The Colorado Old Time Fiddlers’ Association (COTFA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the art of fiddling through social gatherings and fiddle contests throughout Colorado and the Front Range. The group is comprised of fiddlers young and old, families, music educators and friends of great music.
Although its aim is to nurture the love of old-time music, the group itself is young. COTFA was formed in 2002 by past president Denice Carter and a dedicated group of volunteers.
COTFA members also travel throughout Colorado helping communities from the mountains to the plains preserving the uniquely American art form of Old Time Fiddling by helping coordinate fiddle contests at local fairs and festivals.
History
The Colorado Old Time Fiddlers’ Association, Inc. (“COTFA”) was formed in March of 2002 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation for the express purpose of promoting, preserving, and educating the public, throughout the State of Colorado, about the traditional American musical art form of old-time fiddling, with an emphasis on Texas-style contest fiddling.
COTFA seeks to fulfill the goal of promoting, preserving, and educating the public about old-time fiddling through (1) organizing, staging, and staffing the Colorado Fiddle Championships at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado; (2) organizing regional fiddle contests in other Colorado communities; (3) sponsoring fiddle and guitar workshops; (4) sponsoring jam sessions; (5) sponsoring old fashioned square dances with live fiddle music; and (6) providing tuition and instrument scholarships for students in need in the Denver metro area.
Mission Statement
The Colorado Old Time Fiddlers Association (COTFA) acts to promote and preserve through education and training, the traditional American art form known as old-time fiddling, with a special emphasis of Texas-style fiddling.
Non-discrimination Policy
COTFA does not and will not discriminate against those it serves or in its use of any donation made based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, age, or on any other basis prohibited by law.
