Ft. Collins cjfiddle@msn.com970-219-0796
Please send additions or corrections to Dave Brinkman brinkman@uwyo.edu
Minutes from Annual Meetings
Wyoming Old Time Fiddlers Annual Meeting
Douglas, WY 8/13/16
President Billie Donovan called the meeting to order at 2:55 P.M.
Billie read the Treasurer’s report obtained from Nancy Haynes. The Big Horn National Bank in Thermopolis has on account $684.40 in checking and about $400 in savings. The $195 fee for the 2016 national certification was paid with money donated by the Casper Fiddle Club in February. Billie asked Nancy to also have bank statements sent to her. Nancy indicated she would be willing to continue as Treasurer.
Old Business
A decision on replacing and deciding whether to send the Travelling Trophy home with each year’s champ were postponed until the future of the contest was decided. However, the matter was discussed anyway, with it being noted that if the contest was discontinued it would be nice if it could be placed somewhere visible. Suggestions included the State Fair’s Pioneer Museum, and somewhere in Shoshoni. It was also suggested that our decedent roll plaque and the canvas backdrop picture also be placed with the Museum. Darlene Hageman said that the Museum had a lot of visitors annually. It was suggested the trophy be financed with contributions.
Warrie Means moved to produce the plaque described by Dick Lefevre, bearing a line drawing of “Lazy” Harold Donelson and room for the names of state champions. Dick Enders seconded the motion with an amendment to negotiate placing the trophy and Association memorabilia with the Pioneer Museum.
The motion passed unanimously.
New Business
A discussion of whether to continue the contest followed. Some wondered whether the expense of the contest was justified by the small attendance. Members noted the extremely low numbers of contestants and several also said they would not return, further reducing the anticipated numbers for future contests. Darlene Hageman said expense should not be an issue because she believed the Fair could afford the contest, and also said she believed no participating contestants donated money to any other show or contest in the Fair.
No one said they were willing to be president.
The question of whether having the certification for the Grand National Contest was worth the effort of continuing such a small event.
Dick Enders suggested considering a single day contest. Casey Whiteman also liked the idea of a single day contest. Ana Merchant noted there may be some conflict with next summer’s solar eclipse.
Kim Merchant suggested a reunion festival, perhaps 5 years in the future in Shoshoni on Memorial Day. He said holding the contest on Memorial Day weekend had been more successful. There was no support for a suggestion to switch to a program of fiddling plus dancing like members experienced at the Montana Fiddle Camp. There was a suggestion to reach out to someone else to hold the contest, perhaps Joan Eiseman, or in Jackson or Gillette.
Casey Whiteman moved to not have a contest next year, to “suspend it.” Kelly Wells seconded. The motion passed 6:1 with two abstentions.
Warrie moved, Casey seconded a motion to have Dick Lefevre and Kim Merchant check into having a reunion festival in Shoshoni, Memorial Day 2018 and report and receive Executive Council approval. Motion carried.
The remaining New Business was also discussed without motion or closure.
Mailing List: Billie handed out an updated mailing list along with several names for which we need addresses..
Bylaws. Billie had proposals to update the by laws which she said would only be necessary if the Association is going to endure or continue. Among her proposals were making the Executive Advisory Council into a Board. She also said we should consider a statement disbursing the Association Treasury or other assets upon dissolution of the Association.
New Officers. Following the decision to suspend the contest and Association for the next year, no election was held. Billie said she was not willing to function in the ordinary duties of President. She also said, however, she and the Council would stay in touch by email and decide the Association’s future.
Unfinished business
Whether to retain or dissolve the Association and its treasury. It was suggested and the consensus appeared to suspend and wait to see if there would be a reunion festival.
Casey Whiteman moved to adjourn. Motion carried 4:12 P.M.
Submitted by Secretary Pro-tem Dick Lefevre, with corrections by Billie Donovan.
Wyoming Old Time Fiddle Association
Annual Meeting Minutes
August 8, 2015
President Billie Donovan called the meeting to order. We met following the Saturday afternoon session of the State Fiddle Contest at the Wyoming State Fair in Douglas. ... more
Douglas, WY 8/13/16
President Billie Donovan called the meeting to order at 2:55 P.M.
Billie read the Treasurer’s report obtained from Nancy Haynes. The Big Horn National Bank in Thermopolis has on account $684.40 in checking and about $400 in savings. The $195 fee for the 2016 national certification was paid with money donated by the Casper Fiddle Club in February. Billie asked Nancy to also have bank statements sent to her. Nancy indicated she would be willing to continue as Treasurer.
Old Business
A decision on replacing and deciding whether to send the Travelling Trophy home with each year’s champ were postponed until the future of the contest was decided. However, the matter was discussed anyway, with it being noted that if the contest was discontinued it would be nice if it could be placed somewhere visible. Suggestions included the State Fair’s Pioneer Museum, and somewhere in Shoshoni. It was also suggested that our decedent roll plaque and the canvas backdrop picture also be placed with the Museum. Darlene Hageman said that the Museum had a lot of visitors annually. It was suggested the trophy be financed with contributions.
Warrie Means moved to produce the plaque described by Dick Lefevre, bearing a line drawing of “Lazy” Harold Donelson and room for the names of state champions. Dick Enders seconded the motion with an amendment to negotiate placing the trophy and Association memorabilia with the Pioneer Museum.
The motion passed unanimously.
New Business
A discussion of whether to continue the contest followed. Some wondered whether the expense of the contest was justified by the small attendance. Members noted the extremely low numbers of contestants and several also said they would not return, further reducing the anticipated numbers for future contests. Darlene Hageman said expense should not be an issue because she believed the Fair could afford the contest, and also said she believed no participating contestants donated money to any other show or contest in the Fair.
No one said they were willing to be president.
The question of whether having the certification for the Grand National Contest was worth the effort of continuing such a small event.
Dick Enders suggested considering a single day contest. Casey Whiteman also liked the idea of a single day contest. Ana Merchant noted there may be some conflict with next summer’s solar eclipse.
Kim Merchant suggested a reunion festival, perhaps 5 years in the future in Shoshoni on Memorial Day. He said holding the contest on Memorial Day weekend had been more successful. There was no support for a suggestion to switch to a program of fiddling plus dancing like members experienced at the Montana Fiddle Camp. There was a suggestion to reach out to someone else to hold the contest, perhaps Joan Eiseman, or in Jackson or Gillette.
Casey Whiteman moved to not have a contest next year, to “suspend it.” Kelly Wells seconded. The motion passed 6:1 with two abstentions.
Warrie moved, Casey seconded a motion to have Dick Lefevre and Kim Merchant check into having a reunion festival in Shoshoni, Memorial Day 2018 and report and receive Executive Council approval. Motion carried.
The remaining New Business was also discussed without motion or closure.
Mailing List: Billie handed out an updated mailing list along with several names for which we need addresses..
Bylaws. Billie had proposals to update the by laws which she said would only be necessary if the Association is going to endure or continue. Among her proposals were making the Executive Advisory Council into a Board. She also said we should consider a statement disbursing the Association Treasury or other assets upon dissolution of the Association.
New Officers. Following the decision to suspend the contest and Association for the next year, no election was held. Billie said she was not willing to function in the ordinary duties of President. She also said, however, she and the Council would stay in touch by email and decide the Association’s future.
Unfinished business
Whether to retain or dissolve the Association and its treasury. It was suggested and the consensus appeared to suspend and wait to see if there would be a reunion festival.
Casey Whiteman moved to adjourn. Motion carried 4:12 P.M.
Submitted by Secretary Pro-tem Dick Lefevre, with corrections by Billie Donovan.
Wyoming Old Time Fiddle Association
Annual Meeting Minutes
August 8, 2015
President Billie Donovan called the meeting to order. We met following the Saturday afternoon session of the State Fiddle Contest at the Wyoming State Fair in Douglas. ... more
2016 Contest Results
Small Fry
1. Elaina Haroldson, Wheatland
Junior-Junior
1. Dakota Olson, Douglas
2. Rylee O'Konek, Guernsey
3. Zoe Maue, Douglas
Junior
1. Ana Merchant, Casper
2. Rachel Merchant, Casper
3. Sophie Lopez, Riverton
Senior
1. Dick Lefevre, Lander
2. Billie Donovan, Casper
3. Steve Martin, Powell
State Championship
1. Kelly Wells, Deaver
2. Morgan Lipes, Mills
Twin
1. Ana Merchant and Rachel Merchant
2. Kelly Wells and Steve Martin
No Holds Barred
1. Kelly Wells, Deaver
2. Ana Merchant, Casper
3. Dick Lefevre, Lander
4. Steve Martin, Powell
Favorite Accompanist
1. Warrie Means, Laramie
2. Dick Enders, Casper
1. Elaina Haroldson, Wheatland
Junior-Junior
1. Dakota Olson, Douglas
2. Rylee O'Konek, Guernsey
3. Zoe Maue, Douglas
Junior
1. Ana Merchant, Casper
2. Rachel Merchant, Casper
3. Sophie Lopez, Riverton
Senior
1. Dick Lefevre, Lander
2. Billie Donovan, Casper
3. Steve Martin, Powell
State Championship
1. Kelly Wells, Deaver
2. Morgan Lipes, Mills
Twin
1. Ana Merchant and Rachel Merchant
2. Kelly Wells and Steve Martin
No Holds Barred
1. Kelly Wells, Deaver
2. Ana Merchant, Casper
3. Dick Lefevre, Lander
4. Steve Martin, Powell
Favorite Accompanist
1. Warrie Means, Laramie
2. Dick Enders, Casper
Contests and Festivals
This list is for general information purposes. Dates listed are based on past years. Contact the event director in advance for the most up to date information.January-May
- Midwinter Bluegrass in Denver. February
- Arizona Old Time Fiddle. Contests and festivals fall-spring.
- High Plains in Douglas. April or May. Contact Douglas Chamber of Commerce. EWC-Douglas building.
- 47th Annual Northwest Regional Fiddle Contest.Saturday and Sunday, April 25th and 26th, 2015
Trent Elementary School
3303 N. North Pines Rd.
Spokane Valley Wa. 99206
Contact us to register.
Nortwest Regional Contest
NWfiddlers@aol.com Ed Miller 509-228-9030
2015 Contest Results
Junior-Junior Fiddle*
1. Jessica Jacob, Casper
2. Tristan Jacob, Casper
Junior Fiddle*
1. Sophie Lopez, Riverton
Adult Fiddle*
1. Paula Whaley, Laramie
Senior Fiddle*
1. Dave Brinkman, Laramie
2. Les Hamilton, Dubois
3. Steve Martin, Powell
4. Ann Robinson, Casper
5. Dick Lefevre, Lander
6. Vickie Roseberry, Thermopolis
7. Billie Donovan, Casper
Championship Fiddle*
1. Casey Whiteman, Casper
2. Kelly Wells, Deaver
3. Dave Brinkman, Laramie
4. Dick Lefevre, Lander
Twin Fiddle
1. Kelly Wells, Deaver and Dave Brinkman, Laramie
2. Cody Stadelmaier, Fort Collins, CO and Casey Whiteman, Casper
3. Les Hamilton, Dubois and Sophie Lopez, Riverton
No Holds Barred Fiddle
1. Les Hamilton
2. Cody Stadelmaier, Fort Collins, CO
3. Dave Brinkman, Laramie
4. Kelly Wells, Deaver
Favorite Accompanist
Warrie Means, Laramie
*Certified Champions
1. Jessica Jacob, Casper
2. Tristan Jacob, Casper
Junior Fiddle*
1. Sophie Lopez, Riverton
Adult Fiddle*
1. Paula Whaley, Laramie
Senior Fiddle*
1. Dave Brinkman, Laramie
2. Les Hamilton, Dubois
3. Steve Martin, Powell
4. Ann Robinson, Casper
5. Dick Lefevre, Lander
6. Vickie Roseberry, Thermopolis
7. Billie Donovan, Casper
Championship Fiddle*
1. Casey Whiteman, Casper
2. Kelly Wells, Deaver
3. Dave Brinkman, Laramie
4. Dick Lefevre, Lander
Twin Fiddle
1. Kelly Wells, Deaver and Dave Brinkman, Laramie
2. Cody Stadelmaier, Fort Collins, CO and Casey Whiteman, Casper
3. Les Hamilton, Dubois and Sophie Lopez, Riverton
No Holds Barred Fiddle
1. Les Hamilton
2. Cody Stadelmaier, Fort Collins, CO
3. Dave Brinkman, Laramie
4. Kelly Wells, Deaver
Favorite Accompanist
Warrie Means, Laramie
*Certified Champions
2014 Contest Results
Junior-Junior Fiddle*
1. Tristan Jacob, Casper
2. Jessica Jacob, Casper
3. Sophie Lopez, Riverton
Junior Fiddle*
1. Morgan Lipes, Mills
Adult Fiddle*
1. Ed Gross, Worland
2. Vickie Roseberry, Mammoth
Senior Fiddle*
1. Dick Lefevre, Lander
2. Steve Martin, Powell
3. Ann Robinson, Casper
4. Billie Donovan, Casper
Championship Fiddle*
1. Kelly Wells, Deaver
2. Casey Whiteman, Casper
3. Dave Brinkman, Laramie
4. Ann Robinson, Casper
Twin Fiddle
1. Kelly Wells, Deaver and Dave Brinkman, Laramie
2. Morgan Lipes, Mills and Casey Whiteman, Casper
3. Cody Stadelmaier, Fort Collins, CO and Ann Robinson, Casper
No Holds Barred Fiddle
1. Cody Stadelmaier, Fort Collins, CO
2. Kelly Wells, Deaver
3. Dave Brinkman, Laramie
4. Casey Whiteman, Casper
5. Ann Robinson, Casper
6. Tristan Jacob, Casper
Favorite Accompanist
Warrie Means, Laramie
*Certified Champions
1. Tristan Jacob, Casper
2. Jessica Jacob, Casper
3. Sophie Lopez, Riverton
Junior Fiddle*
1. Morgan Lipes, Mills
Adult Fiddle*
1. Ed Gross, Worland
2. Vickie Roseberry, Mammoth
Senior Fiddle*
1. Dick Lefevre, Lander
2. Steve Martin, Powell
3. Ann Robinson, Casper
4. Billie Donovan, Casper
Championship Fiddle*
1. Kelly Wells, Deaver
2. Casey Whiteman, Casper
3. Dave Brinkman, Laramie
4. Ann Robinson, Casper
Twin Fiddle
1. Kelly Wells, Deaver and Dave Brinkman, Laramie
2. Morgan Lipes, Mills and Casey Whiteman, Casper
3. Cody Stadelmaier, Fort Collins, CO and Ann Robinson, Casper
No Holds Barred Fiddle
1. Cody Stadelmaier, Fort Collins, CO
2. Kelly Wells, Deaver
3. Dave Brinkman, Laramie
4. Casey Whiteman, Casper
5. Ann Robinson, Casper
6. Tristan Jacob, Casper
Favorite Accompanist
Warrie Means, Laramie
*Certified Champions
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