Northern Youth Fiddlers

      

 

 

This week we are going to hear first hand how fiddling is being revived in Northern Manitoba. Until 10 years there were only a few old time fiddlers in the North.  Thanks to one man, who started the first fiddling program in the small community of Sherridon 10 years ago, and brought his fiddlers to The Pas to showcase that year, fiddling has expanded all over Frontier School Division to more than 1000 fiddlers.  Please give a warm Trapper’s welcome to Mr. Blaine Klippenstein and his students from Barrows.  Blaine, also, heads a week long fiddle Camp in Barrows in July for youth and adults.

The communities of Norway House, Wabowden, Cormorant, Barrows and Pelican Rapids have all sent a few of their fiddlers to take part in Trapper’s Festival.  Their instructors are here as well: Erin Foreman is here from Norway House, JJ Guy teaches in Barrows and Pelican Rapids, and Robert Isfeld from The Pas teaches in Cormorant.  They are joined by the Metis Fiddlers from The Pas who are also taught by Robert Isfeld and sponsored by the Manitoba Metis Federation The Pas Region, Inc.  The Pas and Cormorant Metis Fiddlers just released a CD before Christmas and it is available for $15.  During Trappers' will be available at Headquarters. 

Some of our fiddlers have only been playing one year, while others have been playing up to 6 years.  You are in for a treat when you listen to these young fiddlers ages 7 to 16 as they play a variety of tunes, some old, some new, reflecting aboriginal culture music blended with music from all over the world. Accompanying the students on guitars are Ticky Allen and Robert and Jacqueline Isfeld.

 Mr. Cameron Baggins, Frontier School Division’s head fiddle instructor.  Cameron flies out of Winnipeg to many northern communities teaching and promoting fiddling and has brought a group of fiddlers from Wabowden.  For the last 7 years, Cameron has spearheaded a fiddling jamboree, most recently in Norway House, in which 500 fiddlers from all over the North meet for 4 days taking part in lessons from accomplished players and performing nightly performances for the public. 

Northern Youth Fiddlers Schedule

Wednesday, February 13	5:00 p.m.- 8:00	practice at MMF Hall(Gordon Ave.)
Thursday, February 14	9:30 a.m.	Kelsey Elementary School
	1:15 p.m.	Joe A. Ross School
	2:00 p.m.	St. Paul's Residence
	3:00	Otineka Mall(Food Court Center)
	4:00	Fiddling Contest (Otineka Mall-Food Court Center)
Friday, February 15	11:00 a.m.	Festival Headquarters
	7:00 p.m.	Stage Show