91. Kiana June Weber, an American-Irish Fiddler, educator, and entrepreneur discusses her career and implementing fiddling into the classroom and her teaching

Episode #91: Fiddling in the Classroom with Kiana June
Weber


In this exciting episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, we
welcome Kiana June Weber—renowned
American-Irish fiddler, educator, and
entrepreneur—to discuss her inspiring journey and how
teachers can incorporate fiddling into the
classroom.


A visionary educator and thought leader, Kiana has built a career
that blends traditional and modern approaches,
breaking down barriers in music education. From performing on
world stages with Barrage, Gaelic
Storm, and Come From Away, to mentoring
students across the globe, Kiana’s innovative methods help
develop technical mastery, creativity, emotional
intelligence, and personal growth.





In this episode, we’ll explore:


The benefits of integrating fiddling and alternative
styles into string education


Ways to engage and inspire young musicians through
crossover styles


strategies for implementing fiddling into your orchestra
program





Whether you’re a classroom teacher, private instructor,
or performer, this conversation will provide
fresh ideas and practical tools to expand your
students’ musical horizons. Tune in for an engaging discussion
with one of today’s most dynamic and forward-thinking string
educators!


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Kiana June Weber was born and raised on a farm just outside the
small town of Chelsea, Michigan. She began playing the piano at
the age of 5, but soon after, she begged her parents to let her
play the violin. At the age of 7, she started taking Suzuki
violin lessons and by 14, she was playing in the most elite youth
orchestras and ensembles in Michigan.


After graduating high school, Kiana attended the University of
Michigan (UM) where she studied violin with Stephen Shipps. While
at UM, she continued to gig with many bands while exploring
alternative styles on the violin. In 2007, Kiana formed her own
acoustic trio called the Daughters of Newgrass, which performed
original compositions of a diverse fusion of rock, Celtic,
Bluegrass, and Jazz. In 2009, Kiana’s studies were put on hold
when she was recruited by the world famous violin troupe,
Barrage.


Kiana toured with Barrage for three years and appeared in
theaters, festival stages, and television specials all over the
North America, Central America, Europe and Asia. One of the
highlights of her travels was performing on Beijing TV’s
televised Chinese New Year Special to an estimated 50 million
viewers. After Barrage Kiana returned to her studies and
graduated at the top of her class at University of Michigan’s
prestigious School of Music. In the fall of 2012, Kiana hit the
stage as the newest member of the famous Irish band, Gaelic
Storm.


In 2019 Kiana joined the touring cast of Tony Award Winning
musical Come From Away.  Playing fiddle with this
production, Kiana brings her expertise of Celtic music and
on-stage charisma to this first national tour. 


Website: kianajune.com


Instagram: instagram.com/kianajuneweber





links to upcoming events with Kiana:


https://www.kianajune.com/upcomingevents


Two free workshops that your listeners might love! 


* “From Zero to Fiddle in 60 minutes”  Designed to bring
classical players on their fiddling journey. Completely free. All
instruments are welcome. 





* “The Folk Orchestra”  A practical and hands-on workshop
discovering how to actually use and program fiddle tunes.


-- REFERRAL LINKS --


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