Doug Fleener, age 17, is one of the nation’s finest young artists. Born in Elizabethtown, Kentucky he got hooked on contest fiddling at the age of 12 after he was awarded fifty dollars and a certificate at his first contest. By age 14 his passion for fiddling earned him thirty-six top three placements at various regional contests. At age 15 Doug achieved State Championship titles in Kentucky and Alabama, fifteen top three placements, as well as being a finalist at the 35th Annual Grand Master Fiddler Championship. In 2007 Doug achieved State Championship titles in Indiana and Ohio in addition to numerous first place wins.

Nationally, Doug has earned recognition for his fine musicianship and prolific talent in contest fiddling. Doug won runner up ath the American String Teachers Association 2007 Alternative Styles Contest, and runner up at the National Old-time Fiddlers contest in Weiser Idaho. He also placed ninth at the prestigious 26th Annual Grand Master Fiddler Championship.

At age 16, Doug released his debut album, Foolin’ Around, and has played on the Red River Fiddlers Live debut album. Doug’s classical violin accomplishments include Principal Second Violin for the All-State Commonwealth String Orchestra and Bowling Green Youth Orchestras. He has also shown musical leadership as concertmaster for the Grayson County High School Orchestra and is currently a member of the performing group the Red River Fiddlers.

July 2008