No more boys club for Monroeville.
The band has announced 23 year old Rachel Mayanovic as their new fiddler. Though new to performing professionally in the bluegrass world, Rachel, has been studying the music since she was a pre-teen. While being trained in classical violin during middle and high school, she pursued fiddle, mandolin and guitar on her own.
A full scholarship to Steve Kaufman’s Acoustic Kamp was awarded when Rachel was 16, which led to her studying privately with Bobby Hicks. Now that’s a resume!
She readily acknowledges the unique position she has in Monroeville.
“It’s tough being the lone woman in the band, because they make me act like a guy sometimes, as in I have to get ready in 15 minutes. That’s impossible when you have hair and makeup!
But I’m adjusting. They’re like big brothers.”
What started out as a group of six friends has had to deal with a number of personnel switches of late, as the pressures of a more aggressive touring schedule have taken a toll.
Original members include Matthew Munsey on mandolin, and Travis Houck on resonator guitar, with Eli Johnson on guitar, Carl White on bass, and Rachel on fiddle. The band is working without a banjo on many shows, but expect founding picker Zane Petty to do a number of shows with them over the course of the season.
Munsey says that they are taking the swaps in stride.
“We (Monroeville) have also had a few changes, and we ALL hate to see those things happen. Daniel, Scooter and Zane will always be our brothers, and will STILL make appearances with Monroeville, but with every change comes a different dynamic and sound.
We can say that we are truly excited for the sound of Monroeville!”
Keep an eye on the band at their web site, or click here to see more coverage of Monroeville at Bluegrass Today.
