Mark Simos starts Appalachian Old-Time Ensemble at Berklee College of MusicMark Simos, the creative force behind the Clifftop Notes project, is an Assistant Professor in the Songwriting Department at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. In Fall of 2006, Mark inaugurated a new ensemble at Berklee specifically focused on traditional (and contemporary) Appalachian/old-time music. Even though there are already several bluegrass ensembles (as well as Celtic, gypsy jazz, and other roots ensembles) the old-time ensemble has created a stir among the students, filling quickly in each of the first three semesters. Students respond to the music, as well as to the relaxed session format, the chance to learn tunes by ear instead of exclusively from sheet music, and exposure to the many archival sources for old-time music available in the new digital landscape. Many of the tunes from the Clifftop Notes CDs have become favorites of the ensemble, and are making their way into the repertoire of the new crop of neo-trad fiddlers about to launch their careers. If you'd like to see some selections from the first semester's Old-Time Ensemble recital, check it out at YouTube: |