Well, the Métis are the descendants of French and Scottish fur traders and First Nations people in Western Canada, particularly Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Métis fiddling is a bit similar to French Canadian fiddling, but is a distinct style. Although I like it, I haven't heard a lot of it, so I can't comment much further. As far as I can tell, the best-known Métis fiddler is Calvin Vollrath, and if you've ever heard of a tune called the "Red River Jig," that's probably the best-know Métis tune.
But I had to say-- I'm also from B.C., started fiddle in the past couple months, and the reason I started was an absolute adoration for Natalie MacMaster and other Cape Breton characters of her sort. I love her music! and some day I plan to travel there when I've enough experience to properly soak in the positive Cape Breton tradition vibes.
Well, my first exposure to Cape Breton fiddling was really through Natalie MacMaster too, back on my first cross-Canada trip in 1998, although I'd heard the Rankins before that without really realizing what they were. So she's one of the major factors in me taking up the fiddle as well.
Then, back in 2000 just before my family got our first fiddle (in Halifax!) I listened to the Nova Scotia Kitchen party on CBC, and that really got me interested.
I particularly remember the day Natalie was on, and someone wrote in with the comment "I'm in love with Natalie MacMaster!"
And I don't think it's ever too early to soak in the Cape Breton tradition vibes, personally.
Hey! This will be my 4th or 5th year I think, going up to the Ceili Trail School. Awesome! It's really great fun. You'll love it. And one of the best parts is the dances at night! It's crazy! (and wait till you see Richard dance!) Who are you? We'll have to introduce ourselves that first day!
So you're going to intermediate week too? And you've been at least *four* times? Wow. I'm looking at this as pretty much a once-in-a-lifetime thing, or at least, once-in-a-really-long-time. I suppose you're probably significantly closer to Nova Scotia than I am, though.
But we will have to introduce ourselves. Also, do you have any recommendations on getting to the school? My brother and I are beginning to seriously think we're going to have to hitchike (or walk!) from Whycocomagh or Port Hastings, which seem to be the nearest bus stations.
oops. I forgot that they're doing the different levels on different weeks. It used to be everyone all at once. I'm actually going to the advanced session :( About getting there though, you can usually find other people around you who have cars and are also going to the school. Lots of people just make friends real quick and then have a carpool situation all week. Or if you can't find anyone, talk to Janine (the school coordinator) and she'll help you out. She's even had people stay with her! Something always works out. But just out of curiosity, where do you live? And how old are you?
Hmm, well, too bad you won't be at the same week as me, but awesome that you're going to Advanced week - I'm a bit worried about myself in Intermediate!
I hope it won't be a problem getting around. Janine does assure me it can be done without a car - It's mostly getting to Mabou where I'm staying for the first time I'm worried about.
Anyway, I'm twenty, and I'm from British Columbia.
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And hello to you too.
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meh...
you'll have a lot of fun
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But I had to say-- I'm also from B.C., started fiddle in the past couple months, and the reason I started was an absolute adoration for Natalie MacMaster and other Cape Breton characters of her sort. I love her music! and some day I plan to travel there when I've enough experience to properly soak in the positive Cape Breton tradition vibes.
Toorah loorah,
G
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Then, back in 2000 just before my family got our first fiddle (in Halifax!) I listened to the Nova Scotia Kitchen party on CBC, and that really got me interested.
I particularly remember the day Natalie was on, and someone wrote in with the comment "I'm in love with Natalie MacMaster!"
And I don't think it's ever too early to soak in the Cape Breton tradition vibes, personally.
Reply
This will be my 4th or 5th year I think, going up to the Ceili Trail School. Awesome! It's really great fun. You'll love it. And one of the best parts is the dances at night! It's crazy! (and wait till you see Richard dance!)
Who are you? We'll have to introduce ourselves that first day!
Reply
But we will have to introduce ourselves. Also, do you have any recommendations on getting to the school? My brother and I are beginning to seriously think we're going to have to hitchike (or walk!) from Whycocomagh or Port Hastings, which seem to be the nearest bus stations.
Reply
About getting there though, you can usually find other people around you who have cars and are also going to the school. Lots of people just make friends real quick and then have a carpool situation all week. Or if you can't find anyone, talk to Janine (the school coordinator) and she'll help you out. She's even had people stay with her! Something always works out.
But just out of curiosity, where do you live? And how old are you?
Reply
I hope it won't be a problem getting around. Janine does assure me it can be done without a car - It's mostly getting to Mabou where I'm staying for the first time I'm worried about.
Anyway, I'm twenty, and I'm from British Columbia.
Reply
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