Credit: BSFC
The Central Coast of California has one of the most picturesque landscapes and varied wildlife on the planet and offers a mélange of activities that include the Big Sur Fiddle Camp, now in its 16th year (BSFC). There are many reasons why this venue is so unique, which begins with it being located on a farm near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park that boasts redwoods and a river that runs through it. The Big Sur area has always been known as a haven for the earthy, free spirit and innovative, so it makes sense that BSFC Executive Director (and a founding member) Lygia Chappellet is also a member of the Chappellet Winery family of Napa Valley and a respected artist who creates paintings, sculptures and artwork on labels of the namesake winery.
Last summer, BSFC engaged the community by presenting an adventurous pirate themed musical at Center for Performing Arts at Carmel High School. “Big Sur Fiddle Camp started as a once a year program and since 2016 we have met several times a year in smaller groups for jamming and fundraising concerts. Finally, in 2023 we met every day to prepare for the Sirena musical which was written, acted and conducted by students such as composer Sekoya Sleeth and featured BSFC instructors. We see the need for a youth music program that meets weekly in Big Sur,” says Chappellet.
This year’s camp runs from June 23-30 and continues to offer instruction and classes in a variety of genres including jazz, bluegrass, old-time, Celtic, western and classical – taught by a group of eleven instructors, seven teaching assistants (former students), up to forty students primarily from age eleven and a sprinkling of adults. Other perks and options include a Fireflies Program of art and music for four to eight year olds and scholarship possibilities - but the real draw is a daily schedule of events that promote eclectic artistic awareness and dairy sustainability.
Many musical compositions have catchy titles that contain references to farmers, plants, livestock, horses, poultry and sea creatures. But how many musicians go to summer music school to study their instrument and toss a hay bale? “In rotation, the students feed and care for the chickens, sheep, goats and a pig in the morning and evening. They learn how to milk goats and make cheese between classes,” says Chappellet. The down-home feeling at BSFC also includes a routine that evokes a scene from the retro television sitcom Green Acres. The 7 am to 11 pm daily grind includes breakfast, farm chores, yoga, stretching, walking, lunch, classes, master classes, rest, dinner, mini concerts, jamming and a penultimate Community Concert.
This year’s lineup of instructors includes jazz pianist Nic Milosevitch who was keyboardist for Joe Cocker and Tower of Power, John Weed old-time fiddler, classical violinist and member of New World String Project, Simon Chrisman a hammer dulcimer virtuoso, Rebecca Stout a clogging and flatfoot percussive dance specialist, Evie Ladin a clawhammer banjo expert and Emily Mann BSFC’s Artistic Director, fiddler of Appalachian and American folk music and member of Paper Wings duo.
According to the National Dairy Council and National Institutes of Health of the United States, cows not only groove to classical music but produce more milk when composers like Beethoven or Mozart are played while the Jersey or Holstein is grazing or hanging out at the barn. Apparently heavy metal isn’t their thing. Some farmers have even installed wireless sound systems in a barn so cows can listen and relax. “Sometimes we herd the cows with music into different pastures,” says Chappellet. Big Sur Fiddle Camp may be on the cutting edge in designing a music program where humans and animals can interact and chill out to pieces like Beethoven’s Pastoral symphony, Copland’s Hoe-Down or Bach’s aria Sheep May Safely Graze.