The Shivering Strings model means that sheet music and sound clips are provided prior to the weekend. Participants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the tunes ahead of time. This allows class time during the weekend to be devoted to exploring the "extras" that will help you make the tunes sound authentic, and experiment with bowings and other techniques.
Upon registration, you will be sent a link to all of the sound files and printed materials for the three classes.
If you are taking a Masterclass, tunes will be taught by ear during camp.
Our own Patti Kusturok has made a Manitoba Jam Tunes book that we'll be using during the Friday night jam during camp. If you already have a copy, bring this to the Jam. If you'd like to buy a new copy, click on the following links:
Click on this link to purchase a hard copy of Manitoba Jam Tunes Volume 1.
Click on this link to purchase a pdf copy of Manitoba Jam Tunes Volume 1.
This year's Fiddle Masterclass will be led by Mairi Rankin!
We're thrilled to offer a Fiddle Masterclass led by Mairi Rankin, an acclaimed Cape Breton fiddler, step dancer, educator, and member of the internationally renowned groups Beòlach and The Outside Track. Born in Mabou, Nova Scotia, Mairi has been shaped by the traditions of Cape Breton music and dance, while also drawing inspiration from her strong Scottish roots.
In this masterclass, Mairi will share her expertise in Cape Breton fiddling and traditional music, helping advanced players explore the nuances of style, ornamentation, rhythm, and musical expression that define this vibrant tradition. Drawing on her extensive experience as both a performer and educator, Mairi will offer valuable insights into developing musicality and confidence within traditional music.
This year's Piano Masterclass will be led by Troy McGillivray!
We're delighted to offer a Piano Masterclass led by Troy MacGillivray, an award-winning musician, educator, and composer from Lanark, Nova Scotia. With more than 30 years of experience as a performer and teacher, Troy is widely respected for his deep knowledge of Celtic and Gaelic musical traditions, piano artistry, and teaching style. A lifelong musician, he began teaching at the Gaelic College in Cape Breton at just 13 years old and has since built an career that has taken him around the world as both a performer and educator.
In this masterclass, Troy will work with advanced pianists to explore the musicality, rhythm, accompaniment techniques, and stylistic nuances that bring traditional Celtic piano playing to life. Drawing on his performance experience and traditional approach to music, Troy will share insights that help musicians develop connections to the traditions that shape the Celtic and Gaelic genre.
A touchstone of the weekend is the Saturday night Dance featuring a world class fiddle band and dance calling by Canadian fiddling icon, Gordon Stobbe. For people new to square-dancing, we will have a dance “primer” on Saturday afternoon.