12020435 2016 Grand Masters Fiddling Program

The

Morinville, Alberta August 27, 2016

Competition Program

Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Association Board of Directors

Graham Sheppard: President Québec Chair of CGM Fiddle Camp Stacey Read: Vice-President ~ Les maîtres couleur Québec ~ Chair of the Competition Contestants Committee Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Competition Graham Crate: Treasurer August 24-26, 2017 Mary Lynn Wood: Secretary Trent Bruner: Director Loretta Fitzpatrick: Director Québec invites you to experience some Membership Coordinator French Canadian tradition. Come and discover our beautiful style of music. Randy Foster: Director Victor Frush: Director Michel Mallette: Director Chair 2017 CGMFC Quebec Denise MacCaull: Director Fundraising Cordinator Troy McGillivray: Director Lois Siegel: Director Calvin Vollrath: Director Chair 2016 CGMFC Alberta WWW.QCCANADIANGRANDMASTERS.COM Our thanks go out to the Alberta Steering committee and all the volunteers of the 2016 Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Championship Compétition des grands maîtres violoneux du Canada Rhea Labrie Calvin Vollrath Donna Ingram 24 au 26 août 2017 Debby Gargus Ken Clarke Randy Jones Barb Haney Barbara Rehn Roy Waselenchuk Québec vous invite à vivre l’expérience de la tradition canadienne française. Charlie Gargus Gary Giesbrecht Troy Gates Venez découvrir notre beau style de musique. Inez Kreamer Kathy Vander Reyden

Salaberry-de-Valleyfield $ Welcome to the 27th annual Canadian Grand Masters CUT OR Fiddling Championships. It has been truly an honour TEAR and a privilege to lead this great organizing Comment Card commitee, comprised of representatves from the Alberta Society of Fiddlers, the Wild Rose Old Tyme Fiddlers Associaton (Edmonton) and the Prairie

Mountain Fiddlers (Calgary). Together we are excited to be hostng this natonal event, the ﬁrst tme the ‘Masters March West’ to Alberta in its 27 year history. We hope you will take some tme while here to visit and enjoy the many sights and atractons our beautful province has to oﬀer.

We have gathered 34 of some of the best ﬁddlers from across Canada, including 4 past champions. We wish all the compettors the best of luck as they vie for the ttle of Canadian Grand Master Fiddling Champion 2016.

While our commitee has had a ton of fun putng this event together, its success cannot be atained without the ﬁnancial assistance of our sponsors, the help of our volunteers and you the public for your attendance; we thank you all for your support.

We’d also like to thank the CGMFA for giving us the opportunity to host this

competton. Thank you to Saskatchewan (2013) & New Brunswick (2015) for paving the way. We hope to see you in la belle province of Quebec in August 2017 for the 28th annual competton.

Bienvenue à la 27e éditon des Championnats des grands maîtres violoneux du Canada. Notre comité organisateur, composé de représentants de l’Alberta Society of Fiddlers, Wild Rose Old Tyme Fiddlers Associaton d’Edmonton et les Prairie Would you like to be included in invitations to future �iddle Mountain Fiddlers de Calgary est ﬁer d’accueillir cet événement pour la première events? fois en Alberta. J’espère que vous aurez l’occasion de découvrir les nombreux sites et atractons que nous avons à vous oﬀrir.

Nous souhaitons bonne chance aux 34 compétteurs rassemblés ici que se Name______disputeront le ttre du Championnat 2016.

Email______Même si notre comité s’est dévoué à vous préparer une ﬁn de semaine inoubliable, son succès ne peut être ateint sans l’aide ﬁnancière de nos commanditaires, l’engagement de nos bénévoles et vous les membres du public pour votre présence; nous vous remercions tous pour votre souten.

Nous tenons également à remercier l’ACGMV pour l’opportunité oﬀerte d’accueillir cete compétton chez nous. Merci à la Saskatchewan (2013) et au Nouveau-Brunswick (2015) de nous avoir montré le chemin et nous espérons tous vous voir dans la belle province de Québec en août 2017 pour la 28e éditon.

Enjoy your weekend/Amusez-vous Calvin Vollrath & Rhéa Labrie Co-Chairs/Co-présidents

36 1 $ CUT OR TEAR

People’s Choice Award

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 Canadian Grand Masters contest.

Message from Honourable Rachel Notley Sponsored by Calvin Vollrath the award is determined by Premier of Alberta popular vote.

On behalf of the Government of Alberta, welcome to the Canadian Grand Vote must be submitted following the PRELIMINARY round. Masters Fiddling Competition. The award will be given out during the evening performance. For the first time in Alberta, fiddle players from across Canada will gather in Morinville to compete for the title of Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Champion. Best wishes to all of the competitors. Your music enriches the communities that surround you and you help to make our country an amazing place to call home. My Vote For People’s Choice Award

This competition is possible because of the hard work and dedication of the organizers, volunteers and sponsors. Thank you for your contributions to Canadian music. Name______

Rachel Notley

August 27, 2016

www.calvinvollrath.com

2 35 Greetings to All,

“On behalf of Council and our community, I would like to say how honoured that we are to be hosting Music is one of the most the 27th annual Grand Masters Fiddling Competition. vital industries in today’s This is the �irst time that this prestigious event is being culture. It enhances and held in Western Canada and we are excited to welcome enriches every experience. all �iddlers, fans and families to Morinville and Alberta. You will no doubt experience incredible music by some of The department of music at MacEwan University the most talented �iddlers from across the country and also has been producing highly skilled graduates for nearly 40 years. Our bachelor’s degree is one of get an opportunity to explore our community and all that the few in North America that combines studies Morinville has to offer. in jazz and popular music. Please enjoy your time here and accept our warmest wishes Applications open October 1 for Fall 2017. for a wonderful weekend!"

Learn more at MacEwan.ca/Music. Mayor of Morinville Lisa Holmes

Collector's Corner Violins

Dealer, Collector, Repairer & Restorer Of Fine New and Vintage Instruments & Bows.

Playing Adjustments of Violins/Fiddles & Bow Re- Rental Program, Rent To Own Program, Fine Vintage Instruments & Bows, All Things Violin/Fiddle, Strings, Instrument Cases, Rosins Accessories etc. Daily 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Contact: Michael Gilmore Address: 15226 49A St NW Edmonton, Alberta T5Y 3C2

Home: 780.473.8322 Cell: 780.266.9103 Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

34 ! 3 Autographs

The Honourable Tommy Banks, O.C., A.O.E., LL.D. (Hon.), FRCMT (Hon.)

Dear fellow ﬁddling fans:

I was pleased and surprised when Calvin Vollrath asked me to be this year’s Honorary Patron of the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Competton; I said “yes” very quickly, because as everybody in our business knows, when Calvin asks you to do something, there’s only one answer.

It’s been my pleasure and honour to enjoy a tuneful liaison with Calvin and with other outstanding ﬁddlers over the course of the past ﬁfy years. The joyful lif that is found in much of the music we’ve recorded in that tme comes from those brilliant musicians, both professional and amateur.

I’m very much looking forward to hearing all of the compettors in this year’s competton and to enjoying the company of fellow musicians and fellow audience members.

Best wishes for another successful competton! Sincerely, Tommy Banks

4 33 Dear Fiddlers and Fiddle Fans, Welcome to the 2016 Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Competition. The CGMFA is delighted to hold the twenty-seventh annual competition in Alberta. The air is full of trademark Western Canadian charm as we welcome competitors from across Canada who are here to vie for the title “Canadian Grand Master”. On behalf of the board of directors, I offer a sincere thank you to the three Alberta �iddling associations who have come together to form the 2016 Host Committee, ably guided by board member Calvin Vollrath and his wife Rhea. We are especially pleased to have Canadian musical icon, Albertan, and former senator Tommy Banks as our Honorary Patron for 2016. The CGMFA-ACGMV is a national charity with the goal of supporting Canadian traditional �iddling in its many diverse forms. Your presence here is a testament to the vibrancy and excitement that Canadians experience in our �iddle music. Welcome one and all! Graham H. Sheppard President

Chers violoneux et amateurs de violon, Bienvenue à la compétition des Grands Maîtres Violoneux du Canada 2016. L’ACGMV est très heureuse de présenter la vingt-septième compétition annuelle qui se tiendra à Morinville en Alberta. C’est sous le charme bien connu de l’Ouest canadien que nous accueillons les compétiteurs et compétitrices de partout au Canada a�in de rivaliser pour le titre de "Grand Maître Canadien". Au nom du conseil d'administration, je tiens à remercier sincèrement les trois associations de violoneux de l'Alberta qui se sont unis pour former le comité hôte 2016 sous la direction du membre du conseil Calvin Vollrath ainsi que son épouse Rhea Labrie. De plus, nous sommes particulièrement ravis d'accueillir à titre de président d’honneur pour l’édition 2016 Monsieur Tommy Banks, icône musicale albertaine et ancien sénateur. Le CGMFA-ACGMV est un organisme de bienfaisance et a pour objectif de soutenir, sous toutes ses formes, le violon traditionnel au Canada. Votre présence parmi nous est la preuve de la vitalité, de l'enthousiasme et de la �ierté que nous portons envers notre musique traditionnelle canadienne. Bienvenue à tous!

Graham H. Sheppard Président

32 5 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Junior Showcase Performers

12:00 Preliminaries Amanda MacInnis – Dundalk ON Amanda has been entertaining audiences since age 4 and Opening Ceremonies has received multiple awards for step dancing and First half of Contestants �iddling at competitions across Ontario. Amanda performs with a number of different groups and has been a regular with the Scott Woods Band adding step dance, Intermission �iddle, and vocals to the show. When not competing or performing, she enjoys welding, �ishing and barrel racing. She also volunteers her time at Second half of Contestants charitable events and at the Hope Haven Therapeutic Riding Centre. Amanda is 16 years old and lives in Dundalk Ontario Entertainment (time permitting) Contestants Jamboree Announcement of 11 Finalists Colten Bear – Edmonton AB Supper Break 15-year-old Scottish Cree born and raised in Edmonton Alberta. Won 1st place in the junior category at the 2015 John Arcand Fiddle Festival. Started playing at the age of 7:00 PM Finals seven at the Prince Charles Elementary School in Welcome Back - Introductions Edmonton. Colten is honored to be part of the CGM Judges Performance Junior Showcase. 11 Finalists Performance Duncan MacDougall – Uxbridge ON Intermission An audience favorite at the Port Perry, Ontario, Fiddle Club, 13-year-old Duncan entered his �irst �iddle contest Junior Showcase Performers at age 5. He has picked up several age category wins, Lifetime Achievement Award Presentation including the 12 and under championships at Pembroke and at the Canadian Open at Shelburne. His �iddle Contestants Jamboree teachers include Colleen and Alanna Jenish, as well as many guest teachers Trophy Presentations at Royal Conservatory of Music's Taylor Performance Academy in Toronto. With his quartet he will be attending the Szekely/Rolston Young Musicians Pancakes and Jam Sunday August 28, 9:00 am – 1:30 pm Program at the Banff International String Quartet Competition. Duncan is Morinville Community Cultural Centre thrilled to be a part of the Junior Showcase. Bring your instruments - Jam Session open to everyone. Admission Free. James Ross – Yellowknife NT Pancakes served from 9:00 am – 11:00 am Cost: Donation to the Morinville Lions Club James is a 16-year-old Métis, born and raised in Yellowknife NT. He started playing �iddle at the age of 6, but did not really get serious about playing until he was 9. James likes the Métis style �iddling. His favorite artists are Reg Bouvette and Andy Desjarlais. Recently James has been called as a junior instructor for the Aurora Fiddle Society. He likes to teach his craft to others sharing the Métis style of playing. James is excited LIQUOR STORE NOW OPEN about performing at the Grand Masters.

6 31 30 7 Prizes Thank you to all our Roy is the recipient of many awards including The Canadian Cowboy Bully sponsors, donors and Award, the Alberta Heritage Award for a lifetime of dedication to country The top eleven �inalists will advertisers for their generous music, and was inducted into the Alberta Hall of Fame. Roy is one of only compete for the Canadian Grand support. two Canadians ever to receive the Western Heritage Wrangler Award from Masters title and Prize money: the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in the United States for excellence in 1st Place $350 0 A l be rta Society of Fiddlers western music. The Hall of Fame award recognizes Roy’s work as the record Sponsored by the B C Old Time Fiddlers’ Association producer and �iddle player for the Grammy award-winning Sons of the Alberta Society of Fiddlers Calvin Vollrath Pioneers. Collectors Corner 2nd Place $2250 City of Edmonton Roy retired in 1997. He and his wife Lynne make their home in Pincher Sponsored by the CKUA Creek, deep in southern Alberta cowboy country. John Arcand Fiddle Fest Daniel Gervais Elite Industrial Services Congratulations, Roy, on your amazing life journey. Thank you for your rd 3 Place $1100 Folkways Alive dedication and signi�icant contribution to the world of �iddle music. Sponsored by the Hairy Hill Mustard Farms Prairie Mountain Fiddlers Investors Group 4th to 11th $500 John Arcand Fiddle Fest Sponsored by the following McNish Steel Ltd Morinville Sobeys Elite Industrial Services Myhres Music BCOTFA N o r thern Bluegrass Music Circle St Albert Inn & Suites Northwest Plumbing Northern Bluegrass Circle Peavey Mart Investors Group Prairie Mountain Fiddlers Northwest Plumbing Prairie West Fiddle Contest Renaissance Edmonton Airport Hotel Peoples Choice Award RV City Sponsored by Calvin Vollrath Société touristique Ward Allen Memorial Trophy Centralta Tourism Society “Best Old Time Waltz” St. Albert Inn and Suites Sponsored by Ann Allen St Michael “Sticky Business Honey” Town of Morinville Yamaha Electric Fiddles Random draw from all Wild Rose Old Tyme Fiddlers Assn YAMAHA contestants (2 winners) Sponsored by Yamaha

Call to find out more about alternatives that can help pu t Roy and Lynne Warhurst more money in your pockets. MIKE PALYNCHUK

8 29 Here are some criteria that judges will be listening for: 2016 Canadian Grand Masters

Lifetime Achievement Award Intonation, Technical Ability, Danceability, Overall Accuracy, Emotion & Feeling Variety of Tunes (from one speci�ic �iddle style or a variety of styles): The CGMFA understands that not all �iddle styles lend themselves to dancing and if you play Roy Warhurst such a tune, you will not be penalized for this. With that being said, dancing and �iddling go hand in hand with most styles, so adding some danceable tunes is recommended.

Guideline on Improvisation: Competitors may use improvisation while preserving The 2016 Canadian Grand Masters Lifetime Achievement Award is being the meter and fundamental structure of the piece. presented to Mr. Roy Warhurst of Pincher Creek, Alberta. Roy is a The CGMFA does not encourage excessive improvisation. If improvisation is used, competitors will be judged on the extent to which improvisation is effectively renowned �iddler, music producer and director, businessman, and radio and employed in light of the three pillars of the Competition. television celebrity. Roy has contributed much to the music world over many decades. Roy was born on the family homestead near Arbor�ield Saskatchewan in 1933. He began his musical journey at the age of six when his uncle Jack left to serve in World War II and asked Roy to take good care of his �iddle. When Roy was thirteen, his family moved from Saskatchewan to Surrey B.C.

In 1947, at the age of fourteen, Roy was a regular with The Rhythm Pals on CKNW and in 1949 he formed a group called The Fraser River Boys, which had a regular radio show on CKNW.

At the age of seventeen, he placed in the top three in the World Open Fiddle

Championships. In 1952 he moved to Calgary, having been invited to join Vic Siebert and the Sons of the Saddle, a band featured on CBC network radio. The band moved to Winnipeg in 1955 in order to appear on the CBC national radio and television network shows.

By 1957, Roy was back in Calgary and turned to business ventures as a hedge against the uncertainties of musical life. He invested in various Check out our 2016-2017 schedule online for in-house business projects, one being a fully out�itted truck for remote radio and and co-produced folkwaysAlive! events, including: television productions. Roy worked with Calgary Tourism and the Calgary Stampede as a producer and musical director. * Acoustic concerts * Artist talks * Conferences & panels * Research presentations In 1989, Roy moved south to Tucson, Arizona to work with the Sons of the * Academic lectures * Winter Roots Festival Pioneers as their producer. He performed with Roy Rogers, Dale Evans and * and much more! Rex Allen at the Sons of the Pioneers 60th Anniversary in 1994, and later at the Grand Ole Opry. Roy spent the next several years touring with the Sons of the Pioneers. During his lifetime he has performed on numerous recordings, and on radio and television shows.

28 9 Dear Fiddlers and Fiddle Fans, Welcome to the 2016 Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Competition. The CGMFA is delighted to hold the twenty-seventh annual competition in Alberta. The air is full of trademark Western Canadian charm as we welcome competitors from across Canada who are here to vie for the title “Canadian Grand Master”. On behalf of the board of directors, I offer a sincere thank you to the three Alberta �iddling associations who have come together to form the 2016 Host Committee, ably guided by board member Calvin Vollrath and his wife Rhea. We are especially pleased to have Canadian musical icon, Albertan, and former senator Tommy Banks as our Honorary Patron for 2016. The CGMFA-ACGMV is a national charity with the goal of supporting Canadian traditional �iddling in its many diverse forms. Your presence here is a testament to the vibrancy and excitement that Canadians experience in our �iddle music. Welcome one and all! Graham H. Sheppard President

Graham H. Sheppard Président

Contest Rules 6) Name: The Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Associaton considers the competton to have Notes: three pillars. In essence, the competton: _ Emphasizes traditonal fiddling Represents Canadian fiddling styles Embraces the regional diversity of Canadian fiddling. Recognized �iddle styles include: Country, Old Time, Cape Breton, Swing, Metis, 7) Name: Bluegrass, French Canadian Etc. Contrasting tunes can be played in one style (e.g. four contrasting Old-time tunes) or in any number of a variety of styles (e.g. Old-time Notes: waltz, Irish polka, Cape Breton jig and Bluegrass show-tune). Classical, jazz, blues and other non-traditional fiddle styles are not acceptable for this contest. _ Specific Rules for Preliminaries:

- Each contestant must play a Waltz (3/4 time), Jig (6/8 time), one of a Reel, Breakdown or Hornpipe (2/4 time) and a Tune of Choice. These tunes can be played in any order in which the contestant wishes to play them. The tune of choice should 8) Name: be something other than a waltz, jig or reel. Notes: - Each contestant will have �ive (5) minutes to complete the four tunes. This time limit will be strictly adhered to. _

- Judging will cease immediately upon the expiration of this time limit.

- In the event of a tie for eleventh place, the tied contestants will be required to play over again. The contestant must play a Waltz, Jig and one of a Reel, Breakdown or Hornpipe (three tunes). The tunes played during the preliminary round may be 9) Name: repeated or different tunes may be played. The choice is up to the contestant. These Notes: tunes can be played in any order.

- The top eleven (11) contestants in the preliminaries will be announced as �inalists _ and will draw for their playing order on stage immediaely after being announced. Finalists must be ready at the start of the Competition Finals that evening.

Specific Rules for Finals: 10) Name: - Finalists must play four (4) contrasting tunes. Finalists may play tunes from their preferred repertoire and comfort zone which showcases the contestant’s skill, Notes: technical ability, and musicality. _ - Competitors will play four contrasting pieces, being one piece from each of the following three categories: Category 1: Waltz, Aire Category 2: March (6/8), Jig Category 3: Reel (2/4 or 4/4), Hornpipe, Strathspey, Polka, Clog, Two-Step 11) Name: Category 4: and Competitor’s choice - Competitors will play one further piece of his/her choice of a type not previously played from Category 1, 2, or 3. Notes: _

10 27 The Top Eleven CGM 2016 Finalists MC and Judges

Gordon Stobbe – Master of Ceremonies You be the Judge! Gordon, originally from Saskatchewan, now lives in Nova Scotia. He Who will be the 2016 Canadian Grand Master? plays several instruments including �iddle, mandolin, guitar, and clawhammer banjo. Gordon is in demand as an instructor and mentor at numerous �iddle workshops and �iddle camps across Canada. He is also a much sought after MC and square dance caller. Gordon feels strongly about preserving the Canadian �iddle 1) Name: heritage and was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Association for Outstanding Contribution to Old Time Fiddling in Notes: Canada and has been inducted as a Pioneer in Music into the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame. He recently received the 2016 East Coast Music Association Stompin' Tom _ Award for his long-term contribution to the East Coast music industry.

Louis Schryer – Judge Award winning Canadian �iddle champion, Louis Schryer, is one of 2) Name: Canada’s most respected and sought out �iddle players. Even though there are many astounding �iddlers in Canada, Louis is the only Notes: Canadian �iddler that holds a record breaking 8 time Canadian Fiddle Champion and the only one that holds the title of 4 time _ Grand Masters Fiddle Champion. He astonishes audiences every time his bow crosses the strings with stylistic diversity and in�luences that cross the spectrum of �iddle and violin music. His in�luences have shaped his musical ability into a unique style that is displayed through various features. He connects musically with any artist in a way that compliments the performance, captivating the audience into the world 3) Name: of the musician’s musical experience, leaving them feeling exhilarated. Notes: Byron Myhre - Judge _ Second-generation old-time �iddle champion and bluegrass �iddler, Byron Myhre started entering contests at 10 years old under the tutelage of his father, �iddling legend Al�ie Myhre. A member of the Canadian bluegrass band ‘Jerusalem Ridge’, Byron toured western Canada and the Paci�ic Northwest extensively and was a featured guest in symphonic performances with the Edmonton Symphony 4) Name: Orchestra, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. He makes his home in Sherwood Park and is the proud owner of the popular music store Notes: Myhres Music in Edmonton (www.myhresmusic.com) _ Ray Legere - Judge Ray is from Sackville, NB & is the 2016 NB Country Music Hall Of Fame Inductee. Ray is becoming known as one of Canada's premiere �iddle/mandolin players. He was recently awarded the 5) Name: Masters for "Best Fiddle Player" in the Central Canadian Bluegrass Awards. Ray has accomplished many things, the most notable Notes: playing a concert �illing the shoes of an ailing Bill Monroe, the father of Bluegrass Music in 1982. His love for Bluegrass has found him playing alongside his _ heroes, David Grisman, Sam Bush, Tony Rice, Jerry Douglas, Tony Trischka, Doc Watson Bela Fleck, ... and is well respected amongst them.

26 11 34. Emily Yarascavitch – Oshawa ON This is Emily's �irst appearance at the CGM. She is a recent Honours Science graduate from the University of Waterloo, minoring in Biology and Music. Emily began �iddle at age 5 and in 2012 she was the Shelburne 18 and Under Canadian Champion. She was also the 2014 Pembroke Duet Champion and the 2015 Canadian Duet Champion. Her �irst CD, "My Passion", was released in 2009 when she was a CGM Junior Showcase Performer. Her latest 2015 recording is entitled "Branches of Silver" and was recorded with her trio.

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Good Luck McNish Steel would like to congratulate all those competing in this year’s To All the Contestants Canadian Grand Master Fiddling In the 2016 Championship! Canadian Grand Masters From all of us in B.C.

http:/bcfiddlers.com

12 25 31. Micki-Lee Smith – Fort Saskatchewan AB House Accompanists Micki-Lee has �inished her second year of university, and is studying Violin Performance with a minor in Music Technology at UBC. She Melika Lemelin - Piano enjoys playing the guitar, mandolin, ukulele, and piano, as well as Melika, is a self taught musician & has been playing piano since the writing and singing original songs. Micki also completed her age of 15. She is a mother of 4 beautiful children. She is one of Performance degree with the Royal Conservatory of Music in violin. Ontario’s most sought out house pianists for �iddle and step dance She enjoys writing and playing music in many genres. She has competitions. In 2010 and 2012, Melika won 3rd place in the released two albums with her sister Billie-Jo and enjoys sharing her music with others! accompaniment category at the Grandmasters Fiddling Championship in Nashville TN. She was the only pianist among dozens of guitarists. She has had the honour to play alongside musicians extraordinaire: N otes: Shane Cook, The Brian Pickell Band, Calvin Vollrath, Paul Lemelin, Ray Legere, Don Reed and many more.

Jeremy Rusu - Piano Whether it’s on jazz piano, drums with a big band, country lead guitar, bluegrass mandolin, or accordion, Jeremy Rusu is right at home on a stage as long as he’s making music. Blind since birth, Jeremy’s entire life has revolved around music. He is in great 32. James Steele – Saskatoon SK demand in several bands around Winnipeg and is also busy James is a 26 year old �iddler from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. His working as a studio musician. Most recently, Jeremy has released favorite �iddle styles are western old tyme as well as Cape Breton. his �irst solo recording titled “The Accordion Album”. He has been performing for the past 20 years and continues to perform throughout Saskatchewan. James is the 2013 Canadian Clinton Pelletier - Guitar Grand Masters Fiddle Champion, having won the contest in front of his hometown of Saskatoon. Clinton’s understanding and respect of the guitar far exceeds his years. He began playing when he was eleven years old under the guidance of his father, Freddie Pelletier. At sixteen years of age, N otes: Clinton received the “B.E.S.T. International Scholarship” from Berklee College of Music. He decided however to attend Grant McEwan College in Edmonton, Alberta where he received honors with distinction. Following his studies, he toured with April Verch and later on with the world-famous group, Barrage. After having toured extensively across North America, Clinton decided to settle back into Edmonton where he has since become one of the most sought-after freelance guitarists in the Country, Folk and Jazz scenes. To date, Clinton has initiated several projects including the WCMA award winning group Hot Club Edmonton, his own recording studio called ReelTime Studios and the highly successful Planet Music 33. Donna Turk – Calgary AB School. Donna lives and teaches in Calgary. She started playing the violin at Meet Every Wednesday for Jam the age of 4 and at 11 became a member of the world renowned 6 PM to 8:30 PM Calgary Fiddlers. This is where her love for �iddling began. Donna studied Violin Performance at the University of Western Ontario. Good Companions Hall: 2609 19 Ave SW Donna has been teaching both �iddling and classical violin for over Calgary, Alberta 20 years. Donna’s love of teaching and working with both children and adults are being recognized nationally and she spends much of her time travelling to Visitors are welcome teach at workshops across Western Canada and NWT. Performance Opportunites Contact: Gary Giesbrecht, Notes: [email protected] Website; www.calfolk.ca/prairie/ Promotng, Encouraging, Fostering and Developing a recogniton and appreciaton of the importance of Old Time Fiddle Music. To facilitate and exchange ideas through workshops and clinics, exchange of ideas and talent, and to provide materials and equipment for a musical library for the beneﬁt of and use of all members. 24 13 Competitors 28. Aynsley Porchak – Woodstock ON Aynsley is a senior at East Tennessee State University where she is 1. Michael Audette – Richer MB majoring in Music Studies and English. She was selected to Michael now 23 got his �irst �iddle at the age of 4 and has become represent Ontario in the CGMFC Junior Showcase in 2012. In one of Manitoba's most popular young Old Tyme �iddlers. Michael addition to performing in many shows, she toured with the Scott has competed in numerous �iddling competitions and performed at Woods Band on its "Swingin' Fiddles" tour. Most recently, Aynsley various events across Canada. The love of the �iddle was passed won the 2015 Grand Master Fiddler Championship in Nashville, down to him from his grandfather Alex Carriere. Most recently Tennessee and the 2014 Tennessee State Championship. Aynsley is honored to be playing Michael can be found backing up some of Manitoba's �inest Country at the CGMFC, a long-time goal of hers. artist's. This will be Michael's 6th time at the CGM since his junior showcase debut in 2008. N otes:

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29. Brad Reid - Dartmouth NS Brad Reid is a multi-instrumentalist specializing in Celtic �iddle 2. Kyle Burghout – Ottawa ON traditions of the violin, as well as saxophone and the woodwind Kyle has performed in Canada, the USA, Ireland, Italy, Austria, and family. Performing on violin with his group Jigs Start Here, he draws Hungary, and is the 2015 Eastern North American Irish Fiddle on many styles, via the in�luences of Buddy MacMaster, Jerry Champion. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University Holland, John Hartford, and others. In the Baroque N' FIddle String of Ottawa. Kyle joined the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra as its Quartet, his original arrangements have been recorded on a CD youngest member in 2011. He has 10 years of teaching experience, entitled Buttermilk Mary. Brad also plays for dances around Halifax/Dartmouth, and with and currently teaches �iddle to 30 students in Chelsea, QC, where he the Cape Breton Fiddlers' Association, including solo performances in the Celtic Colours is the Artistic Director of Fiddleheads Musical Theatre. He has recorded an EP with Emily Festival. Yarascavitch and Anthony Vial, entitled Branches of Silver. N otes: N otes:

3. Michael Burnyeat – Vancouver BC 30. Simon Reimer – Lorette MB Michael Burnyeat is a young �iddler from Vancouver, BC. He Simon is 22 years old, born and raised in Lorette Manitoba, a hotbed has performed both solo and with groups at many venues all across of �iddle activity. He grew up learning classical violin and at the age British Columbia. Highlights include the Princeton Folk Music of 12 started to �iddle. He has been playing for 17 years. The Festival, the UBC Apple Festival, and the Steveston Cannery Music highlights of his �iddle career are competing at the CGM in 2015 in Series. He also leads the popular Jericho Folk Cub Jam Sessions. He Moncton NB and traveling with dance groups to Chile and Memphis has competed in contests around BC, and is the 2013 BC Youth TN. He is thrilled to be back at the CGM for his second appearance. Fiddle Champion, and the 2014 BC Open Champion. N otes: N otes:

14 23 25. Céline Murray – Dorchester ON 4. John Calverley - Edmonton AB 18 year-old Céline has been studying classical violin since four John is an active freelance violinist, composer, session musician, years of age. Currently, she is a student at the Schulich School of and instructor. As music director for Vinok Worldance, he has had Music at McGill University. A musician of diversity, Céline broadens an opportunity to explore diverse styles of traditional music from her artistry to include orchestral, �iddle, sacred, and musical theatre various cultures. John also loves to play gypsy-jazz with his group, in her performance repertoire. She is a two time Canadian Open the Felt Hat String Band. John has been teaching violin for over 20 Junior Fiddle Champion winning the 18 and under category in 2013 years. He teaches both in his home studio in Edmonton and also in and 2014 Shelburne, Ontario. She would also like to thank the committee members of the St. Paul AB for the North Eastern Music Association. CGMFC for the invitation to participate in this prestigious competition. N otes: N otes:

5. Austin Castle – Swift Current SK 26. Danny Perreault – Granby QC Austin is an active performer in the Swift Current and surrounding Danny a remporté plusieurs compétitions à travers le pays et a area. He has competed multiple times at the John Arcand Fiddle participé au CGM plus d’une dizaine de fois. Par ailleurs, il a raf�iné Festival. Austin is also becoming a regular instructor at �iddle camps sa technique avec son idole Yvon Cuillerier pendant plusieurs in western Canada while maintaining a small group of students années. Le respect des traditions (real �iddler) est important pour back home. M. Perreault. Inspiré de plusieurs violoneux dont Gérard « Ti-noir » Joyal, Don Messer, Yvon Cuillerier et plusieurs autres, Danny écrit son propre matériel. Il a déjà une centaine de compositions à son actif. N otes:

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6. Brendan Chartrand - Rock Ridge MB Brendan �irst picked up a �iddle at the age of 11 in Rock Ridge Manitoba. By the time he turned 12, this Metis-Ojibwe, was already 27. Martha Pitre – Shediac NB able to play many songs. Given early instructions, at a Frontier Martha is 16 years old and is a member of the Sussex Avenue School from his �iddle instructor Mr. Joey Adamowski. Brenda Fiddler with Ivan and Vivian Hicks. She studies �iddle with Stacey excelled with this newly found Instrument. Brendan has Read. She has won her age category 5 years in a row at the Maritime recorded 6 cds with his newest released in 2014. He performs at Fiddle Festival and in Pembroke in 2012 and 2014. Martha has various venues across the prairies and travels with the Asham Stompers, a reached the �inals in the CGM the past two years. She attended the square-dance troupe from Manitoba. Brendan also plays the piano, bass, guitar and Berklee School of Music in Boston this summer on a full tuition drums. scholarship. Her �irst CD has just been released. N otes: N otes:

22 15 7. Jane Cory – Winnipeg MB 22. Lee Mandeville - Yellowknife NT Jane has been a lover of Canadian �iddle music since the age of Lee is a Métis �iddling champion and recording artist, currently seven, when it was introduced to her at a Suzuki violin workshop. producing his 4th �iddle album. Lee is proud to demonstrate and She has participated in countless competitions, camps, and festivals represent Northern Métis culture in his travels throughout Canada across the country. Jane has one album to her credit, “Road and internationally. His �iddling and commitment to his Métis Between the Saints” and is entering her third year as a Bachelor of heritage has resulted in numerous awards: Golden Jubilee of Her Music student at the University of Ottawa. She is thrilled to see the Majesty Queen Elizabeth II; North’s Living History Award; and Canadian Grand Masters being held in Alberta, and is genuinely excited to compete for Outstanding Achievement Award from the Northwest Territories Métis Nation. He her sixth consecutive year. currently holds the National Métis Fiddle Championship. Lee lives in Yellowknife with his two sons and enjoys volunteering in events involving youth and elders. N otes: N otes:

8. Chloe Davidson – Kelowna BC 23. Janelle Melanson – Moncton NB Chloe is a multi instrumentalist out of Kelowna BC. At the age of 3 she started to play violin, and by the time she turned four, her Janelle started taking �iddle lessons at the age of 4. She has been �iddling career began. Since then she has performed at venues all performing at many events and festivals that have taken her to over North America including Celtic Colors, Salmon Arm and Blues Ireland, France, USA and Ottawa for the Canada Day celebrations. At Festival, and many others. Chloe is a 2 time Kelowna �iddle the age of 12, she recorded her �irst album titled S’envoler/Taking champion and has received the BC Interior Arts Award. Chloe is so Flight with her sister Christine. In 2011, she was invited with her thankful and excited that her passion for music has led her to compete at the CGM for the sister as Junior Showcase performers at the CGM and has been second time. invited as a competitor every year since.

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9. Amelie de Arcos – Moncton NB 24. Dan Mighton – Hanover ON Amélie, now 19, has loved �iddle music ever since she was a toddler. Dan started playing in the early 2000’s and his love for the �iddle She started taking �iddle and step dancing lessons at the age of 5. quickly had him placing �irst at several competitions by the time he Thanks to the guidance of many wonderful �iddle teachers, Amélie turned 15. At age 17 Dan won the Open Class in Shelburne. In 2009 has been able to perform and compete across Canada, the U.S. and Dan won the award for the Great Canadian Tune of Choice, for his Ireland. She is presently a 2nd year University student in own composition, Stageman Stacey’s Polka. Dan teaches �iddle in biochemistry. Amélie is very grateful to be invited to compete at her his home and plays monthly dances with his family’s country band. 5th Canadian Grand Master in Morinville. When Dan is not playing music, he is working at his heavy equipment mechanics and welding business in Hanover, ON. N otes: N otes:

16 21 19. Alex Kusturok – Winnipeg MB 10. Scott Duncan – Calgary AB Alex is the 5 time Manitoba �iddle champion, 7 time Manitoba Metis Scott began playing the �iddle at the age of 5, playing both classical �iddle champion, and the 2013 Grand North American �iddle and �iddle music. He was a member of the Calgary Fiddlers. He then champion. Alex has been playing for 15 years this is his 6th collaborated with the group’s directors on their new venture which appearance competing at the Canadian Grand Masters, and has became the �iddle sensation Barrage, performing with them for 5 been in the top eleven four times. years. Currently Scott tours with numerous artists and has done TV and movie work including a small role in “The Revenant”.

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20. Paul Lemelin – Val Therese ON 11. Tristen Durocher – Prince Albert SK Paul is the 2014 CGM Fiddle Champion. He works as an Electronic Tristen is a 20 year old �iddle player from Northern Saskatchewan. Technologist and has 4 children. Paul is the President of the He started playing �iddle at the age of nine after his grandparents “Fiddleworks/Violon à l’œuvre” organization in Chelmsford took him to the John Arcand Fiddle Fest. Growing up he always had Ontario, the host of the “Northern Ontario Fiddle and Stepdance a fascination with the �iddle and its music. Having no �iddle teacher Championship”. Paul has won numerous �iddle contest including in his area, Tristen’s Grandmother heard of a �iddle camp in the open class at Pembroke ON. Recently Paul has been playing with Saskatoon, so off they went. He learned his �irst tune at the camp various Bluegrass bands and is now part of a group called “Nickelwound”. and has been attending every year since.

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21. Troy MacGillivray - Lanark NS 12. Daniel Gervais – Edmonton AB Troy MacGillivray is a music practitioner and MA Ethnomusicology In 2011 Daniel became the �irst and only Albertan to win the student at the University of Limerick. From Lanark, Nova Scotia, Canadian Grand Masters �iddle championship. He has a Masters of Scots-Gaelic roots in�luences his approach to music and has led to Music degree from the University of Alberta and currently teaches six recordings which have received nominations and awards from at MacEwan University in the Jazz and Popular music program. the East Coast Music Association, Music Nova Scotia, and Canadian Daniel lives in Edmonton with his wife Aline, two boys Felix and Folk Music Association. In 2012, Troy received the Queen Elizabeth Theo, and baby girl Eloise. Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions and dedication to culture in Canada. Touring year-round, Troy continues to impress audiences with a wealth of knowledge and Notes: experience.

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20 17 13. Allison Granger - Edmonton AB 16. Greg Henry – Corunna ON Allison started with the violin at the age of four with most of her Greg is the current Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Champion classical training at Brandon University. She then moved to Calgary having won the contest last year in Moncton NB. He has won at 16 and joined the group Barrage, which she travelled the world. numerous contests in Ontario which include, Shelburne, Celebrated as a soloist, she excelled in the theatrical production Bobcaygeon and Pembroke. Greg is also a U.S. National Traditional with tours throughout 3 continents. In 2013 Allison received Open Champion, Barre VT. Greg works as a Chemical Process Canadian Country Music Award “Fiddler of the Year” for her work Technician in Sarnia ON. touring with Gord Bamford.

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14. Kai Gronberg – Mission BC 17. Adam Johnson – Quesnel BC At the age of 4, Kai started to �ind interest in the violin and Adam has been playing �iddle since he was 4. His �irst experience at discovered �iddle music at 7 years old. From then on he fell in love the CGM was in 2012 when he was part of the Junior Showcase. with the music and the community surrounding it. He started Adam currently plays in a local country dance band “Bronco”. As competing all across Canada and performing with his younger well as teaching privately, he has taught at the Gavin Lake �iddle sister, Lia at many events in BC including the 2010 Vancouver camp and Roy’s Retreat �iddle camp. Adam is very excited to be part Winter Olympics. They have recorded 3 CD’s together as “Fiddlin of the CGM this year and to be partipating in Alberta. Frenzy”. Kai is honoured to be invited to compete for his 3rd year at the Canadian Grand

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18. Raymond Knorr – Regina SK 15. Lia Gronberg – Mission BC Raymond began taking �iddle lessons from Everett Larson when he Lia plays four instruments: piano, cello, trumpet, and of course, was four years old. He played saxophone and bass guitar in his high �iddle. Lia’s most notable accomplishments include the “Most school band, as well as the viola in the String Orchestra. He also Promising Violinist” title which was received from the Lion’s Club sang in the school Chamber and Vocal Jazz choirs. Ray plans to take Provincial Music Festival, and has won various Canadian �iddle Engineering at the University of Regina this fall. This is Raymond's competitions. She aspires to study music in university and wishes third year competing at the CGMFC. Ray is honored that he has this to continue doing what she loves and share her passion for �iddle opportunity to once again represent Saskatchewan in the 2016 CGMFC. music with others through teaching. Lia is honoured to be invited back to compete at the Canadian Grand Masters 2016! N otes: N otes:

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