Chelsea Needham

Interim Music Director
Fiddle / Penny Whistle

Chelsea Needham is the Interim Music Director of The Vanaver Caravan and a longtime collaborator, arranger, and cultural tradition-bearer within the company. In the final five years of Bill Vanaver’s life, Chelsea worked closely by his side—co-creating musical arrangements, guiding Caravan programs, and anchoring rehearsals with sensitivity and wit. Her bond with Bill was deeply musical, deeply human, and undeniably formative.

“I haven’t grandly exclaimed it, but I really do feel so grateful to have sat next to Bill (and feel like I was his go-to right-hand man) over the last 5 years. My relationship with TVC runs long due to SHF, but the last 5 years have meant so, so much to me, and every day I feel so lucky that Bill chose ME to sit by his side to make music with—when he could have chosen anyone. As we move ahead, I am tickled to be music directing the company, and I know how much pride Bill held that title with. I promise to always include a moment to consider, ‘What would Bill think?’”

Chelsea’s journey with music began early. She is a classically trained violinist and violist who gravitated toward folk and fiddle traditions as a young musician. As a teen, she became a frequent competitor on the fiddle circuit, earning ‘Grand Champion’ honors at dozens of competitions including the Pocono Bluegrass Festival, New England Fiddle Fest, Lyons Fiddle Contest, and Celtic Classic.

Her love for Scottish music deepened during a formative tour with the Strawberry Hill Fiddlers through Scotland and England. She returned two more times, studying with master fiddler James Alexander, performing at Speyfest, and becoming an honorary member of the Fochabers Fiddlers. Chelsea is now the director of the Strawberry Hill Fiddlers, mentoring the next generation of musicians with dedication and joy.

In 2022, she traveled to India with Livia and Bill Vanaver to work with students at the Aikiyam School—an experience that further affirmed her belief in music’s ability to build bridges across cultures and generations.

Chelsea brings a fresh perspective and deep reverence to her role—honoring legacy while embracing new ideas. Her musicality, creativity, and love for cultural preservation are the through-lines of her work. Whether she’s arranging an ensemble piece, leading a rehearsal, or passing on a beloved old tune, Chelsea leads with care, imagination, and enduring love for the music.