Jacie Sites is a five-time National Fiddle Champion and Grand Master Fiddler Champion known for her expressive playing and deep commitment to traditional music. She has performed as a fiddle and banjo soloist with symphonies and has toured throughout the Pacific Northwest and western United States with her band, The Nitpickers. A graduate of Eastern Oregon University with a degree in music, Jacie is also a dedicated educator who has mentored students of all ages, including multiple national champion fiddlers.
She is known for her clear, encouraging teaching style and her ability to help players build confidence and musicality. At Wallowa Fiddle Tunes Camp, she enjoys helping campers refine technique, connect with the tradition, and find more ease and joy in their playing.
Celtic Fiddle, minimum 2 years
Tunes of the Isles & the High Seas
In this class, we’ll explore a mix of traditional Celtic jigs and reels, along with slow airs, marches, and a selection of sea shanties and “songs of the high seas.” These tunes carry a strong sense of story, place, and history — from the rolling countryside to the open water. Everything will be taught by ear, in a clear, phrase-by-phrase format. We’ll focus not only on learning the melodies, but also on shaping the music through ornamentation, bowing, and phrasing so the tunes feel expressive and natural. By the end of the week, you’ll have a few solid tune sets and new tools you can use in your own playing. Sheet music and practice materials will be provided after class so you can continue your journey at home.
