Alumni Spotlights
Jarred Albright!
Years Jarred was in the CFA:
BVF: 1995-1999; CF: 1999-2004
Assistant AD and accompanist:2007-2012
2007-present: STILL a part-time contractor!
Favorite CFA Memory: The orange fight! We were on tour in Florida and a well-meaning host had given EACH member a huge 30lb bag of oranges. That night at the hotel, many of us decided to throw or otherwise prank each other with them, basically just making a mess. Scores of oranges died that night, but countless more hijinks-based memories and laughs were born of their sacrifice.
Favorite CFA Tune: For me that was definitely a “flavour of the week” thing; there’d be a new tune every so often to which I’d become enamoured and consequently play to death. “Up Jump Jig” comes to mind as one of these. These days it’d probably be “I Don’t Love Nobody.”
How did being a part of CFA impact Jarred’s life?: Hundreds of times, before I was even a teenager, I’d stood atop a stage, in front of an audience, and behind a microphone. These are common fears among many but not a Calgary Fiddler. But even more importantly than that, CFA was my entire life; it centred me around music, friends, and performing in my formative years. You can’t really quantify that. Who’s to say what my development, both professionally and musically, might have been without it.
What is Jarred up to now?: This is poorly timed in light of the above ponderings, but I’m currently twiddling my thumbs waiting for people to be allowed to watch music and travel again. During my wait I’m practicing violin a lot, teaching a little, learning banjo, writing, recording and video editing, the last two of which have been largely for the Calgary Fiddlers. They’re keeping me busy through this dry spell, for which I am eternally thankful.
Links to Current Works: www.jarredalbright.com
I like making videos and sharing them online, you can find my youtube channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/c/JarredAlbright
Social Media: FB: @jarredalbrightmusic IG: @jarredalbright
Carolyn Parker
Years Carolyn was in CFA (BVF + CF): 2000 (est.) – 2005 (BVF); 2005 – 2008 (CF)
Favorite CFA Memory: Wyoming tour ~2006, playing at the small-town festivals, fireworks, memorable carnies, horseback riding, some classic fiddler (teenage) drama, and generally just quality time with some of my best friends.
Favorite CFA Tune: Any Celtic / Irish medley - Scot Aaron and Seven Wicked Reels were two favorites. (And Tam Lin, obviously).
How did being a part of CFA impact Carolyn's life?: Those pre-teen and teenage years are very delicate, navigating self-identity, developing self-awareness and combatting feelings of self-doubt and insufficiency. Having achieved a small success as a teenager, of being accepted into the CF, made me feel empowered and likely contributed to my goal-oriented tendencies as an adult, which have served me well. Additionally, the friendships I developed in the CF made me feel emotionally supported in ways that I didn’t know I needed at the time; many of these friendships have stood the test of time!
What is Carolyn up to now?: I am currently working as a Director at Ernst & Young in the Turnaround and Restructuring Strategy practice in Calgary. I have also lived in Seattle and Saskatoon since having graduated from the group in 2008. My focus has primarily been on continuing education over the past 12 years but am hoping to bring music back into focus (starting with the purchase of a mandolin this year!). I love spending time outside / in the mountains whenever I can!
Social Media: You can find me on Facebook or LinkedIn if you’d like to connect!
Ben Plotnick!
Years Ben was in CFA (BVF + CF): 1997-2005
Favorite CFA Memory: "Our tour to South Korea, to play at ‘Lotte World’ was a high point!"
Favourite CFA Tune: "At the time: Catharsis. In my old age I’m getting hokier and have a soft spot for “Golden Slippers”."
How did being a part of CFA impact Ben's life?: "It was wonderful to get an exposure to so many different styles of “fiddle” at such an early age! Also performing roughly 500 times before the end of high school definitely takes the edge off of stage fright."
What is Ben up to now?: "Still all fiddle all the time. I live in Nashville, recording and arranging strings and fiddles amidst touring full time with projects The Fretless, Oliver the Crow, and whoever else will hire me. I’ve got a new bluegrass banjo/fiddle duo record and a new Fretless record coming out in 2021."
Links to current works: www.thefretless.com www.oliverthecrow.com
Social Media: @benplotnickmusic @thefretless @oliverthecrow
