Meet Ginny and the Gents

Our shared interest in old-time fiddle tunes brought us together. We're an unlikely gang, collaborating from four different counties. The joy we get from entertaining our audiences is worth the distance!

Our Musical Journey

Ginny

Ginny first picked up the violin as a third grader in Erie County. Her family moved frequently, but they always ensured that she had access to lessons. Looking back, she feels blessed for the strong support that ultimately led to the achievement of earning a chair in the NYSSMA All-State orchestra. Ginny's violin didn't get much attention while she studied computer science in college, but inevitably she started playing again, volunteering her talents to music ministry at her church. A few years ago at a Fiddlers' Fair, Ginny encountered a performance by the Fiddlers of the Genesee. They appeared to be having such a rollicking good time that it prompted her to join the group. The joys of fiddling moved Ginny to seek out more and she started collaborating with a smaller group of musicians who all happened to be gentlemen. This of course, inspired the name of the band that emerged from these musical gatherings.

Bill's musical journey began in childhood on the trumpet. That horn followed him to the University of Rochester and the Eastman School of Music where he performed with all kinds of ensembles. Settling on the idea of being a lawyer, Bill proceeded onto Syracuse College of Law where he still made time for trumpet. In 1967, he started practicing law in Rochester and eventually ended up in Canandaigua. Fast forward to the present, the desire to make music didn't fade. Bill took up rhythm guitar and mandolin and found a fun time with the Fiddlers of the Genesee. Inspired to play even more, Ginny and the Gents was formed.

Rick

Jonah

Bill

Jonah self taught himself the double bass for a few years and he began playing every Sunday morning with his church's worship team. He later found camaraderie with other musicians at jam nights, hosted by the Fiddlers of the Genesee. Eventually, he started performing with them all over the area. Wanting to level up his groove, he found a teacher, Eric Polenik, through the Hochstein School. When Ginny and the Gents needed a bassist, Jonah was excited to accept the invitation. Keeping the beat isn't his only endeavor. Jonah is pursuing an associates degree from FLCC while working part time, and when he's not busy, you can find him on a disc golf course.

Rick's love affair with the guitar started in his early teens and continues unabated to this day. His musical experiences span from rock bands to church choirs, from pit orchestras for community theater to his current passion for bluegrass and old-time string music.