The Frenchtown Fiddlers, who over the last several years have entertained thousands of people in the Monroe area, have this week released their first CD, entitled “Fiddlin’ Favorites.”

     Music on the CD is traditional American, Irish and Scottish fiddle tunes.

     “This music was recorded in a three-hour session on stage at Monroe Middle School near the end of May.  It was a brutally hot day after school so the students were able to get a glimpse at the less glamorous part of the music industry,” said Mrs. Ann Felder, Monroe Public Schools orchestra director who leads the after-school performing group comprised of middle- and high-school musicians. 

     Mrs. Felder explained that the Monroe Middle School was used specifically because there was no air conditioning, fans or blowers to make additional noise or distortion.  The session was recorded and the CD produced by Vivo Productions, a Monroe-based professional recording studio.

     “We recorded the students for the most part on individual microphones, giving them a wonderful learning experience as to what is involved in a professional recording session,” Mrs. Felder said. 

     The CDs are available for $10 each from any member of the Frenchtown Fiddlers or by contacting Mrs. Felder at feldera@monroe.k12.mi.us.

     The group has several live performances scheduled in the community in the coming weeks.  They will perform from 3:15 p.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 20, at Wellspring Lutheran, formerly the Lutheran Home.  They also will provide music at the lantern tours at the Navarre Anderson Trading Post on Oct. 14, 15, 21 and 22.