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Boston Harbor Scottish Fiddle School
August 9-16, 2008
Location:
Outward Bound Conference Center, Thompson Island
Boston Harbor Islands, Boston, Massachusetts
Sponsored By:
The Folk Arts Center of New England, Inc.
A Non-Profit Organization
42 West Foster Street, Melrose, Mass. 02176
www.facone.org
Information: 781-662-7475, fac@facone.org
News and updates: www.scottishfiddle.org and click on Boston Harbor
The Folk Arts Center is proud to present our sixth Boston Harbor Scottish Fiddle School - a residential session for fiddlers and their friends. All instruments, all ages, and all levels are welcome. Come join our lively and varied music community as we gather to foster the Scottish fiddle spirit in the Boston area and beyond!
Music Classes
Students will choose one primary course, but may audit other instrument courses or other levels, as long as they don't appreciably speed or slow the level of the audited class. Very Beginners know how to take a fiddle out of its case and which side to play. Beginner level assumes knowledge of how to finger and bow some easy pieces. Intermediate I fiddlers can play a few tunes at a slow or moderate pace. Intermediate II players have a modest repertoire of fiddle tunes (or equivalent in another tradition) with some knowledge of keys, bowings and ornaments. Advanced assumes a broad repertoire, quick learning, firm technique, and wide experience with ornamentation and alternate bowings. Piano courses will work with melody, accompaniment styles and/or chord progressions. Bagpipe classes (including Smallpipes) will be taught at all levels, Very Beginning through Advanced. A limited number of practise chanters and bagpipe sets will be available for those not having their own. For all instrumentalists, the ability to read music and to play by ear are both useful. Most classes will be taught by ear but sheet music for all tunes taught in class will be available during camp or shortly after camp.
More details on the fiddle classes and levels are available at the Fiddle Courses page, or you may contact Barbara McOwen at 781-648-3955, or bmcowen doink comcast.net (replace the " doink " with the at sign).
Previous years' schedules included camper-led classes and sessions. We hope to draw on our campers' expertise again this year!
Music Staff
Gregor Borland is the only current performing fiddler to have been taught by both Hector MacAndrew (whose grandfather was a pupil of James MacIntosh, the last pupil of Niel Gow) and Donald Riddell, the leader of the Highland Strathspey and Reel Society. He has won many major fiddle competitions, has founded a Scottish fiddle school in Spain, where he now lives, and makes fiddles.
Carl MacKenzie performs regularly across Cape Breton and throughout Canada, Ireland, Scotland and the U.S. A traditional fiddler and composer, he comes from a musical family in Washabuck, Cape Breton - the MacKenzies are steeped in the culture of their Highland ancestry. He is considered a dean of Cape Breton Fiddling and has released 11 recordings.
Fiddler, singer, songwriter and stepdancer Laura Cortese uninhibitedly lights up the stage with a radiant smile and dazzling musicianship. On her five solo CDs she couples the groove and polish of urban music with old world themes. She plays in Halali and the Boston Urban Ceilidh Band, founded the Boston Celtic Music Fest and is an inspiring and stimulating fiddle teacher.
A native of Port Orford, Oregon, Hanneke Cassel started playing classical violin at the age of eight and soon after took up fiddling. She is the 1997 U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion, and studied on the Isle of Skye with Buddy MacMaster and Alasdair Fraser. Hanneke has taught and performed around the world, from across North America and Europe to China and New Zealand.
Janine Randall is a first generation American descended from the notable families of Margaree Harbour and Mabou along the western side of Cape Breton Island. Janine's love of the music and culture inspired her to found the Ceilidh Trail School of Celtic Music in Inverness, Cape Breton. Janine is an accomplished piano teacher, writer and promoter of Cape Breton culture.
Lezlie Webster is a prize-winning competitor in Piobreachead and a renowned teacher of piping and Highland dance. Originally from Canada, Lezlie now lives in New Hampshire where she founded the N.H. School of Scottish Arts and teaches at the Phillips Exeter Academy and St Paul's School. She loves trading tunes with fiddlers and integrating the pipes with other instruments.
See photos and expanded bios of our staff on the Teachers & Staff page.
School Directors
The Music Director is Barbara McOwen, dedicated to Scottish fiddling on two coasts since 1970, an experienced dance fiddler, teacher, music arranger and session leader. Marcie Van Cleave is the Executive Director of the Folk Arts Center; she has been leading traditional dance programs for all ages since 1985. Carolyn Ramm rounds out the Committee; she is a fiddle camp veteran and a member of the Folk Arts Center Board of Directors. Hanneke Cassel and Laura Risk are our Advisors; they are fiddle camp regulars and outstanding solo players and teachers.
The Folk Arts Center
Folk Arts Center of New England is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the traditional folk arts of many cultures. Founded in 1975, the Center sponsors community dance and music events as well as workshops and classroom programs. FAC publishes a newsletter and calendar and acts as an information hub, providing referral services for New England and beyond. FAC will have its music store at the School; it will carry recordings and sheet music including those of the School's teaching staff.
Thompson Island
Thompson Island, a 240-acre island just one mile from downtown Boston, is part of the 33-island Boston Harbor Islands National Park. The Thompson Island Conference Center is owned and operated by the non-profit Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center; its programs provide adventure-based activities for Boston area youth. The Conference Center's buildings include dorms, classrooms, dining hall/kitchen, gym, and auditorium. Fiddle Schoolers are invited to explore the island and enjoy using the various fields and sports equipment which will be available for our use.
Accommodations & Meals
Housing is in comfortable dorms with bunkbeds, dressers, some hanging space, and a bathroom/shower on each floor. Fiddle schoolers will be housed two-to-a-room; there is a discount for rooms with 3-6 people. All meals and snacks are provided; vegetarian meals are available and some arrangements for special diets can be made.
Transportation
Thompson Island is a pleasant 25-minute boat ride from the Outward Bound dock in South Boston. The driving directions and ferry schedule are available online at www.thompsonisland.org, or we will send them to you upon request. We will escort you on the 2 pm ferry on the first day, and the 10 am ferry on the last day. There is a long-term parking garage nearby at a special rate. South Station and Logan Airport are about 10 minutes drive from the dock. We can assist with arranging carpools and drop-offs/pick-ups.
Fiddle Schoolers Under 18
All students under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, or other adult attendee. We require a Parent/Guardian form and a health form for each attendee under age 18; the forms will be sent to those applying, and are available on the web. If you need more information, contact the FAC office.
Daily Schedule
In addition to classes with the staff, each day will offer review sessions, camper-led classes, jam sessions and opportunities to explore the island. The evenings will feature a variety of activities, including dances, mini-concerts, parties, jam sessions, a New England Clambake (includes choice of lobster, chicken, or veggie) and our celebrated Visitors' Day.
Fees
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Student (double occupancy)
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$825*
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Young Student (age 5-14, double occupancy)
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$725*
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Companion (double occupancy)
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$600*
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Fees include lodging in double rooms, all meals, and tuition. No part-time campers, please. Companions may audit but not play in classes. *A $50 discount per person is available for dorm occupancy (rooms with three to six people).
Applications postmarked through March 31 will be given first priority. Applications postmarked after March 31 will be assigned priority by the postmark date. Dorm rooms and class space are limited and camp fills quickly. Please plan accordingly.
Deposit, Cancellation and Refund Policy
A deposit of $100 per person is payable with the Application; deposit will be cashed upon acceptance to the School. If cancellation is necessary, $80 of the deposit is refundable through June 1, after which it is nonrefundable. Payment in full is due by June 1. After July 15 there will be no refunds, however, you may receive credit for a tax-deductible donation to the Folk Arts Center.
Scholarships
A limited number of partial work exchange positions are available. All ages and abilities are eligible. Check the Work Exchange box on the application form and we will contact you with more information.
Payment
To pay by check, make checks out to the Folk Arts Center and send along with the Application to: Folk Arts Center, 42 West Foster St., Melrose, MA 02176.
To pay by credit card or PayPal, phone 781-662-7475.
Hard Copy
Click HERE to download the Brochure for 2008.
Click HERE to download the Application for 2008.
And click HERE to download the Minor Forms for 2008.
Contact the Folk Arts Center if you would like a brochure, or a packet of brochures, mailed to you.
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