SHAUNCEY ALI

ABOUT

MadFiddle is a youth violin ensemble that explores and performs folk music from around the world. With an emphasis on aural tradition, social-emotional learning and intergenerational performance, MadFiddle defines a new standard in youth music education.

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MadFiddle supports 6 ensembles ranging in playing level and ages 6-18.  The groups rehearse separately each week and perform together with an adult backing band, Highway 151.  In-person instruction is supplemented with an online learning platform that provides adaptability for different learning styles at home.  This platform includes video lessons, audio tutorials and other downloadable resources.

 

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

Since 2012, MadFiddle has been focused on fostering community.  This work includes benefit concerts for Mujilla Falls Agricultural Center in Zambia Africa (2014-2019), the United Way for Dane County (2014-2019), UW-Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems (2015) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcus (PANDAS).

 

Together, MadFiddle & Highway 151 have released five recordings and appeared at venues including Overture’s Capital Theater, Stoughton Opera House, 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.  These opportunities include workshops and performance in partnership with the Sugar Maple Traditional Music Festival.

 

MADFIDDLE RESILIENCE SCHOLARSHIP

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

 

AN INTERGENERATIONAL EXPERIENCE

In addition to performances with Highway 151, MadFiddle facilitates 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.