By Dean Marshall, composer and arranger for Barrage

It was never planned—it was just one of those things that just seemed to evolve. As fiddle players and music instructors, we were constantly asked to write out fiddle tunes. The Fiddle Club series was our response to these requests. It is our hope that the books and recordings in this expanding series will serve as a valuable resource to anyone interested in this style of music.

As you play through the music in this book, we want to remind you that tunes should not necessarily be considered the original or correct versions. You can literally find hundreds of variations of the same tune. The settings found in this book are simply our interpretation.

We have included various markings (bar numbers, fingerings, and bowings) which we have found helpful in teaching—especially in group situations. As always, experienced players may want to alter some of these markings and add their own dynamics to reflect their personal style.

Traditionally, fiddling has been an improvised aural art form which makes it very difficult to notate. We recommend that you take every opportunity to listen, watch and play with other fiddlers.

In this Collection we have included a "Tricks and Tips" section of scales and short exercises. At the top of the page for each tune in the book we list the scales and studies that would be helpful preparatory exercises for that tune.

Also, the tunes in this book have been recorded on the companion Enhanced CD for playing in an audio CD player. This special recording allows you to fade the violin part out, enabling the student to play along with the piano accompaniment. Printable piano and guitar accompaniments are also included on the Enhanced CD. Just put it in your computer and choose the music to print.

INTRODUCTORY COLLECTION Content

Blow the Man Down
Blue Sky Waltz
Bonnie Dundee
Buffalo Gals
Carolan’s Concerto
East Neuk of Fife
Fiddlin Friends
Fireman’s Reel
Kinloch Jig
Life in the Finland Woods
Mont’s Tune
New Century Hornpipe
Off She Goes Jig
Oh Susanna
Old Joe Clark
Old MacDonald
Ookpik Waltz
Ping Pong Polka
Put Your Little Foot Waltz
Run Mommy Reel
Second Chance Jig
Skye Boat Song
Sleepy Maggie
Tenpenny Bit Jig
The Barren Rocks of Aden
The Lass of Gowrie
This Old Man
Top of Cork Road Jig
Weeping Willow Waltz