The Orange Ribbon Project
The Orange Ribbon Project was created to help raise awareness about Oliver Schroer's Leukemia battle and the disease in general. The project was started in April 2008 by Chelsea Sleep. "I've been adding a bright orange ribbon to the scrolls of fiddles of all my student's and fellow fiddler's who know at least one Oliver Schroer tune," Chelsea explains. "Those who don't know a tune written by Oliver are taught one, then given a ribbon." Of course, this is not exclusive to fiddles, as orange ribbons have been appearing on guitars, harps, cellos, accordions, banjos, trumpets, saxophones and even a ukelele.
Aside from raising awareness, Chelsea admits her other motive is to help promote Oliver and spread his tunes into the mainstream of fiddle and folk music.If you know a tune written by Oliver, let the world know by tying a ribbon to your fiddle or whatever instrument(s) you're playing. Everyone is invited and encouraged to take part in this project. You can find ribbon at most craft and fabric stores.
For those of you who don't know an Oliver tune, learn one now! Visit oliverschroer.com to find the audio file and sheet music for A Song for All Seasons (A Prayerful Hymn). This simple yet powerful piece is making its way around very quickly. [Or click here to hear/download the MP3.]
But don't forget! Once you've learned a tune and have a ribbon, help carry on the project by teaching the tune to as many people as you can.
Thank you all so much for your support. It means the world to me, to Oliver, and to so many others!
Chelsea Sleep