COMPETITION PROGRAM LISTING OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Our thanks go out to the 2015 - 16 Executive and Board of Directors of the Canadian Grand Masters and all of the volunteers who have worked very hard for the past year to make this event possible: Ron Bourque: President Chair of CGM Fiddle Camp Graham Crate: Treasurer Chair of Finance, Corporations and Bylaws Randy Foster: Director Graham Sheppard : Vice President Mary Lynn Wood: Secretary Lois Siegel: Director Chair of Promotions Patti Kusturok: Director Chair of Contestants and Jr. Showcase Calvin Vollrath: Director Chair of Steering Committee Catherine Sproule: Director Rep Saskatoon Committee Stacey Read: Director Chair 2015 CGM Moncton Committee Trent Bruner: Director Troy MacGillivray: Director Denise MacCaull: Director Loretta Fitzpatrick: Director

Additional thanks is extended to the CGM MONCTON Committee which included the following people ,as well as numerous un-named volunteers who stepped forward in many capacities.

Stacey Read : Chair - Coordinator CGM Moncton Committee Vivian Hsu : Barn Dance Coordinator Samantha Wood-Hicks :Transportation Shelley Chase : Sponsorship Christine Melanson : Barn Dance Music Coordinator Ivan and Vivian Hicks

Thank you to everyone who took an interest in bringing the Canadian Grand Masters to Moncton. Your enthusiasm, willingness to help and your attendance at this event is something to be proud of. 2 Welcome : From the CGM Moncton Committee

The CGM Moncton Committee welcomes you “downhome” to The Maritimes! We are humbled to host this legendary event on the East Coast, birthplace of Don Messer and home to the fiddlehead capitol of Canada! Because of you...we are making history this weekend. In 2013, Cathy Sproule and a team of amazing fiddle enthusiasts decided to host the first-ever “Out of Ottawa” CGM contest in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She challenged other provinces to step forward and host in future years to come, so here we are today. This is the first time our event has been held in Atlantic Canada and we are thrilled right down to our lighthouses. Over the last year and a half, we have received encouragement from local fiddle clubs and organizations, fiddlers, fans, government and corporate New Brunswick. We are confident the spirit of your East Coast weekend will create excitement among fiddle folks, not only here but throughout Canada. The preservation of Canadian Fiddle Stylings lives on in every province and territory across Canada. Our challenge is to connect us coast to coast “bow over bow”, as one community. This competition brings a nation of styles together as one living tradition for one country. You have made this happen. We hope that you enjoyed the BBQ and Barn Dance in Sackville on Friday night, and strongly suggest you see the sights while you are here. Travel safe, support fiddling and please eat lots of lobster. (It’s a curse. We can’t get rid of the stuff.) We could not have done this without such a strong fiddle community,...thank you! We look forward to seeing each and every one of you next year in Morinville, Alberta as they host the 27th annual Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Championship!

Bienvenue! De la part du comité CGM Moncton Le comité CGM Moncton vous souhaite la bienvenue chez nous aux Maritimes! Nous sommes heureux de vous accueillir pour cet événement légendaire sur la côte est, lieu de naissance de Don Messer et capitale canadienne des têtes de violon! Grâce à vous, nous écrivons une page d’histoire en fin de semaine. En 2013, Cathy Sproule et une équipe incroyable de passionnés du violon ont décidé d’organiser le premier championnat CGM hors d’Ottawa, à Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Elle a lancé le défi aux autres provinces de s’avancer et d’organiser d’autres championnats CGM dans les années à venir, donc nous voilà! C’est la première fois que cet événement se produit dans le Canada atlantique et nous sommes ravis jusque dans nos phares. Depuis un an et demi, nous avons reçu de l’encouragement de clubs et organisations de violon locaux, de violoneux, de fans, du gouvernement et d’entreprises au Nouveau-Brunswick. Nous avons confiance que l’esprit de cette fin de semaine dans notre côte est va générer de l’enthousiasme chez les amateurs de violon non seulement d’ici mais aussi d’ailleurs au pays. La conservation des styles de violon canadiens vit en chaque province et territoire à travers le Canada. Notre défi est de nous reconnecter d’un océan à l’autre et d’un archet à l’autre, en tant qu’une seule communauté. Cette compétition rassemble une nation de styles ensemble en tant qu’une seule tradition vivante pour un pays entier. Vous avez rendu cela possible. Nous espérons que vous avez apprécié le BBQ et la danse à Sackville vendredi soir, et nous suggérons fortement que vous partiez à la découverte tant que vous êtes ici. Voyagez prudemment, soutenez le violon, et s’il vous plait, mangez plein de homard. (C’est une malédiction, on ne peut pas s’en débarrasser.) Après tout, on n’aurait pu organiser un tel événement sans une communauté de violon aussi forte... Merci! On a bien hâte de voir chacun d’entre vous à Morinville, Alberta à l’occasion du 27e Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Championship! 3 2015 President’s Message

A very warm welcome to the 26th Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Competition! What a joy and an honor it is for me, formerly from Dieppe (St-Anselme), to present Canada’s most prestigious national fiddle competition in Moncton New-Brunswick. For the second time only in twenty-six years, the Canadian Grand Masters Competition is being held outside of Ottawa and I am proud to say that it received an overwhelming response from the people of the greater Moncton area and from all over the Maritimes. We have a great show for you to enjoy with some of the best fiddlers from across Canada competing for the title of Canadian Grand Master. Our guest artists this year are none other than Moncton’s own Ivan and Vivian Hicks, ambassadors of fiddle music in New- Brunswick and all across Canada, and Marc Boudreau, a fellow Acadian from Cape Breton who will get you tapping your feet. In addition, during the evening program, you will certainly enjoy the three Junior Showcase Performers from Alberta, Québec and Prince Edward Island who will demonstrate, along with our competitors, that the future of fiddle music in Canada is in good hands. This year also marks an important milestone for the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Association (CGMFA), a registered charitable organization devoted to the preservation and promotion of Canadian fiddle music. In March of 2015, the House of Commons of the Government of Canada, unanimously voted to declare the third Saturday of May as “Canadian National Fiddling Day”. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to Senator Honorable Elizabeth Hubley from Prince Edward Island for first introducing the bill and for her continuous support and leadership throughout the process. I also want to thank the Member of Parliament, Tilly O’Neil Gordon from Miramichi N.B. for introducing the bill in the House of Commons and Senator Carolyn Stewart Olsen from Fredericton N.B for her unrelenting support of the National Fiddling Day Bill in the Senate. Fiddle music is an important part of our Canadian history and will now be formerly recognized and celebrated. We are pleased that Senator Hubley accepted to be the 2015 Honorary Patron and is able to be with us for this weekend of fiddling competition and fiddle music. We have had another successful year fulfilling our mandate and I would like to thank the members of the board of directors of the CGMFA for volunteering their time and expertise, for sharing their passion for fiddle music and for all their hard work throughout this past year. And also a special thank you to Stacey Read who has worked tirelessly along with her team of volunteers for making this great national event happen for the first time in Moncton. On behalf of the CGMFA, I thank you for being here today and I hope that you enjoy this weekend filled with fiddle music! Sincerely, Ronald J. Bourque, President Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Association

4 Message du Président pour l’année 2015

Je vous souhaite une très chaleureuse bienvenue à la 26e compétition de l’Association canadienne des Grands Maîtres violoneux (ACGMV)! Quel plaisir et quel honneur pour moi, anciennement de Dieppe (St-Anselme), de présenter la plus prestigieuse compétition nationale de violon à Moncton au Nouveau-Brunswick. Pour seulement la deuxième fois en vingt-six ans, la Compétition nationale des Grands Maîtres canadiens du violon se tient ailleurs qu’à Ottawa et je suis fier de dire que nous avons obtenu une réponse impressionnante de la part des gens du grand Moncton et d’ailleurs dans les provinces maritimes. Nous avons un très bon spectacle à vous offrir qui vous permettra de passer une très belle journée avec les meilleurs violoneux de partout au Canada qui compétitionneront pour le titre de Grand Maître canadien du violon. Nos artistes invités cette année ne sont nuls autres que deux résidents de Moncton, Ivan et Vivian Hicks, ambassadeurs de la musique du violon au Nouveau Brunswick et au Canada, ainsi que Marc Boudreau, un concitoyen acadien du Cape Breton qui saura indéniablement vous faire taper du pied. De plus, au cours du programme de la soirée, vous pourrez certainement apprécier les trois Champions de la représentation des débutants qui proviennent de l’Alberta, du Québec et de l’Île- du-Prince-Édouard et qui sauront démontrer, avec nos candidats à la compétition, que l’avenir de la musique du violon au Canada est entre bonnes mains. Cette année a marqué un grand avancement pour l’Association canadienne des Grands Maîtres violoneux (ACGMV), un organisme de bienfaisance enregistré dédié à la préservation et à la promotion de la musique canadienne du violon. En effet, en mars 2015, la Chambre des communes du Gouvernement du Canada a voté à l’unanimité en vue de déclarer le 3e samedi du mois de mai la « Journée nationale du violon traditionnel ». J’aimerais exprimer toute ma gratitude envers la sénatrice de l’Île-du-Prince- Édouard, l’honorable Elizabeth Hubley, pour l’introduction initiale du projet de loi et pour son appui et son leadership incessant tout au long du processus. J’aimerais également remercier la député Tilly O’Neil Gordon de Miramichi au Nouveau Brunswick pour avoir introduit le projet de loi à la Chambre des communes ainsi que la sénatrice Carolyn Stewart Olsen de Fredericton au Nouveau-Brunswick pour son soutien indéfectible au projet de loi visant la Journée nationale du violon traditionnel auprès du Sénat. La musique du violon s’avère une importante part de l’histoire canadienne et, grâce à ces personnes dévouées, cette musique sera dorénavant reconnue et célébrée. Nous sommes ravis que la sénatrice Hubley ait accepté d’agir comme présidente d’honneur pour l’année 2015 et qu’elle puisse être parmi nous pour cette fin de semaine de compétition de violon et de musique traditionnelle. Dans l’accomplissement de notre mandat, cette année aura encore une fois été couronnée de succès et à cet égard, j’aimerais remercier les membres du Conseil d’administration de l’ACGMV pour avoir offert leur temps et leur expertise de façon bénévole en vue de partager leur passion pour la musique du violon ainsi que pour leur travail ardu tout au long de la dernière année. Également, un merci très spécial à l’intention de Stacey Read qui a travaillé inlassablement avec son équipe de bénévoles afin de permettre que ce grand événement annuel puisse se tenir à Moncton pour la première fois. Au nom de l’ACGMV, je vous remercie de votre présence avec nous aujourd’hui et j’espère sincèrement que vous aurez apprécié cette fin de semaine remplie de musique traditionnelle du violon. Cordialement,

Ronald J. Bourque, Président Association canadienne des Grands Maîtres violoneux

5 SENATE Senator Elizabeth Hubley (Prince Edward Island) CANADA

Dear friends, I am pleased to serve as Honorary Patron for the Grand Masters Fiddling Association Cham-pionship again this year. It is a great honour to have been invited back for this outstanding dis-play of Canadian fiddling talent. I am especially delighted that the Champion-ship is being held down east in Moncton this year. We in the Maritimes have a long history with the fiddle, and are no stranger to excellent fiddling. 2015 has been a great year for our community. It was highlighted by the passing of my legisla-tion to create a National Fiddling Day, and I greatly appreciate the invaluable support of the Grand Masters Fiddling Association as the bill made its way through Parliament. Now we can look forward to years of toe-tapping fiddling events across the country on every third Satur-day in May. I wish each and every fiddler the best of luck in this weekend’s competition, and for everyone an exciting and memorable event. The Honourable Elizabeth Hubley Senator for Prince Edward Island

SÉNAT Sénatrice Elizabeth Hubley (Île-du-Prince-Édouard) CANADA Chers amis, Je suis heureuse d’avoir, cette année encore, été choisie comme présidente d’honneur du Championnat de l’Association canadienne des grands maîtres violoneux. C’est pour moi un honneur que d’avoir été de nouveau invitée à cette magnifique démonstration du talent de nos violoneux canadiens. Je suis tout particulièrement heureuse que ce Championnat se déroule cette année à Monc-ton, car nous avons, dans les Maritimes, une longue tradition de violoneux et sommes bien placés pour savoir ce qu’est l’excellence en matière de violon traditionnel. Cette année 2015 est une année faste pour notre communauté, car elle a été marquée par l’adoption de mon projet de loi visant à instau-rer la Journée nationale du violon traditionnel, et je suis très reconnaissante à l’Association canadienne des grands maîtres violoneux de l’appui qu’elle a apporté à ce projet de loi tout au long de son cheminement parlementaire. Nous pouvons désormais compter sur le fait que le troisième samedi de mai soit célébré, dans tout le pays, par une multitude de fêtes où l’on jouera du violon traditionnel en tapant du pied. Je souhaite, à chacun des violoneux, la meil-leure des chances dans le championnat de cette fin de semaine et, à tout le monde, une fête aussi joyeuse que mémorable. L’honorable Elizabeth Hubley Sénatrice de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard 6 PRIZES AND THEIR SPONSORS

The Moncton Committee wishes to thank our sponsors who have donated and supported prizes and events of the 2015 CGM competition.

The top Eleven finalists will be competing for the title of Canadian Grand Master and prize money.

1ST PLACE AND TITLE OF CANADIAN GRAND MASTER: $3500 Trophy Sponsored by Renfrew County Fiddlers

2ND PLACE: $2250

3RD PLACE: $1100 Sponsored by Ivan and Vivian Hicks Trophy Sponsored by Ann Allen

4TH - 11TH PLACE: $500 Sponsored by the following : Downtown Moncton

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD: Sponsored and presented by Calvin Vollrath

FRIDAY NIGHT DANCE SPONSOR: Maritime Fiddlers Association

COMMUNITY SPONSORS Rose’s Independent Grocery - Sackville N.B. Jean Coutu - Sackville N.B. Town of Sackville - Sackville N.B. Canada Bread Dieppe Imaging - Dieppe, N.B.

CONTRIBUTORS Kookie Kutter - Sackville N.B. Strang’s Produce - Malden, N.B. Briggs Maples - Riverview N.B. Olivier Soap - Ste-Anne-de-Kent, N.B. Town of Riverview Ivan and Vivian Hicks - Riverview, N.B. Atlantic Pewter - Harvey, N.B. Dr, Larry Trites - Sackville, N.B. Covered Bridge Chips Dr. Kim Maddison - Amherst, N.S. Deanne Fitzpatrick Studios - Amherst, N.S. 7 N.B. STRATEGIC INITIATIVES GRANT RECEIVED FROM THE PROVINCE OF NEW BRUNSWICK Contest Criteria

For the afternoon Preliminaries, the contestants will play a Waltz, a Jig, one of a Reel, Breakdown or Hornpipe and a Tune of Choice in any order within a five-minute span. For the evening finals, the competitors will have five minutes to play four contrasting tunes being one piece from each of the following categories:

Category 1: Waltz, Aire Category 2: March, Jig Category 3: Reel, Hornpipe, Strathspey, Polka, Two-Step Category 4: Tune of Choice not played in Category 1,2 or 3

Contests are typically judged on the following criteria: a. Time and Tempo (dance style and consistent speed) b. Tone (quality of sound, clarity and intonation) c. Style and technique (free and easy, smooth, graceful and polished) * the degree of difficulty and ease of performance counts here and ease of performance are taken into consideration d. Overall Accuracy (both in tune and in tune selection)

A FEW TIPS FOR WATCHING THE COMPETITION

• Try awarding 10 points for each category, and then adding them up for a “score” and see if your score matches the judging at the end of the showcase. • It’s also a good idea to write down the tune names so you can remember your favourites after the show has concluded. • The competitors’ names are in no particular order. They will not play in this order. • Following the 12:00 preliminaries, the top 11 finalists will be announced and they will play again at 7:00.

8 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! 2015 CGM JUDGES AND M.C.

Calvin Vollrath St. Paul , Alberta - Judge Calvin is a musical prodigy. Having received his first fiddle at the age of 8 and raised on Don Messer’s Jubilee, Calvin has never looked back. To date, he has composed over ‘550’ tunes, many of which have become standard contest and dance tunes across North America & Europe. His influence in the fiddle world is very evident. He has to his credit, 62 of his own albums & numerous music books of his original tunes. In 2010, Calvin was commissioned to compose 5 fiddle tunes for the Vancouver Winter Olympics 2010 Opening Ceremonies to represent the various styles of fiddling our country has to offer. In 2011, he was inducted into the ‘North American Fiddler’s Hall of Fame. Calvin is very active in the teaching aspect of fiddle music and is touted by the Saskatchewan Cultural Exchange Society as one of the driving forces behind the revitalization of fiddle music. He now hosts his own music camp called ‘Camp Calvin’ in St. Edouard AB. Calvin makes his home in St. Paul Alberta.

Shane Cook London, Ontario - Judge Shane Cook has distinguished himself as a leading exponent of the Canadian old-time fiddle tradition and enjoys playing an array of fiddle styles ranging from Irish and Scottish to French-Canadian, Texan, and Bluegrass. Shane Cook is a three-time Canadian Grand Masters fiddle champion, a three-time Canadian Open National fiddle champion and is the only foreigner to win the US Grand National Fiddle Championship. Shane leads his own group, Shane Cook and the Woodchippers, and performs regularly with several ensembles including The Stepcrew, The Brian Pickell Band and the PBS hit, Bowfire, having toured extensively in Canada, the US, the UK, Ireland, Germany, China and Taiwan. Shane is a graduate of Western University and resides in London, Ontario with his wife and son. www.shanecook.com

Troy MacGillivray Antigonish, Nova Soctia - Judge Troy MacGillivray is an accomplished musician who was born into a rich cultural tradition and has been performing from a very young age across Canada, North America and all over the globe. Troy plays the music of his ancestors who immigrated to Canada from Scotland over 200 years ago. With 6 CDs and numerous ECMA, Music Nova Scotia and Canadian Folk Music awards and nominations to his credit, Troy balances traditional Celtic tunes with his own internationally acclaimed compositions. In September 2012, Troy received the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal commemorating his contribution and dedication to preserving and promoting arts and culture in Nova Scotia and Canada. He has a roots-centered approach to his fiddle and piano playing that has the power to inspire any audience, who are constantly captivated by his flying fingers and energetic pace and occasional stepdance too!

Gordon Stobbe Halifax, Nova Scotia - Master of Ceremonies Master fiddler, Gordon Stobbe, plays several instruments including fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and clawhammer banjo. He is a composer and author and has written many fiddle instructional books and transcription books which are being used by fiddle teachers across Canada and the United States. Gordon is a teacher and mentor and is in demand as an instructor at numerous fiddle workshops and fiddle camps across Canada and throughout the North. He feels strongly about preserving the Canadian fiddle heritage and was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Association for Outstanding Contribution to Old Time Fiddling in Canada and has been inducted as a Pioneer in Music into the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame.

9 2015 CGM ACCOMPANISTS AND GUEST ARTISTS

Melika Lemelin Sudbury, Ontario - Accompanist Melika has been playing piano since the age of 15. She is a mother of 4 beautiful children, three boys and a girl. Works as a Finance Advisor for Desjardins for the past 12 years. She is one of Ontario’s most sought out house pianists for fiddle and stepdance competitions. In 2010 and 2012, Melika won 3rd place in the accompaniment category at the Grandmasters Fiddling Championship in Nashville TN. She has had the honor to play alongside musicians extraordinaire, Shane Cook, The Brian Pickell Band, Calvin Vollrath, and Ray Legere, Don Reed to name a few. She has recently started playing bass in a bluegrass band named “Nickelwound”.

Jake Charron Barrie,Ontario - Accompanist Jake Charron continues to build a reputation as on of Canada’s finest multiinstrumentalists. He has been in high demand for various styles of music, accompanying artists around the world on piano and guitar. He is in great demand for camps, recording and live performances. Jake has had the privilege of performing and recording with many elite musicians, most recently forming a band with Tim and Koady Chaisson, known as “The East Pointers”. They have just returned from an Australian and a European Tour.

Ivan and Vivian Hicks Riverview, N.B. - Guest Artists Ivan and Vivian Hicks are well known for their contribution to the preservation and promotion of old-time fiddling through teaching, workshops, music camps, recordings and many concerts. Both are members of the New Brunswick Country Music Hall of Fame. Ivan was inducted to the North American Fiddlers Hall of Fame in 1990. There have been many achievements including founder of Fiddles of the World (Halifax 1999), Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Championship Lifetime Achievement Award (Ivan 2007) and Order of New Brunswick (Ivan 2014).Ivan and Vivian are true musical ambassadors for their home province of New Brunswick and continue to spread the type of music that is part of Atlantic Canada’s heritage.

Marc Boudreau Cheticamp, Cape Breton, N.S. - Guest Artist Marc Boudreau, from Chéticamp, has been thrilling audiences with his fiddle playing and step dancing since the age of nine. He was the first recipient of the Tic Butler Music Award and was also on the 1998 East Coast Music Award televised show. He has performed at numerous festivals including the World Acadian Congress in Lafayette, Louisiana. Marc has become one of the best younger generation fiddlers possessing an amazing drive that will surely get you off your chair and on to your feet. He released his second album, Live at the Doryman Pub, in 2012. He was accompanied by Howie MacDonald and Hilda Chiasson on piano and Chris Babineau on guitar. Marc’s first album, Steppin’ It Up, was released in June 2008. It featured Dave MacIsaac on guitar and Joël Chiasson on piano.

Jocelyne Bourque Dancers Moncton, N.B. Guest Artists ( Finals) Jocelyne Bourque is a well know fiddle and step dance instructor, who has influenced hundreds of fiddlers and dancers in her 27 years of teaching. A past Grand Masters competitor and judge, she appears this year with dance students Julie Robichaud, Jennifer Arsenault and Marissa Cormier to share some traditional acadian step dancing with the audience. This group of talented young ladies have travelled and performed in Normandie France, as well as into the US for the 2014 Congres Mondial Acadien.

10 CGM COMPETITORS 2015

Veronique Demers - Winnipeg, M.B. Véronique started playing the violin at the age of 3 after seeing the performance of a local group in Winnipeg. She started fiddling at the age of 9. While in university this year, Véronique taught violin at home and also taught fiddling to underprivileged students at an after school program with the WSO. She was the coordinator of a local francophone fiddling group in St. Boniface. Véronique has just finished her bachelor of science degree and after this weekend, will be studying medicine at the Université d’Ottawa. She says music will always be a part of her life.

James Steele - Saskatoon, S.K. James is a 25 year old fiddler from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. His favourite fiddle styles are those of Calvin Vollrath, Don Messer as well as western swing. He has been playing and competing for the past 15 years, and continues to perform at functions, dinners, and events throughout Saskatchewan. James is the 2013 Canadian Grand Masters Champion.

Kai Gronberg - Mission, B.C. Kai, 17, has been playing fiddle since he was 4 years old. Over the years he has learned so much from so many of his peers and mentors. He has had many great experiences that would have never happened without fiddle music. From performing in coffee shops, playing for the crowds at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games, numerous music festivals to teaching at a local music school he is forever grateful for Old Time Fiddle music and the community surrounding it. Kai is honoured to be invited back to compete at the 2015 Canadian Grand Masters!

11 CGM COMPETITORS 2015

Lia Gronberg - Mission, B.C. Lia, 16, followed her brother’s footsteps and took on the fiddle. She has played in many venues and competitions and has won championships all across North America. She has recorded three albums with her brother, -who are known as “Fiddlin’ Frenzy”. Along with the fiddle, she also plays the cello, piano and trumpet. Lia is currently studying grade 10 in Royal Conservatory Music on violin and cello and plans on pursuing music in university. After being invited as the Junior Showcase in 2014, Lia is excited and happy to be a competitor in this year’s Canadian Grand Masters!

Jaylee Hebert - Lutes Mountain, N.B. Since the age of four, Jaylee has shown a passion for fiddling. Her love of music has given her great opportunities to travel and perform in numerous places, including Ireland, France, the United States and Canada. Jaylee is honored to have the CGMFC held in her hometown as she returns as a contestant for the fifth consecutive year.

Micki-Lee Smith - Fort Saskatchewan, A.B. Micki-Lee is 18 years old and has her ARCT degree in Violin performance from the Royal Conservatory of music. She enjoys composing in a variety of genres and loves sharing the gift of Music with others. Micki has been teaching fiddle, piano, mandolin, ukulele, and guitar for three years. She released two albums with her sister Billie-Jo, and the “Smith Sisters” have been performing for a variety of events across Alberta for the past 10 years. She now studies violin performance at UBC with professor David Gillham, and plays in the UBC symphony Orchestra.

12 CGM COMPETITORS 2015

Simon Reimer - Lorette, M.B. Born in Winnipeg MB in 1993, Simon was raised in Lorette Manitoba, a hotbed of fiddlers and the hometown of Patti Kusturok. After years of playing classical violin, Simon switched to fiddle at the age of 14. A few of his career highlights include winning the Brandon Winter Fair Fiddle Contest and Winning the People’s Choice Award at the Manitoba Open.

Amélie De Arcos - Moncton, N.B. Amélie has been playing the fiddle for over 10 years. She enjoys sharing her love of music with others. She has been fortunate throughout the years to have guidance from many great teachers and role models. Music has given her an opportunity to travel throughout Canada, in various regions of the United States and in Ireland. She is happy to be one of the fiddlers representing New Brunswick at the Canadian Grand Masters that is taking place in her hometown. This is Amelie’s 3 Grand Masters Competition.

Jane Cory - Winnipeg, M.B. Jane has been a lover of Canadian fiddle music since the age of seven, when it was introduced to her at a Suzuki workshop. Since then, she has participated in countless competitions, camps, and festivals across the country, released her first album, Road Between the Saints, and been blessed to have been able to record, perform, collaborate and jam with many truly inspiring musicians. She is genuinely excited to add New Brunswick and the Maritimes to the list of places she has experienced the incredible diversity of Canadian fiddle culture. Jane is about to enter her second year as a Bachelor of Music student at the University of Ottawa.

13 CGM COMPETITORS 2015

Martha Pitre - Shediac, N.B. Martha is 15 years old and lives in Shediac, N.B.. She is a Sussex Avenue Fiddler with Ivan & Vivian Hicks and performs regularly with Gary Morris and the Valley Jamboree. Martha has performed with Scott Woods and given concerts at the Acadian Village in Caraquet. She has won the 12 and under category five years in a row at the Maritime Fiddle Festival and in Pembroke in 2012. She won the Pembroke 18 and under category in 2014. In 2013, Martha was invited to the Grand Masters in Saskatoon to represent N.B. as a Junior Showcase Performer, and in 2014, returned as a competitor where she became a top 11 finalist.

Greg Henry - Corunna, O.N. Greg, has been playing fiddle since age 5, and competing since age 7. Some of his career highlights include,2013 Canadian Open Fiddle Champion, 2013 Pembroke Open fiddle Champion, 3- Time Canadian Open Duet Champion, 3 Time Ontario Open Champion, Maritime Open Champion, 3-Time Ontario Open Junior Champion, 2 Time SW Ontario Open Champion, US National Traditional Open Champion. Greg is also a two time recipient of the “Merv Woods People’s Choice” award at Canadian Open Fiddle Championships in Shelburne, Ontario. Greg works in the Oil Industry as a Chemical Process Technician at Styrolution, in Sarnia, Ontario.

Kyle Charron - Barrie, O.N. Kyle began playing fiddle at age four under the instruction of the late Eleanor and Graham Townsend. Kyle grew up competing in fiddle competitions throughout Ontario, entering his first competition at age six and winning many awards in his age categories growing up. Kyle is currently a 4-time Canadian Open Fiddle Champion. In 2007 he became the youngest contestant to win the Shelburne Canadian Open Fiddle Championship in its history. He is also a 3-time Pembroke Open Fiddle Champion. Kyle has been a finalist at the Canadian Grand Masters, with several top-3 finishes.

14 CGM COMPETITORS 2015

Janelle Melanson - Moncton, N.B. Janelle started taking fiddle lessons at the age of 4. She has been performing at many events and festivals that have taken her to Ireland, Cherbourg (France), Massachusetts (USA), Ottawa for Canada Day celebrations, and across the Maritime provinces. At the age of 12, she recorded her first album, titled: S’envoler / Taking Flight, with her sister Christine. In 2011, she was invited with her sister as Junior Showcase performers at the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Championship and has been invited as a competitor every year since. Along with the fiddle, Janelle plays the piano, the saxophone and is a step-dancer.

Stephanie Labbe - Saint-Charles de Drummond, Q.C. Born in Thetford Mines, Quebec, Stéphanie Labbé is well known for her passion of music, having taken an interest when she was 3 1⁄2 years of age. Stephanie Labbé earned her bachelor’s degree in music education from UQAM in 1999 and went on to advanced training in violin and jazz from the University of Montreal in 2008. She is a much sought-after camp instructor, and has released several solo fiddle albums. Earning her living playing different musical styles on the fiddle, Stephanie participated last June in a prestigious TV program in Quebec to celebrate Drummondville’s 200th year. She will spend most of her summer touring with various groups and artists throughout Canada.

Dan Mighton - Hanover, O.N. Dan Mighton is from Hanover, Ontario and is 24 years old. He is married to the former Kelsey Verch, a champion stepdancer. Starting to play just over 12 years ago, Dan’s love for fiddle quickly took him to the ‘top of the charts’ in the competition world! One of Dan’s greatest accomplishments was to produce his very own C.D. entitled “The Dancin’ Fiddle”, in 2004. He followed up with a second release in 2007, entitled ‘The Happy Grump’, produced at the Calvin Vollrath Studio in Alberta. The C.D.’s showcase many different styles of music, sure to please

15 CGM COMPETITORS 2015

Adam Johnson - Quesnel, B.C. Adam has been playing the fiddle since the age of four, and competing since the age of five. He was Provincial Champion in the Open category in 2010, 2013 BC champion and placed 4th at the Grand North American fiddle contest in 2014. Adam has also had the honor of teaching at the Gavin Lake fiddle camp for the first time at just 18 years old. He enjoys playing at local dances, jam sessions, concerts, and bluegrass jamborees. He plays all styles of music including Old Time, French, Bluegrass, Swing, Métis and Celtic. Adams latest project is playing fiddle in a country dance band called Bronco. Adam is very excited to be asked back again to compete.

Tristen Durocher - Meadow Lake, S.K. Tristen is a fiddle player from La Ronge Saskatchewan with a passion and respect for Old Time Canadian fiddle music. Tristen started learning the fiddle when his grandparents brought him to attend the John Arcand Fiddle Fest in Saskatoon Saskatchewan. Since then, Tristen and his grandparents have kept the tradition of going to the festival each year and look forward to continuing this tradition for many years to come.

Paul Lemelin - Sudbury, O.N. Current Canadian Grand Master Fiddle Champion Paul hails from Sudbury Ontario Canada, has been playing the fiddle since the age of 4. Paul is also the President of the “Fiddleworks / Violon à l’oeuvre” organization in Chelmsford Ontario, the host of the “Northern Ontario Fiddle and Step Dance Championship”. Paul was first invited to compete at the Canadian Grand Masters in 2006 and again in 2010-2014 .The highlight of Paul’s career came in 2014 when he won the CGM, earning him the Title of Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Champion, followed by an Open Class win in Pembroke Ontario, a feat only achieved 3 times prior in the history of both contests! Recently Paul has been playing with various Bluegrass bands and is now part of a group called “Nickelwound”.

16 CGM COMPETITORS 2015

Chloe Davidson - Kelowna, B.C. Chloe is a multi-instrumentalist out of Kelowna, BC, who’s been making music nearly since the day she was born. At the age of three, she started begging to play the violin and by the time she turned four, she started lessons on her first real violin. Now at seventeen years old, she has performed at many venues across North America including Celtic Colours 2008, Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival 2010 and 2012, and many others. Chloe has been the Kelowna Fiddle Champion in 2014 and 2015, and also won the BC Interior Youth Arts Award in 2014. Music is Chloe’s biggest passion, and is something she will pursue for the rest of her life.

Raymond Knorr - Regina, S.K. Raymond is from Regina, Saskatchewan. He began taking fiddle lessons from Everett Larson, when he was 4 years old. Raymond is 17 years old now. He enjoys playing fiddle tunes in many different styles and keeping in touch with Fiddle Family friends from across Canada! He is going into grade 12, and plays the Saxophone and the Bass Guitar in the high school bands, as well as Viola in the String Orchestra. Ray also sings Bass in the school choirs. This is Raymond’s second year competing at the CGM, and his first visit to the Maritimes! Ray is honoured that he has this opportunity to represent Saskatchewan in the 2015 CGM!

Roxanne Young - Calgary, A.B. Roxanne stole her first violin from a neighbour at age 2 and was enrolled in Suzuki. Studied under Dean Marshal, Matt Glaser, Wallace Leung, Darol Anger, and many other teachers. Began to perform for Disney, Cirque Du Soleil and recording for the Calgary Fiddlers at age 9. Currently, Roxanne has recorded on over 30 albums and is happy to be releasing her own debut album before next summer! She has also published two Volumes of the fiddle book series, ‘String City’. Volumes 3 and 4 will be released at the beginning of November 2015. After finishing her Jazz Performance and Arranging for Big Band and Orchestra on full scholarship at Berklee, she was grateful to receive the honour of being one of the 14 people to be awarded into the Berklee String Hall of Fame and performed at Carnegie Hall twice. She is also currently the Artistic Director of the Prairie Mountain Fiddlers and proud to help represent Alberta. Truly grateful just to have the chance to perform at the Grand Masters and enjoy the fresh air in Moncton! Many Thanks

17 CGM COMPETITORS 2015

J.P Cormier - Westville, N.S. J.P. Cormier began playing guitar, self-taught, at the age of 5 and quickly became immersed in the rich musical heritage of his Cape Breton roots. By the age of 9, he was considered a genuine prodigy, becoming obvious that he could play anything with strings. During his long career, J.P. has won many competitions, including the Canadian Open Guitar Championship, the Southern U.S. Fiddle Championship, and the Southern U.S. Banjo Championship. A songwriter and a touring musician, J.P honed his skills at a young age in Nashville, TN, performing with country artists Waylon Jennings, Marty Stuart and Bill Monroe at the Grand Ole Opry.

Thank You to all of the competitors who travelled from various parts of Canada to be with us for this competition. We are so pleased to have you with us for this prestigious event.

18 The Top Eleven CGM 2015 Finalists:

WHO will be the 2015 Canadian Grand Master? AUDIENCE RATING GUIDE

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20 CGM JUNIOR SHOWCASE

Fiona MacCorquodale is a young fiddler from Stratford, PEI who has been playing since she was seven. With the help of her friend and teacher, Aaron Crane, Fiona has been able to accomplish a lot. In 2009, Fiona was the recipient of a scholarship awarded to her by the Queens County Fiddlers to attend the Gaelic College in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. She has played many shows, events and ceilidhs individually as well as performing with the Queens County Fiddlers. Fiona was the opening act for the International Shellfish Festival in 2009 and in 2010. In March of 2010, Fiona performed on stage with Ashley MacIsaac at the Confederation Centre of the Arts in PEI. She launched her first CD entitled, Eleven, named for the number of tracks on the CD as well as representative of her age at the time the CD was cut in 2009. She was nominated for a PEI music award for that CD making her the youngest ever nominated for the award. Her new CD entitled “Grounded” was launched last summer and includes a lively, challenging selection of tunes. Fiona has been promoting her new CD by playing on the Northumberland Ferries, playing at her two weekly ceilidhs, and at other events around the island. She was nominated for two PEI Music awards for the new CD.

From Victoriaville (Quebec, Canada), Jordan Bélanger was introduced,t the age of 6, to the violin. Now at 15 years old, Jordan has taken classical violin lessons for 9 years and has been a part of a classical orchestra for 8 years. He discovered his passion for Traditional Quebec music in 2008, during the first fiddle workshop organised by his mother and taught by a professionals of Traditional Quebec Art scene, such as André Brunet , Stéphanie Lépine and many others. Since then, he has taken part in dozens of workshops as well as attending “Camp Violon Trad Québec”, where his musical skills thrived. Since 2008, Jordan has attended many festivals and concerts and participated in countless traditional music sessions. He has also won several scholarships and competitions during the past three years. He won the grand prize in a competition, Young Tradition Vermont, on May 9, with his brother Tommy. Over the last few months, Jordan has realized a great dream, to record a traditional music album with his brother. Their group is called “Les Frères Bélanger” and their album is available here this weekend.

Ethan Harty was born on March 5, 2002 into a farm and ranching family near Strome, AB where he currently lives with his parents Philip, Marie and his younger siblings Elizabeth and Austin. Among his many interests, he is a capable farm hand and important part of the family ranch. Ethan first picked up the violin at age six, but his passion for Old Time music was sparked in 2010 while he attended the Strome Centennial Celebration. At age ten, he attended Camp Calvin (St. Edward, AB) for the first time where he would go on to meet many influential fiddle friends in the coming years, including Canada’s fiddling sensation, Calvin Vollrath. Ethan’s love of the old time era, spans beyond fiddle music. From an early age, he was recognized by many as being an “old soul”. He actively volunteers with several museums, where he can be found at the controls of an old steamer, visiting with the crowd, or giving a blacksmith demonstration. 2014 was full of significant events for this youngster of 12 years. In May, he attended a Metis Festival in St Albert, AB and was able to play for two of his idols, Alfie Myhre and Calvin Vollrath. In July, he attended the Grand North American Old Time Fiddle Championship and took home the title of JR Champion. Later that fall, he was invited to play his first Old Time Dance. Hopefully the first of many dances he will play. Ethan finished out the year with a visit to Astromonical Studio’s (St. Paul, AB), where he laid down tracks for his first fiddle album. He was thrilled to have Jeremy Rusu from Winnipeg backing him up on the piano and accordion. Ethan’s album “Steaming Strings” was released in January 2015. His music has been a source of joy to all who hear it.

21 WINNIE CHAFE - CGM LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2015

Winnie Chafe, (nee Winnifred MacMullin), was born December 25th, 1936, in the mining community of Glace Bay, Cape Breton, N.S. As the eldest living child of a family rich in music, Gaelic language and Scottish history, she began classical violin lessons at the age of 9. Along with formal study in violin, Winnie also enjoyed learning and playing the cultural music of her Scottish heritage through her father, Rod MacMullin, also a Scottish fiddler. The combination of both forms of musical training allowed her to grow and flourish as a prominent Scottish/Cape Breton fiddler and violinist. In 1964, Winnie became the first woman to ever win the “International Fiddling Championship” held in Pembroke, ON, performing three pieces of Scottish music, which had never been done before. As a result, she received international acclaim, including appearances on Canadian and American television. Her musical talents and special interpretive quality on the violin continued to provide many opportunities for performance of classical and Scottish music throughout Canada and abroad, including concerts, recordings, TV and Radio Broadcasts, films, lectures and workshops. A few of the many events deserve special mention. In 1974, she became the first female lead violinist/fiddler alongside Cape Breton musical icon John Allan Cameron (OC) on the successful CBC national television series “Ceilidh”, which aired every week for five years. In 1975, she received international recognition as a result of being chosen as the official Scottish Canadian Ambassador for the Atlantic Provinces to participate in the first Scottish ceilidh ever held in Edinburgh Castle. Over the years her exceptional ability in music has been recognized by the Canadian government, as she has been invited time and again to perform for visiting heads of state, members of the Royal family, Canadian political dignitaries, and leaders of the Canadian Armed Forces. Winnie has dedicated her musical career to the preservation and promotion of traditional Scottish music. She has accomplished this goal both through her own performance and as an educator, passing her knowledge and skills on to children and adults alike. First and foremost among these is her daughter, Patricia, whose talents and musical studies she has encouraged over the years. As a result, Pat, has become a prominent composer, author and pianist in both Scottish/Cape Breton and classical music. Pat and her mother are colleagues in music and she is proud to be here with her this evening. Winnie’s skills as a teacher enriched the lives of countless students, both children and adults alike, introducing them to the joy of playing with her unique group teaching method, and providing many opportunities for public performance. In 1979, Winnie returned to Scotland as leader of a contingent of 24 students representing Nova Scotia as part of the “International Year of Youth” celebrations in Glasgow. In 1987, she was formally requested to perform in the “Jeux Canada Games” Opening Ceremonies in Sydney, Nova Scotia. True to form, Winnie opted to include 16 of her adult students to join her, performing an original piece of music commissioned and written by her daughter Patricia. The event was broadcast across Canada on CTV network. It was yet another example of her dedication to promoting cultural performance, original music and the spirit of Scottish Canadians. Through the years Winnie maintained her commitment to performance as a professional musician. From 1977 to 1986, she took the performance of Scottish music to a new level with the creation of a weekly series of live summer Ceilidh concerts that featured authentically themed shows focusing on Scottish and Cape Breton history and music. Each concert presented a particular type of Ceilidh, or “musical gathering” that would have actually occurred throughout the 18th and 19th centuries including a wedding celebration, a kitchen party and a Highland Games event among others. This very successful series occurred every Tuesday evening at the Savoy Theater in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia featuring fellow professional Cape Breton musicians such as Buddy MacMaster (OC) andDoug MacPhee (OC) among other well-known fiddlers, dancers, singers, pipers and piano players. For this highly creative and innovative entertainment, she received Nova Scotia’s Tourist Event of the Year award. 22 Winnie has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades as a result of her excellence in music. In 1987, she received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, in recognition of her significant contributions to the culture, music, education and heritage of the Scottish links to Cape Breton and her ongoing efforts to keep these aspects alive and well. A second Honorary Doctorate of Laws was presented to her in 1989 from Cape Breton University, christening her as “The First Lady of the Violin” due to her lifelong commitment to educate, promote and perform in so many capacities as a true Cape Breton/Canadian icon. Numerous other awards adorn the walls of her home and fill her scrapbooks of memories. More recently, in the late 90’s, Winnie was appointed by the Royal Canadian Navy as official Sponsor to Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Glace Bay, one of only 12 such defence vessels in Canada. She christened the ship and was an important participant during the official Ship’s Commissioning Ceremony, which also included an old-fashioned Ceilidh in Glace Bay. To this day, Winnie maintains ongoing connections with the ship’s officers and crew and is present to greet them each time the HMCS Glace Bay visits Cape Breton. As a performer, she is one of the original members of the Cape Breton Orchestra as a lead violinist and an annual guest in Celtic Colors International Festival since its inception in 1996. As a professional artist, she has also judged in numerous Canadian and American festivals and competitions, conducted lectures and workshops throughout North America and the United Kingdom and has provided contributions to magazine, news and historic texts regarding her Scottish roots and her experiences as a Cape Breton/Scottish performer and instructor. As an educator, she was Associate Professor of Celtic Studies at Cape Breton University, from 1999 to 2000, providing history, culture and a rich educational experience in Scottish history, culture and the study and performance of Scottish music. From 2004 to 2011, Winnie also served as an instructor with the Cape Breton/ Victoria Regional School Board teaching violin to students aged 5 to 16 as part of the Cape Breton Music Program curriculum. This remarkable Canadian woman has also volunteered her time, talents and music for numerous charitable events throughout her career. She has always believed that music is one of the most powerful forces to promote wellness and happiness and her generosity and warmth have touched the hearts of many. Her beautiful renditions of slow airs have been requested countless times and her willingness to share her gifts with others has never faltered. Winnie currently resides in Sydney, Nova Scotia. She remains a popular performing artist and teacher. She has six recordings to her credit and hopes there will be a seventh. We are happy to honor her this evening.

23 Yamaha is proud to support the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Association. The CGMFA represents the highest level of fiddling in Canada, and their work helps to ensure the tradition remains alive and strong across the country. Since 2000, Yamaha has been developing techniques to create acoustic string instruments that build on the legacies of some of the world’s greatest violins. Using our exclusive Acoustic Resonance Enhancement, we are able to create violins from wood that sounds like it has been played for decades, while still improving with age. With our combination of old-world craftsmanship and breakthrough technology, Yamaha creates modern violins that remain faithful to the groundbreaking instruments of the past. This unique blend of adhering to the traditions of the past while keeping an eye on the future mirrors the important activities of the CGMFA, and we are honored to be a part of this vital organization. CGM Moncton is proud to have Yamaha Canada as a sponsor for this years event in Moncton NB, with spotlight on youth . Yamaha’s donation of 2 fiddles will be presented to 2 draw winners, who are 18 and under, and were participants in the contest. Along with our sponsorship of the CGFMA, Yamaha is a leader in music education, helping to ensure that school and community music programs continue to exist in every part of the country. For more information, visit ca.yamaha.com or email [email protected]

24 Please VOTE for your favorite competitor!

Aside from the ultimate title of Canadian Grand Master, the People’s Choice Award is one of the most sought-after honours for a player in the CGM contest. Sponsored and awarded by Calvin Vollrath, this award is actually determined by popular VOTE! Your vote must be submitted following the PRELIMINARY round .That’s the competition which involves ALL competitors and begins at 12:00. The award will be given out during the evening performance. Tear off your sheet, and submit it to the boxes marked PEOPLES CHOICE, located throughout the lobby. The other side of this ballot is a quick survey to let us know how we have done and what could be improved upon in future years. Please take a moment to fill this out.

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25 CGM Moncton would like to hear from you !

Please complete this survey and the People’s Choice Award on the back side and place in the boxes in the Lobby directly after the preliminary shows.

1. Would you like to be added to our mailing list for invitations to future fiddle events, in and out of New Brunswick?

Name Phone Number Email Address

2.Did you enjoy the BBQ and Barn Dance ?

Did not enjoy Somewhat enjoyed Greatly Enjoyed

3. Did you enjoy the Competition?

Did not enjoy Somewhat enjoyed Greatly Enjoyed

4. Would you like to see the CGM Competition come back to the East Coast in years to come?

Yes No Maybe

5. If you have any feedback regarding the weekend, we would love to hear from you.

Thank you for your patronage.

26 27 Photo by Katharine Cherewyk

Patti Kusturok’s 365 Days of Fiddle Tunes A tune a day for an entire year...follow along with me! https://www.youtube.com/user/fiddlechickpatti/

www.pattikusturok.com