About

Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic, America’s premier youth fiddling show band from Saline, Michigan, astounds audiences every time the group takes the stage. The musicians, all from Saline High School, present an energetic and polished show that features a diverse range of music from American folk, fiddle, bluegrass, jazz, western swing,
and Celtic traditions.  Spirited vocals and Appalachian step dancing combine with the instrumentals to create an unforgettable live performance.  This fully equipped, amplified, self-contained performance group is highly adaptable; no venue is too small, no stage is too large!

Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic began in 1994 with a simple idea: introduce an alternative style of music education to public school students to maintain and expand their interest in music performance.  Since then, the group has definitely set the standard for extracurricular music programs in the United States. It has grown into a model of instruction and motivation that is being emulated across the nation.

Equally important, the group is a brilliant example of what students can and will achieve if given adult direction but also the opportunity to explore and pursue their own creative interests.  Working alongside the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic artistic team, the students help plan shows, craft arrangements and make organizational decisions. This collaborative ownership gives the group a creative edge and high level of enthusiasm that is clearly visible in their performances.  The Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic members are selected through competitive auditions based on musical talent and personal maturity.  They balance academics, sports, school organizations, church activities, jobs and social lives with the demanding commitment to music that is required for participation in the group.  They truly represent the positive side of today’s youth.

The widely acclaimed Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic’s history includes more than 1,500 performances in the majority of the states in our nation.  The group has been honored to perform three times at the White House and twice on the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center, as well as at a State of Michigan’s Presidential Inaugural Ball.  Annual summer tours have spanned the United States from the east coast to the west coast, down south to up north, and have also included performances in Canada and tours in Europe, including visits to Saline’s sister cities of Brecon, Wales and Lindenberg, Germany.  Each year the group performs 50-60 times, generally donating a third of their annual schedule to community service events.

Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic has shared the stage with many top artists as well as other student groups. Especially gratifying is the number of student fiddle organizations which have been started around the country because of inspiration from the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic. The group always looks forward to sharing workshops and concerts with these new fiddle ensembles.  Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic has produced recordings bi-annually since its inception, providing a means for fans to enjoy their music at all times, and a way to retain a historical record of the evolution of this very special youth string ensemble.

Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic is a music education and performance organization with IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable designation. The group is supported by countless hours of volunteer labor, student tuition, sales of recordings, fees for performing, and donations from its many dedicated fans.  This support allows the members of Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic to share their joy of traditional forms of music, song and dance with audiences of all ages, and to preserve this music for future generations.  You, too, can help by donating today!