Ferry Reel

Alice Clemens was considered an expert fiddler and very knowledgeable about the tradition of fiddling in New York State. She was a New York State and North American Inductee to the North American Fiddler's Hall of Fame and Museum and was a co-founder of the New York State Old Tyme Fiddlers' Assn. This tune, The Ferry Reel was one of the most popular Contra and Long Dance tunes in New York State at one time. It is rarely played today.

Alice Clemens began to play fiddle at age nine. She took a few fiddle lessons, learned a few tunes from some uncles who lived a long distance away, but mostly learned to play on her own. She played in popular bands in the Redfield and Osceola area during the 1950's.  In the late 1960's and early 1970's her popularity grew and she became known throughout New York State as an excellent fiddler. She co-founded the New York State Old Tyme Fiddler's Association and traveled throughout New York State, New England and Ontario, Canada fiddling. She was a New York State Inductee into the North American Fiddler's Hall of Fame and Museum. Then was honored as a North American Inductee. She was also honored as a Tug Hill Sage and Traditional Arts in Upstate New York (TAUNY) Heritage Award honoree.