These Thirteen Years

It was my first fiddle contest. My heart pounded when I thought of standing in front of hundreds of people and a panel of judges. I rehearsed my hoedown and waltz one last time and waited for my name to be called.

“Sophie Buck from Fayetteville, Tennessee!” called the announcer.

Hot October sun blazed down on my skin as I walked out onto stage. My voice sounded strange as I announced the names of the tunes into the microphone.

“I am playing Miller’s Reel and Wednesday Night Waltz,” I said.

I re-checked my tuning and then kicked off the hoedown with four decisive chops. The beginning was a little shaky, but the rhythm guitarist helped me settle into a steady tempo with emphasis on the backbeat.

I played to the best of my ability that day. My name was not called for awards, but I did not lose. I may not have won the contest, but gained fortitude and confidence in trying something scary for the first time. And to me, that’s a win.

My first time at the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddler’s Convention in 2018 with a group of pickers (photo courtesy of tvotfc.org).

After thirteen years of fiddling (or playing the violin), I still feel anxious before I play sometimes. My palms still get sweaty, and my comfort zone still tries to hold me back when I’m about to leave it. But this journey is not about getting “there” or staying comfortable; it’s about embracing challenges, celebrating beauty, inspiring others, and having fun along the way.

One of my favorite things about music is that it is meant to be shared. As I continue to play and develop my craft, I hope to inspire others to sing their song, play their melody, tell their story, and paint their picture. I want to help others discover the gifts that have been placed inside them for such a time as this.

Here’s to another thirteen years. Here’s to never setting the violin down. Here’s to playing the long game.

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Top photo by Ali King