About Membership

A. The benefits of membership are:

• You will join a community of musicians who regularly play old-time music for their own enjoyment
• You will receive a monthly jam schedule with announcements and organization news
• You will receive a discount on registration for Breakin’ Up Winter, our annual March weekend retreat
• You are eligible to participate in all NOTSBA functions including board of directors meetings
• You will be eligible to play in our Performance Ensemble (requires rehearsals)
• You will have the opportunity to meet and network with other musicians and people with a love for and interest in old-time music
• You will be helping to preserve and promote old-time string band music.

A. There is an informal jam etiquette that is followed, and newcomers are encouraged and offered help and support. Participants sit in a circle and take turns selecting tunes to be played by the group. The person who selected the tune being played indicates — usually by raising a foot — when the tune will stop; typically, a tune will be played through at least four or five times. Depending on the number of people in the group, each person might have the opportunity to select several tunes to play. We have a list of the tunes we play that can be used for reference.

A. Many Bluegrass songs have their roots in old-time music and many Celtic tunes have evolved into old-time tunes, so there is inevitably some sharing and crossover. NOTSBA’s focus is, however, old-time string band music played in ensemble format, a separate genre from Celtic or Bluegrass.

A. We may occasionally sing a song or two, but most of our old-time music is played instrumentally in string band format.

A. No. We are a group of primarily recreational musicians dedicated to playing and preserving old-time music. This includes helping beginning and intermediate players learn new tunes. We give players at all levels an opportunity to play with others, to increase their skills, and to develop their repertoire. Spectators are welcome, too.

A. “Parents and those children who live at home or attend college.” Grandparents and grandchildren can be included if they live in the same home as the person purchasing the membership.

A. The supporting memberships do not carry any direct voting privileges. Members of the Board of Directors vote. Membership and active volunteer service are requirements for eligibility for membership on the Board of Directors.

A. The IRS recognizes NOTSBA as a tax-exempt charitable education organization under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, but membership fees are not generally considered charitable donations when a person receives membership benefits in return. Whether any donation to a 501(c) (3) organization is tax-deductible is specific to each donor’s tax situation, and NOTSBA cannot give any tax advice. If you wish to make a contribution over and above the nominal membership fee, we are happy to accept and will provide a letter of acknowledgement that you can share with your tax preparer.

A. The choices available make joining NOTSBA easy.

1. You can register and pay online through this website by following the instructions in the next section below.
2. You may fill out a membership application form and mail it to NOTSBA with a check or money order to us at P O Box 160038, Nashville, TN 37216.
3. Sign up or renew your membership at Breakin’ Up Winter’s registration table by filling out a membership form and paying for it there.

A one year membership is $20 for an individual or $30 for a family.

A. Membership is not tied to the calendar year. Your membership fee covers the time paid for, either one or two years, from the date NOTSBA receives it. You will receive a renewal reminder 30 days before your membership expires.