Q&A for FH in Westford, MA, Nov 2-5, 2023

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General & Registration Questions
Click on a Question below to see the Answer.

What happens at Fiddle Hell In Person?

For many years, the Fiddle Hell Massachusetts Festival has been a yearly gathering of fiddlers, cellists, mandolin & guitar & banjo players, and singers to meet, jam, learn, listen, and have fun. It's both friendly and diverse, and covers many traditional musical styles. This year, it's Nov 2-5, 2023, in Westford, MA.

As a registered attendee, you'll have an amazing choice of 325 workshops, 20 concerts, and 35 jam sessions. Teaching at Fiddle Hell is primarily by ear although sheet music may occasionally be available.

Even though FH is in person, attendees are encouraged to use Whova, an online event system that helps you access agenda details, download handouts, see messages and announcements, visit the virtual exhibits, ask questions about sessions or in general, and (optionally) connect with other attendees.

Whova is optional at Fiddle Hell, but we highly recommend using it on your phone, tablet, or laptop during the Festival. Attendees have used Whova at Fiddle Hell In-Person last year, and at all of the Fiddle Hell Online events we've had, and really like it.

What are the COVID Safety Protocols at Fiddle Hell?

Fiddle Hell is in person on Nov 2-5, in Westford, MA, with fantastic instructors and a great schedule. From a COVID safety standpoint, you may have questions about what we are doing at the event and what we are asking you to do. Here are the answers:

Overall

Fiddle Hell Massachusetts LLC has determined the Covid safety protocols below for the Fiddle Hell Massachusetts Festival (FH), Nov 2-5, 2023, and may modify these protocols at its sole discretion. We trust our caring community to find the right balance of caution and fun given these safety protocols, and to treat fellow FH attendees with respect.

Before FH

  1. Each attendee, instructor, performer, and FH staff member must have received EITHER:
    - the initial Covid vaccines and a Covid booster, OR
    - any Covid vaccine or booster since September 1, 2022

The CDC currently recommends bivalent mRNA Covid-19 vaccines (Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech, available since Sept 1, 2022) or the Novavax Covid-19 vaccine to protect yourself and others.

  1. We ask you as an attendee, instructor, performer, or staff member to test negative on a self-administered rapid Covid test on the morning of your first day at FH before arriving at the registration room. If you are flying or traveling a long distance, you may instead test negative on a rapid test within the 24 hours before your first day at FH. 
  2. If you test positive on your rapid Covid test, do not attend.
  3. If you have Covid symptoms, do not attend regardless of test results. Symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.
  4. If you have been exposed to someone with a known or suspected Covid case in the 10 days prior to FH, do not attend.
  5. If you’ve recently recovered from Covid and have been symptom free for 10 or more days without the use of fever-reducers, you may attend with a negative rapid test result on the morning of your first day at FH before arriving at the registration room.
  6. We will honor refund requests due to Covid symptoms, exposure, or positive test results. 

On Site in Westford, MA

  1. Upon arrival, attendees, instructors, performers, and staff members must:
    - Provide proof of your Covid vaccination status as described in point 1 above (physical or digital vaccine card or photo of it)
    - Attest to your negative rapid Covid test result as described in point 2 above
    - Sign a FH Attendee Waiver form in person if you have not already signed it online
  2. The number of attendees on each day will be limited through limits on ticket sales before and at FH 
  3. Masks are optional but welcome at FH workshops, jams, and concerts. Free masks (both surgical and higher-filtration N95, KN95, or KF94 masks) will be available at FH to anyone who would like them.  
  4. In the main concert hall, there will be a masks-only section for those wishing to sit near others who are also masked.
  5. Anyone who tests positive or develops symptoms consistent with Covid during FH will be asked to leave the event immediately and will be entitled to a pro-rated refund.
Where do I find out about the instructors and schedule?

The instructors are listed at https://fiddlehell.org/staff including their bios. You can view the detailed schedule of concerts, jams, and workshops at  https://fiddlehell.org/schedule .

Once you have bought your Fiddle Hell ticket, and set up your Whova account on the device of your choosing, you can also peruse the sessions and instructors through the Whova Agenda > Sessions and Agenda > Staff menus. If there are sessions you'd like to remember, add them to "My Agenda" in Whova. 

You can attend any workshops, jams, and concerts you like; there are no individual session signups at Fiddle Hell.

What do the workshop and jam levels (L1, L2, L3, L4) mean?

Levels are discussed in detail at https://fiddlehell.org/info/session-levels. Our four levels are approximations that you can use as guidelines to help pick your workshops and jams.

Levels indicate two things: the difficulty of the material covered and the pace of the session. L1 (beginner) sessions will have the easiest material and will be at a slow pace. L4 (advanced) sessions will have the most difficult material and will be at a rapid pace. L2 (low intermediate) and L3 (high intermediate) levels are in between.

Of course, your level may vary by instrument, by style, by technical facility, by ability to learn by ear, and more. Feel free to attend any workshops and jams you'd like, expecting that they will be taught and led at the advertised level(s). Also, feel free to leave any session that doesn't feel right for you and join a different one - or join an informal jam in the hallways. 

What sessions should I attend? Do I need to sign up in advance for particular workshops?

There are 20 concerts, 35 jams, and 325 workshops. During each of the four days Nov 2-5, we'll alternate 60-minute sessions with 30-minute breaks. There are also dinner breaks from 6-7:30PM on each day. A few sessions will be 70 minutes instead, with a 20-minute break at the end. In many time slots, you'll find a concert. In most time slots, we'll have a jam, and up to 16 workshops (except during the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Night Concert).

To decide which sessions to attend, look at the style (such as Old-Time, Irish, Scottish, New England, Bluegrass, etc.), the target instruments (such as fiddle, cello, guitar, mandolin, banjo, ...), the instructors or performers, the level of the session, and of course the session title and description. It's fun to stretch out and try a new style or instrument - or just to relax and watch a fun concert.

You can attend any sessions you want without the need to sign up for them. A few sessions may have capacity limits based on room size.

How much do Fiddle Hell Tickets Cost? Are discounts available?

Early bird tickets (10% discount) will be available starting July 3 at noon ET, through Sept 30. Regular tickets will be available from Oct 1 through Nov 1, and during Fiddle Hell if space is available. 

There is an additional 10% discount on tickets for younger and older players (and ASTA members).

Tickets are limited in number, and we suggest buying yours early (which also enters you in more giveaways).

Turn your phone sideways to see the prices below.

Early Bird Tickets  4 Days 3 Days Th-Fr  Fr-Sa  Sa-Su   Th   Fr   Sa   Su
 Adult (26-64)  $360 $290 $200 $235 $200 $100 $140 $140  $100
 Senior (65 or older)  $325 $260 $180 $210 $180 $90 $125 $125  $90
 Young Adult (18-25)  $325 $260  $180 $210 $180 $90 $125 $125  $90 
 Teen (13-17)  $325 $260 $180 $210 $180 $90 $125 $125  $90 
 Kid (12 or Under)  $325 $260  $180 $210 $180 $90 $125 $125  $90 
 ASTA Member  $325 $260  $180 $210 $180 $90 $125 $125  $90
 Non-playing parent  $180  $145  $100  $120 $100 $50 $65 $65 $50 

 

Regular Tickets  4 Days 3 Days Th-Fr  Fr-Sa  Sa-Su   Th   Fr   Sa   Su
 Adult (26-64)  $400 $320 $220 $260 $220 $110 $125 $125  $110
 Senior (65 or older)  $360 $290 $200 $235 $200 $100 $115 $115  $100
 Young Adult (18-25)  $360 $290  $200 $235 $200 $100 $115 $115  $100 
 Teen (13-17)  $360 $290 $200 $235 $200 $100 $115 $115  $100 
 Kid (12 or Under)  $360 $290  $200 $235 $200 $100 $115 $115  $100 
 ASTA Member  $360 $290  $200 $235 $200 $100 $115 $115  $100
 Non-playing parent  $200  $160  $110  $130 $110 $55 $70 $70 $55 

What are the giveaways for early bird registration?

Wow! Fiddle Hell is giving away a violin by F. Hell to an early bird registrant for November FH!
 
Sign up in July for THREE chances to win the violin; in August for TWO chances; in September for ONE chance. Other early bird giveaways include books, CDs, strings, Fiddler magazines, and online lessons. Why wait?

We had a special drawing on July 12th for two great seats at the July 26th Big Richard performance (with Joy Adams) at Club Passim, Cambridge, MA.

Franz Hell was a Norwegian who trained as an instrument maker in Elmshorn, Germany. After finishing his apprenticeship in 1919, he returned to Norway, where he worked for a couple of years before emigrating to Chicago in 1921. The instrument is labelled "Franz Hell" and branded "FH" on the neck joint.  

Luthier Jess Fox has just set up the F. Hell violin nicely with a new bridge, sound post, Wittner tailpiece, end button, and strings. The tuning pegs work smoothly, the wood grain is beautiful on top and back, and the instrument is responsive and warm sounding. You have to provide the bow, but it comes in a good suspension case.

Label cropped

  FH stamp on neck joint

 

Angled view and end button cropped

 

View from scroll side

How do I register with a credit or debit card?

Go to the Registration Page. During the registration process, you'll be able to register just one person or several. You'll be asked some questions about each person being registered (email, state, instruments, ...), and will read and check off an Attendee Agreement for each person registered. Credit and debit card payments are accepted.

Can I register by sending a check instead?

Credit and debit cards are accepted at our Registration Page. However, it is possible to pay by check by mail before the event, or at the event itself.

Since tickets are limited, first send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with each person's name, ticket category (e.g., Senior), email address, and days desired. This will let us set aside one or more tickets for you - if they haven't sold out.

Then send a check in the mail right away (mail can be slow these days) to Fiddle Hell Massachusetts LLC, PO Box 316, Lexington, MA 02420-0316. Along with your check, remind us again of each person's name, ticket category (e.g., Senior), email address, and days desired. We'll then send you a 100% discount code (specific to each person) to use for online registration at https://fiddlehell.org/registerEach attendee needs a unique email address, and each will need to sign a Liability Waiver online after registering. 

Are scholarships available? How do I apply?

Yes! Thanks to generous contributors to our Scholarship Fund, a number of scholarships (and partial scholarships) are available to those who can't afford the fees. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to describe your request and circumstances 

You don't have to wait for registration to open to send an email.

Your contributions to our Scholarship Fund are greatly appreciated! You can contribute during registration and also at https://fiddlehell.org/online/donations (even if you're not registering).

Should I wait until the last moment to register?

Registration opens on July 3, at noon ET.

Tickets are limited, and certain days may sell out. 

Register early to:
- Be sure of a ticket for the days you want
- Save 10% on early bird tickets and be entered in our giveaways
- Be able to reserve a room at the Westford Regency if you need one
- Plan your own agenda (with the My Agenda feature in Whova)
- Ask questions about sessions
- See announcements about new sessions and more
- Post to community discussion topics (like instruments for sale)
- Browse through our virtual exhibitors

We have some funds available currently for full and partial scholarships - these will run out as FH gets nearer.

Can kids under 18 attend Fiddle Hell?

Of course! Kids can attend FH and many have in the past. It's a great chance for them to learn, hear and try out new styles and techniques, have fun, and meet new and old friends.

There is a 10% discount for Teens (13-17) and Kids (12 or under). Teens and kids are welcome at all sessions; the session descriptions should be useful in making decisions about what will interest them. There are also 7 or 8 sessions specifically for teens and kids planned for this year's Fiddle Hell.

Teen (13-17) Attendees
A parent or guardian can purchase a ticket for a teen (13-17). Teens (13-17 years old) are required to have an accompanying, responsible adult (18+) present on the premises of the Westford Regency at the 2023 Fiddle Hell Massachusetts Festival with them.  The accompanying adult is responsible for the teen’s safe and non-disruptive participation in and/or attendance at Fiddle Hell Festival activities, including following all FH rules and policies whether general or COVID-related. The accompanying adult must be registered at Fiddle Hell as an Adult, Young Adult, Senior, or Non-Playing Parent. The accompanying adult may be the parent or guardian of the teen, or perhaps a musical older sibling of the teen, or the teen's music teacher.

During the registration process, the parent or guardian of the teen will need to agree to the Attendee Agreement for the teen, and will need to agree to these additional terms when checking in at Fiddle Hell during the event. 

Kid (12 or under) Attendees
A parent or guardian can purchase a ticket for a kid (12 or under).  Kids (12 or under) are required to have an accompanying, responsible adult (18+) at the 2023 Fiddle Hell Massachusetts Festival with them AT ALL TIMES, INCLUDING IN EACH SESSION. Non-Playing Parents are requested to sit in the back of the session room if space is tight.  The accompanying adult is responsible for the kid’s safe and non-disruptive participation in and/or attendance at Fiddle Hell Festival activities, including following all FH rules and policies whether general or COVID-related. Since the kid may be using Whova on a mobile device (phone, tablet) and/or laptop or desktop, to comply with the U.S. Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA), the accompanying adult should ensure that the kid avoids sharing on Whova any personal information, including but not limited to the kid's name, Whova display name (which should be anonymized), address, phone number, revealing chat postings, self photos or other photos of kids under 12. The accompanying adult must be registered at Fiddle Hell as an Adult, Young Adult, Senior, or Non-Playing Parent. The accompanying adult may be the parent or guardian of the teen, or perhaps a musical older sibling of the teen, or the teen's music teacher.

During the registration process, the parent or guardian of the kid will need to agree to the Attendee Agreement for the kid, and will need to agree to these additional terms when checking in at Fiddle Hell during the event. 

How Do I Reserve a Hotel Room at Fiddle Hell?

Hotel room reservations at the Westford Regency are available only to registered attendees, on a first-come, first-served basis once FH registration opens. Rates are $108/night/room, plus taxes. If you wish to book a room, please call the Westford Regency Inn at (978) 692-8200 AFTER you have bought your FH ticket (you'll receive a room booking code in your confirmation email). Please consider sharing your room with a friend (most rooms have 2 beds, or 1 bed and a foldout couch)! Once the Westford Regency rooms are sold out, the hotel will maintain a waiting list. The sister hotel Boxboro Regency is 15 minutes away and will likely match the FH rate.  There are two other nearby hotels, which do not match the FH room rate. Or just stay nearby with a local friend, or commute if you live close enough.

What happens once I register as an attendee?

1. The ticket purchaser will receive a confirmation email from Whova with ticket purchase details. Other attendees whose tickets were purchased at the same time will also get a confirmation email.

2. Please set up your Whova account (see the Whova question for how to do this). This can be done any time after August 4.

Whova is the online event system that helps you access agenda details, download handouts, see messages and announcements, visit the virtual exhibits, ask questions about sessions or in general, and (optionally) connect with other attendees. Whova is optional at Fiddle Hell, but we highly recommend using it on your phone, tablet, or laptop during the Festival.

3. Eventually, each attendee will get an email from Fiddle Hell asking them to sign the Attendee Agreement online. You do need to sign this to attend the event. You can also sign it within Whova on a mobile device at Resources > WaiverForm .

4. Please help spread the word about Fiddle Hell to your musical friends - fiddlers, mando players, cellists, guitarists, banjo players, singers, and more. You can direct them to our Fiddle Hell website, our Facebook group, our YouTube channel (for jam videos), or our Instagram channel.  

5. When the detailed Agenda is available in September, think about which sessions you'd like to attend. You'll see these listed at https://fiddlehell.org/Schedule and in the Whova Agenda.  In Whova, you can add them to My Agenda just to keep track of them.  You can attend any sessions you want without the need to sign up for them. A few sessions may have capacity limits based on room size.

6. Get ready to try out new tunes and styles, pick up techniques and nuances, enjoy hearing others play, participate in guided jams, hear great concerts, connect with old friends and make new ones. Whatever your level and musical preferences, you'll find a supportive community and kindred spirits. There will be 13 year olds and 83 year olds, local musicians and attendees from far away, players who perform regularly and those who rarely play for anyone.

Speaking for the Fiddle Hell organizers - and all the instructors, performers, and staff - I hope you'll enjoy the event as it unrolls, and have fun throughout Fiddle Hell. Relax and experience this unique gathering!
- Dave Reiner

What Does the Attendee Agreement Say? How Do I Sign It?

You'll need to accept this Attendee Agreement as you register. And each attendee will need to sign this same agreement online later on, in response to an email from Fiddle Hell. Parents, guardians, and responsible adults are asked to sign on behalf of their teens (13-17) and/or kids (12 or under) who are attending.

You can also sign the agreement within Whova on a mobile device at Resources > WaiverForm .

What is Whova? How Do I Set Up My Whova Account for Fiddle Hell?

Fiddle Hell is in person in November - but we use a helpful app called "Whova". 

Whova is the online event system that helps you access agenda details, download handouts, see messages and announcements, visit the virtual exhibits, ask questions about sessions or in general, and (optionally) connect with other attendees.

Whova is optional at Fiddle Hell, but we highly recommend using it on your phone, tablet, or laptop during the Festival. The attendees at the last four ONLINE Fiddle Hells have used Whova and been quite pleased with it. We'll assist you with Whova if needed when you're at Fiddle Hell.

Once you've bought your Fiddle Hell ticket, you'll need to set up your Whova account and sign in as described below. This can be done any time after Sept 15.

*** Helpful Links ***
For iPhones and iPads, here's the Whova app you're looking for in the App Store preview: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/whova-event-conference-app/id716979741 
Here's how to get apps on an iPadhttps://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/get-apps-ipad9b4cea76/ipados 
For Android phones and Android tablets, here's the Whova app you're looking for in the Play Store preview: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.whova.event  
For laptops and desktops, no app is needed. The Whova Web portal for Fiddle Hell is at https://fiddlehellwestford.com 
*** End of Helpful Links ***

For smart phones, iPads, tablets or other mobile devices, download the Whova Event & Conference App.
If you already have a Whova account (perhaps from Fiddle Hell Online), sign in with your email address and password, and look for the event "Fiddle Hell In-Person - Fall 2023". You might have to search events for "fiddle" to find the right one. If you don't have a Whova account, sign up with the same exact email address used for your registration as an attendee and a password you create, and then look for the event.

For a LAPTOP or DESKTOP computer, ideally with the Chrome browser, go to www.fiddlehellwestford.com (not fiddlehell.com).
If you already have a Whova account (perhaps from Fiddle Hell Online), sign in with your email address and password. If you don't have a Whova account, where it says "Don't have an account?" click "Sign up here". Sign in with the same exact email address used for your registration as an attendee, and create a new password. On a laptop or desktop computer, you don't need to download any software - the Whova Web Portal is browser-based.

Troubleshooting:
If you are asked for an "invitation code" when you're using an iPad or other mobile device to set up your Whova account,
make sure to download the Whova Event & Conference App first and use the App to set up your account. Then you should be able to see Fiddle Hell right away as one of "My Events" or you can seach for it in "Find My Event".

If you are asked for an "invitation code" when you're using a laptop or desktop to set up your Whova account, it's usually because you're using a different email address than the one you gave when you bought your Fiddle Hell ticket. Please try again, using the same email address you gave when you bought your FH ticket. Fiddle Hell staff can help if needed.

Questions?
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

How Can I Order a Fiddle Hell T-SHIRT?

Shirts are available now for pre-order here. There are 5 styles, each in a different color. You can pick up your shirts at Fiddle Hell Central (= the Registration Room) anytime during Fiddle Hell. No shipping charge!

A small number of short- and long-sleeved t-shirts will also be available at the Fiddle Hell Store in Westford, for $15 and $19, respectively.

What's the Fiddle Hell Common Tune list?

The Fiddle Hell Common Tune list consists of 104 tunes that were suggested by the Reiner Family Band (the original 52) and by Fiddle Hell attendees (the new 52). It's a list of exciting tunes in various styles; most are traditional and a few are by known composers. These are suggested for your repertoire, and often show up in jams or workshops. Of course, many tunes not on the list are also played regularly at Fiddle Hell.

The Reiner Family Band has recorded the common tunes (played both fast and slow) on two 2-CD sets, available in the Fiddle Hell Store (in the Registration Room) for $15/set. These are also available online, with free shipping to US addresses, at the Fiddle Hell Store.

How Do I Fill Out My Fiddle Hell Survey After the 4 Days Are Over?

Please help us make Fiddle Hell better by filling out our anonymous survey after the November event at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FiddleHellNov2023

We read all responses carefully!

General & Registration Questions

Technical Questions
Click a Question below to see the Answer. 

What is Whova? How do I set up my Whova account for Fiddle Hell?

Fiddle Hell is in person in November - but we use a helpful app called "Whova". 

Whova is the online event system that helps you access agenda details, download handouts, see messages and announcements, visit the virtual exhibits, ask questions about sessions or in general, and (optionally) connect with other attendees.

Whova is optional at Fiddle Hell, but we highly recommend using it on your phone, tablet, or laptop during the Festival. The attendees at the last four ONLINE Fiddle Hells have used Whova and been quite pleased with it. We'll assist you with Whova if needed when you're at Fiddle Hell.

Once you've bought your Fiddle Hell ticket, you'll need to set up your Whova account (after Sept 15) and sign in as described below.

*** Helpful Links ***
For iPhones and iPads, here's the Whova app you're looking for in the App Store preview: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/whova-event-conference-app/id716979741 
Here's how to get apps on an iPadhttps://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/get-apps-ipad9b4cea76/ipados 
For Android phones and Android tablets, here's the Whova app you're looking for in the Play Store preview: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.whova.event  
For laptops and desktops, no app is needed. The Whova Web portal for Fiddle Hell is www.fiddlehellwestford.com .
*** End of Helpful Links ***

For smart phones, iPads, tablets or other mobile devices, download the Whova Event & Conference App.
If you already have a Whova account (perhaps from Fiddle Hell Online), sign in with your email address and password, and look for the event "Fiddle Hell In-Person - Fall 2023". You might have to search events for "fiddle" to find the right one. If you don't have a Whova account, sign up with the same exact email address used for your registration as an attendee and a password you create, and then look for the event.

For a LAPTOP or DESKTOP computer, ideally with the Chrome browser, go to www.fiddlehellwestford.com (not fiddlehell.com). 
If you already have a Whova account (perhaps from Fiddle Hell Online), sign in with your email address and password. If you don't have a Whova account, where it says "Don't have an account?" click "Sign up here". Sign in with the same exact email address used for your registration as an attendee, and create a new password. On a laptop or desktop computer, you don't need to download any software - the Whova Web Portal is browser-based.

Troubleshooting:
If you are asked for an "invitation code" when you're using an iPad or other mobile device to set up your Whova account,
make sure to download the Whova Event & Conference App first and use the App to set up your account. Then you should be able to see Fiddle Hell right away as one of "My Events" or you can seach for it in "Find My Event".

If you are asked for an "invitation code" when you're using a laptop or desktop to set up your Whova account, it's usually because you're using a different email address than the one you gave when you bought your Fiddle Hell ticket. Please try again, using the same email address you gave when you bought your FH ticket. Fiddle Hell staff can help if needed.

Questions?
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

How do I use Whova once I'm signed into it?
You may be on a laptop or desktop, preferably running the Google Chrome web browser. 

On an iPhone, Android phone, iPad, or Android tablet, you’ll have downloaded the Whova Event & Conference App, and the interface will be a little different.
  1. Laptop or Desktop: Sign in (using your email address and Whova password) to www.fiddlehellwestford.com .
    Phone or Tablet: 
    Open the Whova Event & Conference App, and open the event Fiddle Hell In-Person - Fall 2023

  2. You will see the Home page of Fiddle Hell on Whova, with a big banner, words of welcome, and a menu on the left. Here are the magical menu choices to help you navigate to different parts of Fiddle Hell:
Home – Big banner, video & words of welcome
Agenda >
      Sessions – See sessions, search for them, see details, make your own agenda
      Instructors - See instructor bios & sessions, send them messages 
Attendees – See & search for other attendees, send them messages
Community – See community discussions, see announcements
Messages – See your messages from other attendees & organizers, and respond
Photos – See photos people have posted
Exhibitors – Visit our wonderful virtual exhibitors
Resources >
      Session Q&A – Ask questions about sessions, see instructor responses if any
      Recordings – Videos of sessions (if any) & from virtual exhibitors
      How To -- Helpful answers to key questions     
      Handouts – Collects handouts from all sessions; you’ll see the right ones in each individual session at the bottom
      Floor Map - Shows you the layout of the Westford Regency, including FH Session Room numbers
      Take Survey - Take our anonymous survey after FH is over
      Whova Guides
 – The Whova Attendee User Guide is pretty good! 
  1. Click on Agenda > Sessions on the menu to get a Full Agenda of all sessions. As you look at the sessions, you can make your own agenda by clicking on "Add to My Agenda" on the right of a session. Next to the words “Full Agenda” at the top, click on “My Agenda” to see only those sessions you have added to “My Agenda”. Click on “Full Agenda” to go back to seeing everything. 

  2. You can filter sessions at the top left. Where it says “Filter by tracks” click on “Tracks” at the top to turn off all checkmarks, and then select the track you want (by type, style, level, instrument). Click “Tracks” at the top again to turn off filtering. You can also choose the day just below that – Thu, Fri, Sat, or Sun.  

  3. You can search for sessions across all days at the top middle search box. This is very helpful - it finds titles, instructors, and descriptions. If search doesn’t show what you expect, turn off filtering (#4 above). If you want to see sessions for a particular instructor, enter all or part of their name.

  4. When you see a session of interest, click on the View Session button to read more about it or to ask a question in the Session Q&A.  When you’re viewing a particular session, you can add it to or remove it from My Agenda or Like it. [Instructors can also see how many people have added their session to their agenda, and can moderate the Session Q&A for their sessions.] You can experiment to see what Show Agenda and Hide Agenda will do. At any time, you can click on Agenda in the menu column to restore the initial Full Agenda view.

How do I get Whova help if I need it?

During FH, at posted times (on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday), a technical help person will be available in the Registration Room. You'll also find that quite a few attendees, instructors, and staff members are familiar with Whova from using it at the five Fiddle Hell Online Festivals we've had and also the in-person FH in 2022. 

Also, you may find the answers you need (how to sign in, how to use Whova) at our Q&A page

Before or during Fiddle Hell, you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  It may take a little while to help you out; please be patient.

You can ask questions to the Whova support staff by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

How do I view and download handouts?

Here's how to view and download handouts from specific workshops and jams (or even all sessions).

Basic approach on laptop or desktop:
(a) You can see the handouts associated with a session when you are in the detailed session view (after clicking “View Session” in the agenda). If you click on the Download button to the right of one of them, it’ll open the handout in a new browser tab (but won’t actually download it to your computer). This is fine if you just want to see the handout - you can download it later.
 
(b) You then use the standard browser method to do a download (e.g., hover towards the bottom of the window on the Mac, the download icon at top right in Chrome, File / Export as PDF in Safari, etc.). However, the original PDF name is lost in these downloads (Thanks, Whova!). At least in Chrome, the recommended browser, you can rename the file before downloading it. 

(c) If you click on the "Handouts" menu choice instead, that will take a long time to load ALL the handouts. It's preferable to look at handouts in the detailed session views of interest.
 
On your phone or iPad there's a different (and in some ways better) approach
You can also view handouts by clicking on them in a session. And, in the Whova Event & Conference App, you can click on "Handouts" and then "Export All Documents" to get them ALL emailed to you in a zip file, with the handout names correct in the email and mostly preserved in the actual filenames.
How can I be a responsible and respectful Whova user at FH?

We're glad you asked! Most of this is just common sense to make FH a positive experience for you and other attendees. While we're in person in November, there is still an online component due to our use of Whova.

It is against Fiddle Hell Online policy (and your Attendee Agreement) to share your personal Whova password, discount codes, or any other links related to Fiddle Hell sessions with other attendees or non-attendees. Multiple concurrent sign-ons using the same email address will not be accepted by the Whova platform.

Please don't post inappropriate or derogatory photos, videos, comments, messages, links, or other material.

Please don't engage in cyberharassment, online bullying, or any activity prohibited by the Attendee Agreement on Whova, before, during, or after Fiddle Hell. 

Please be aware that violating the above requirements may result in your FH attendance being restricted or terminated at the discretion of FH without a refund of your ticket purchase price.

Are audio or video recording allowed?

Audio recording of a FH workshop or jam is allowed unless the instructor requests no audio recording.

If you wish to make a video recording of a FH workshop or jam, please ask the instructor first.  This may be allowed or not; it can be disruptive. 

To respect the professional instructors and performers, please DO NOT RECORD audio or video of any concerts at FH, including the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Night Concerts.

Occasionally, links to audio or video recordings of some tunes and songs taught during workshops may be provided in the workshop description before or after the workshop by instructors.

How do I sign up to be on the Original Tunes Concert or a feedback workshop?

Once you are registered for Fiddle Hell, contact the concert coordinator or the workshop instructor through Whova to request your inclusion. Lineups may be finalized shortly before FH, or slots may still be available at the time of the concert or workshop. Please recognize that slots are limited, and decisions of the instructors and coordinators are final.

How can I interact with my friends at Fiddle Hell?

Once you are registered for Fiddle Hell, you'll be able to interact in Whova with your registered friends (and make new friends) through messages and though Community discussion topics.

Once you arrive at Fiddle Hell in person, it's time for warm greetings, catching up, jams, and more! 

Logistics & Miscellaneous Questions 
Click a Question below to see the Answer. 

When is the next Fiddle Hell Massachusetts?

The next in-person Fiddle Hell Festival is November 2-5, 2023. 

The next online Fiddle Hell Festival is April 11-14, 2024.

How can I encourage my friends to attend?

Please do encourage your friends through social media to attend this epic event! With many styles, instruments, and levels represented, they're likely to find lots of workshops, jams, and concerts of interest. 

You can tell your friends this (customize as you like):

REALLY SHORT Version
I'm going to Fiddle Hell, Nov 2-5, 2023, in Westford, MA. I think you would really enjoy this amazing event! FH will have 315 hands-on workshops to learn from, 20 concerts to enjoy, and 35 guided jam sessions to join, for fiddle, mandolin, cello, guitar, banjo, & singing. Info and registration (and discounts) at https://FiddleHell.org 

SHORT Version: 
I'm going to Fiddle Hell, Nov 2-5, 2023, in Westford, MA. I think you would really enjoy this amazing event! FH will have 315 hands-on workshops to learn from, 20 concerts to enjoy, and 35 guided jam sessions to join, for fiddle, mandolin, cello, guitar, banjo, & singing. 65 instructors -- experienced & supportive teachers, and wonderful & inspiring players -- will cover Bluegrass, Blues, Cajun, Cape Breton, East European, Electric, Irish, Jazz, Jazz Manouche, Klezmer, New Acoustic, New England, Old-Time Southern, Québécois, Scottish, Swedish, and Swing styles. Go to https://fiddlehell.org/Register for Registration (discounts for seniors & young musicians, and for early birds), https://fiddlehell.org/Schedule to see the Schedule, https://fiddlehell.org/Staff for Instructors, and https://fiddlehell.org/info/Racial-Justice for the FH Racial Justice Statement.  You can also sign up for the Mailing List at https://fiddlehell.org/Contact, join the FH Facebook Group at https://Facebook.com/groups/FiddleHellMassachusetts, visit the Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/fiddlehell, subscribe to the FH YouTube channel at https://YouTube.com/FiddleHell, and visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/fiddlehell/.

LONG Version: 
I'm going to Fiddle Hell, Nov 2-5, 2023, in Westford, MA. I think you would really enjoy this amazing event! FH will have 315 hands-on workshops to learn from, 20 concerts to enjoy, and 35 guided jam sessions to join, for fiddle, mandolin, cello, guitar, banjo, & singing. 65 instructors -- experienced & supportive teachers, and wonderful & inspiring players -- will cover Bluegrass, Blues, Cajun, Cape Breton, East European, Electric, Irish, Jazz, Jazz Manouche, Klezmer, New Acoustic, New England, Old-Time Southern, Québécois, Scottish, Swedish, and Swing styles.

Historical and technical workshops are also on the program. Workshops and jams are designed for Beginners, Low Intermediates, High Intermediates, and Advanced players, although you can attend any sessions you like.

These inspiring and incredible sessions are a great value for players and listeners, with discounts for seniors and young musicians, and further discounts and giveaways for early bird signups.  Scholarships are available, too. Go to https://fiddlehell.org/Register for Registration (discounts for seniors & young musicians, and for early birds), https://fiddlehell.org/Schedule to see the Schedule, https://fiddlehell.org/Staff for Instructors, and https://fiddlehell.org/info/Racial-Justice for the FH Racial Justice Statement.  You can also sign up for the Mailing List at https://fiddlehell.org/Contact, join the FH Facebook Group at https://Facebook.com/groups/FiddleHellMassachusetts, visit the Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/fiddlehell, and subscribe to the FH YouTube channel at https://YouTube.com/FiddleHell, to replay & slow down jams for free. Finally, catch us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/fiddlehell/.

Visit https://fiddlehell.org to see the 4 teaching levels, the common tune list, repertoire CDs, jamming guidelines, links to online resources, and more. The Fiddle Hell event software from Whova, accessed from your web browser or tablet or phone once you’re registered, helps you browse the agenda, ask questions, chat with the FH community, and visit the virtual exhibitors.

I hope you'll register now and join me at this amazing event!

How does Fiddle Hell select instructors and performers?

We look for instructors who are great musicians; friendly, supportive, well-prepared, effective teachers; and diverse in backgrounds and gender identity. As we always do from year to year, for the November Fiddle Hell we're rotating some instructors out and some new ones in, to offer attendees an ever-changing lineup of musicians and sessions.  With the Online FHs, we were excited to add instructors with ties to Black and Indigenous music and musical history, and we'll be continuing to do this each year in the future both online and in person.

If you have a recommendation for an instructor, please let us know who and why at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on the Fiddle Hell Survey after the event. For in-person FHs, we focus on more local instructors. 

What’s Fiddle Hell doing to support racial justice and actively foster community inclusivity?

We have written a detailed statement outlining Fiddle Hell's efforts for racial justice and have shared it on our website. We hope you will read it to learn about how we are approaching this very important topic. We are committed to teaching and accurately attributing repertoire from Black and Indigenous sources, to supporting diverse instructors and performers, and to actively reaching out to and more explicitly welcoming BIPOC participants into the Fiddle Hell community. As you look through the FH Agenda, you will see sessions reflecting these goals.

Is there FOOD & DRINK at Fiddle Hell?

There are various food & drink options for FH attendees and instructors.

In the main hallway outside Fiddle Hell Central (= the Registration Room) are inexpensive sandwiches, salads, snacks, and drinks, from morning until late afternoon.

There are quick dinner buffets at a reasonable cost in the hotel lobby Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Also, there are dining options at Old Joe Clark's Pub and Stonybrook Café (these can be slow!). There's an official dinner break in 2023 from 6-7:30PM each night.

Within walking distance of Fiddle Hell are various fast and slower food options, and even more within a few minutes drive. There are also grocery stores in town.

Is there a Fiddle Hell Store for instructor CDs, books, and more?

Yes! It's in "Fiddle Hell Central" (the Registration Room). 100% of the proceeds go to the instructors.

Also, instructors' merchandise (recordings, books, etc.) is generally available through their own websites, which are usually listed in their bios in Whova. For the Reiner Family Band, books and CDs (including the two sets of Common Tune CDs), are also at our online Store.

Can I buy or sell an instrument at Fiddle Hell?

Yes, once you're registered, through messages in the Community Topic "Instruments for Sale or Trade or Wanted." At the in-person Fiddle Hell, you can post a notice on the Notice Board about the instrument you'd like to buy or sell, including description, price range, and your contact info (name, cell #, email)

Any sales or trades are private transactions between the parties, and Fiddle Hell Massachusetts LLC is neither directly involved nor responsible for transactions or any problems.

How can I order a Fiddle Hell T-Shirt?

Shirts are available now for pre-order here. There are 5 styles, each in a different color. You can pick up your shirts at Fiddle Hell Central (= the Registration Room) anytime during Fiddle Hell. No shipping charge!

A small number of short- and long-sleeved t-shirts will also be available at the Fiddle Hell Store in Westford, for $15 and $19, respectively.

 

What Is Fiddle Hell's Privacy Policy?

Our privacy policy is on the Policies menu here.

Do you share my email address with other attendees or sell it?

Fiddle Hell doesn’t sell your email address or share it with anyone externally.

The Whova system knows your email address, since you register and sign in with it, but doesn't share your email with other attendees.  If anyone sends you a message in Whova, your email is not shown to the sender. You can propose "Exchange contact info" with another Fiddle Hell attendee in the Mobile App, but they won't see your email unless you send it to them (and vice versa). If you visit a Virtual Exhibit and contact the exhibitor through the exhibit, your email will be sent along so the exhibitor can contact you.  But that's under your control.

Can I volunteer to help at Fiddle Hell in Westford?

We appreciate your enthusiasm! We are not currently seeking volunteers at Fiddle Hell.

In the meantime, you can help us a lot by recommending Fiddle Hell to your musical friends.