INSTRUCTORS
Aisha Ivey is an active music performer, researcher and educator. She earned her doctorate in music education from Florida State University. A champion fiddler, she has won the southeast United States Scottish Fiddle Championship for 10 years in a row (2006-2015). She has also won awards for her Irish, Old-Time and Scandinavian fiddle playing. Dr. Ivey directs the Florida State University Old Time Ensemble and serves as an academic advisor for undergraduate music majors at FSU. She has recorded several CD's with different musicians and she has written several instructional fiddle books in different styles. Aisha served four terms as president of The Florida State Fiddlers Association and she continues to direct their youth outreach program: The Tallahassee Youth Jam.
Gathel Runnels is best known for his bluegrass fiddling, but he is also an amazing banjo player. He has played with many famous bluegrass musicians over the years, including the legendary Kenny Baker, among others. He loves passing along his knowledge of the music and jamming with others.
Drew Thomas grew up contra dancing while her parents played in dance bands in Central Florida. At festivals, she would idolize clogging groups before joining the Hot Pepper Steppers of Tallahassee in 2016. A welcoming force in the old time community, Drew will encourage any and every one to stand up and start tapping their feet. She is an active member of the Tallahassee Old Time community who can be found at jams playing banjo, guitar, a banjo ukulele, or clogging along.
