Learning FIddle

[Irene Shelton]

Thank you SO much for passing on that link, John!!
It bought back a score of memories from my own school days where we, too, had the privilege of having a rare small-town small-budget high school orchestra (near Ingersoll Ontario) and totally wonderful inspiring teacher (a Mr Riddolls, since passed on) to morph we string-squawking teenagers into a bone fide group of amateur musicians .. I don't think at the time we ever fully appreciated how lucky we were to have that experience - but what a thrill it was when we finally made 'music' as a group. Sadly, I believe that now all those beat-up-but-loved stringed instruments that passed through so many young hands have been sold (probably to finance school computer or sports equipment!!) but for many of us the cherished memories of times spent learning how to play live on .. here's hoping that more schools 'see the light' and hear the tunes again in the future!
Cheers
Irene

From: "John Erdman" <jperdman at gmail.com>
To: cbmusic at locals.ca
Sent: Wednesday, 28 April, 2010 17:31:42 GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
Subject: Learning FIddle

I learned fiddle in Cape Breton but where I live now all, ALL kids, in 3rd grade are REQUIRED to take violin lesson. Few believe it when I mention it.  The school district is NOT wealthy but values music education for children.  It amazes me that the schools have enough support to continue the program, despite the severe financial pressures of the times.  Usually it's music that takes the hit in favor of various sports. This school district has been and continues to be a major contributor to providing new blood in traditional music in Maine. I know that quite a few of them make annual trips to Cape Breton to get a "refill".

Hope you enjoy the link..

John

http://www.wcsh6.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=72173417001
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