Intermediate Old-Time Canadian Fiddle
In this class we’ll explore several of the different regional styles of fiddling we enjoy in Canada, including Ottawa Valley, Western Canadian, Métis, Maritime, Cape Breton and French Canadian. We will explore what makes each of these styles unique, and learn to play tunes distinctive to each style and apply the bowing patterns, phrasings, and ornamentation techniques that correspond to the various regions. All of these styles are based on some type of dance tradition, and we will learn a variety of different types of tunes that are common in most Canadian fiddle traditions, including jigs, reels, two-steps, polkas, waltzes, airs, etc. We will discuss the development of your own fiddle style and how the various techniques we are learning might be applied more broadly. Tunes will be taught “by ear” so please bring a recording device to help you remember everything. We will be mindful of keeping with the roots of this tradition – getting together to make music and have a great time in a relaxed, social environment!
April Verch
For over two decades, fiddler, singer, songwriter and step dancer April Verhttps://aprilverch.com/ch has been recording and captivating listeners worldwide. The Ottawa Valley native has garnered praise from music’s heavy hitters including NPR, Rolling Stone, No Depression and more, for her fresh and feisty approach to deep North Americana. Verch’s signature sound blends together regional Canadian, American old-time, classic country and more, resulting in a well-rounded, tour-de-force of traditional sounds. On stage is where her diverse repertoire comes to life, with a presence that is versatile, robust, and masterfully executed. Her delicate voice, energetic footwork and stunning playing have brought her to stages across the globe, wowing audiences with her jaw-dropping performance.
With 18 albums under her belt, Verch, is a seasoned veteran. She won’t be the one to tell you about her championship titles, nominations and awards, or the fact that she was one of 6 fiddlers who represented the Canadian fiddle tradition to the world at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. Instead, in speaking with her, you’ll hear about how passionate she is about sharing her music; in small gatherings in remote communities in Iqaluit, to large prestigious concert halls like Mozartsal in Vienna. A skilled teacher, she teaches private Zoom lessons, is in demand to instruct at music camps around the world. In addition, April works for Canis Major Music, and is Director of the Acadia Festival for Traditional Music & Dance, a weeklong camp and concert series held in Maine each year.