Winter 2011 (Issue 4-11) B.C.
FIDDLE NEWS
Central Fraser Valley Fiddlers Branch #4 has chosen to feature introduce the group, & tell a few jokes now and then to get a 3 of their members, Don & Joyce Olds & Donna Randall, who laugh out of the audience. I especially like the seniors’ homes were recently awarded Life Memberships for their strong we play at. support, hard work, devotion and dedication to their club over the past many many years. Don Olds writes: - Most recently, I recorded my first CD including some of the songs I've written over the last couple of decades including I first met Joyce on a blind date nearly sixty years ago. I then tunes which were performed with "The Ukrainian Prairie Band" took her to a dance, but didn't mention that I was playing in the like “The Cousin’s Waltz”. We are looking forward to band itself! While I played the music, she was having such a performing for our fifth year at Seattle's Northwest Folk life good time dancing with the local Lotharios that I made sure that Festival in 2012. It’s been thrilling as well to have some of my never happened again! fiddle tunes included in the CFV Fiddlers’ latest CD as well as in the McGregor Family's second CD. Presently, I'm working Over the years, first as a on my second CD of original songs and look forward to playing family band with my tunes for a long time yet with the Central Fraser Valley sisters, then with local Fiddlers, The Prairie Ukrainian Band and the Cheam Mountain dance bands, and after Boys. our marriage, music became I should say that I do have many other a big part of interests including our family and our eight my life. wonderful grandchildren. Joyce and I love During the six cooking, gardening and we travel the world as years that we much as we can. I must say that Joyce is not lived in the only the best (and lowest paid) “roady”, but North West she’s the best dancer I have ever met! Territories, I helped found and manage the first radio station I now turn to my good and long-time friend in Fort Smith. I was also a DJ for the CBC Donna Randall. Donna grew up around music and had my own 15 minute weekly radio with her family, program with "The Hometowners" in Hay learning to play the River. After sojourns back in Manitoba to piano and a little finish my degree, and after the arrival of our third and last child, guitar. When her we emigrated to BC. I taught school for a living and in the last Uncles Bert and Sandy ten years of my teaching career, I also taught the ukulele. Saundry would come to the house, her In 1990 I discovered the Central Fraser Valley Fiddlers and mother would learn to became an active member. A friend gave me an old fiddle and cord on the piano with Len Greer made it playable, so I decided I'd better learn to play! them and Donna Shamma, and later Anna Sabir were my first teachers as I didn't would sit and listen for have a clue how to play something without frets. My big hours. moment in contests was when I tied with the previous Provincial Seniors Champion for 2nd place at Quesnel! I got the I first met Donna when she and her fiddling son Alex became Bronze when Dan played a better jig! members of the CFVF many years ago. Prior to joining the BC Old Time Fiddlers, Donna and her son were a strong part of the Anyone can tell you that I travel around with all kinds of Langley Music School's Western Fiddlers. When she realized instruments from bass guitar, banjo, accordion, fiddle, and even that Alex needed further teaching in Old Time Fiddle, she my Dobro, a steel guitar. One of my roles with Branch #4 is turned to the Central Fraser Valley Fiddlers, with the help of being their official MC. I have enjoyed being MC for nearly her uncle Bert Saundry. There is where both Donna and Alex twenty years at CFVF Contests, Jamborees, Fiddle Camps, thrived. Later she learned to play the fiddle with the help of Fiddlerama concerts, and at all the playouts I can be at. I Keith Wilson and her son Alex.
When Dale McGregor and I established the Pacific Fiddle College in 2000, Donna soon became an invaluable aide. After Hockey Moms have a reputation for hard work, sacrifice and I did two years as co-ordinator, Donna took it over and did an dedication but I don't think they can come close to Fiddle excellent job. Donna single-handedly organized the whole Moms! Donna has stood by and supported her son Alex camp, worked furiously to make each one successful, and went through thick and thin, taking him all over the country to play the extra mile to make sure everyone was happy with the event. his fiddle. Donna knows just about everyone in the fiddle world and is well liked everywhere. Her son, Alex progressed from beginner Keith Wilson commented that both he & Alice have known to lead fiddler and then Instructor at the Pacific Fiddle College. Donna since they joined the CFV Fiddlers in the early 1990's. I still remember him on stage with our grandson Gavin at his Keith worked with her on many of our fiddle contests, where performance debut. On his knees, Alex was about the same she looked after the demanding job of tabulating all the height as Gavin! (for those who know Donna's son Alex, he contestants' marks and positions for the day. In addition, she joined the club when he was 12 and over the years he has annually looked after ordering and maintaining the many reached the height of 6'7"!) trophies that were handed out each year. Also, for a number of years, Donna was a tireless worker arranging the many details Donna, for several years, also organized the CFVF annual involved in putting on our annual Fiddle Camp at Hope. fiddle contest, not at all an easy job, along with the Jamboree, Pacific Fiddle College, Fiddlerama. She always did an Her love of fiddle music, and her family are very obvious. She excellent job and put in 150% effort all the way. She was on continually promotes them in their journey to succeed. the BCOTFA Provincial Executive and on the Executive of Branch #4 for many years.
B.C. FIDDLE NEWS is provided ALL SUBMISSIONS FOR THE Looking ahead we would like to free-of-charge to members of the B.C. NEXT NEWSLETTER (MAR 2012) continue with a feature write-up & Old Time Fiddlers’ Association MUST BE RECEIVED NO picture in each issue of the B.C. through individual branch/club LATER THAN FEB 15 TH, Fiddle News and would appreciate representatives. Members who wish a 2012. receiving submissions in line with the copy should contact their branch following schedule. executive or newsletter March 2012 – Kelowna #7 correspondent. June 2012 - Kootenay #9 September 2012 – Williams Lake #10 PERSONAL SUBSCRIPTIONS are December 2012 - Coombs #11 available and will be mailed directly
to subscribers as follows: ONE YEAR (4 ISSUES) $10.00 The British Columbia Old Time FROM THE PRESIDENT For U.S.A. destinations please add Fiddlers’ Association publishes the $2.00 shipping charges. CRAIG FREEMAN B.C. Fiddle News quarterly. Send your cheque or money order with mailing details to the following: Views, opinions and editorials This has certainly expressed in the B.C. Fiddle News are been a busy time B.C. OLD TIME those of the contributing with the BCOTFA FIDDLERS’ ASSOCIATION correspondents and clubs, and are not board, as we have SUBSCRIPTIONS necessarily those of the B.C. Fiddle been doing quite a bit of work by c/o 416 COLLINGWOOD News or the British Columbia Old DRIVE, KAMLOOPS, B.C. Time Fiddlers’ Association. email and attempting to work out V2B 6B3 Correspondence, photos, etc. will be the email protocol. We started returned if requested. Please include with the intention of keeping all a self-addressed, stamped envelope. the branches informed of the B.C. Old Time Direct all correspondence to Florence Tellier as noted to left. board's direction and decisions, Fiddlers’ Association and we are also endeavoring to let It is our policy to edit your the branches have their say so that http://www.bcfiddlers. submissions for spelling, all will feel included. Whew! grammar & brevity – but only That can entail a lot of writing and com where necessary. It is not our Philippa, our esteemed Secretary, intent to change the meaning of has been typing up a storm and B.C. FIDDLE NEWS your correspondence in any way. sending out many words to the
c/o Florence Tellier, ------directors and the branches. Great 416 Collingwood Drive, job, Philippa. Kamloops, BC B.C. Fiddle News is printed by V2B 6B3 Edge Publishing Inc., Kamloops, By now, the members should know Phone & Fax: (250) 376-2330 250-374-3246 that the BCOTFA has purchased E-mail: [email protected] Directors & Officers insurance so
B.C. Fiddle News Winter 2011 Issue
that all directors in the branches of our newsletter correspondents, fiddlers take part playing tunes that are presently insured against Gail Ross & Bruce Foden. are well known as well as new certain types of lawsuits. There tunes introduced by fiddlers in the was quite a bit of discussion Wishing everyone a Merry group. This has proved to be a around this issue and the details Christmas and a warm & Happy very successful part of our jam and expenses are explained in a New Year. nights. We have also had two letter sent by Philippa to the accomplished fiddlers join us this Florence Tellier branches. fall. Jackie McKay, a student in
the Medical Program at U.N.B.C.
There has been a lot of thought and and Clayton Burrill from Nova effort put in by the provincial Scotia. We have also had a board members in their attempts to number of out of town visitors - come up with reasonable decisions Eleanor Smith from Edmonton, on various issues and I would like Phyllis Stewart from Wainwright, to thank them all for their Alberta & Patti & Brian Starns dedication. And here I really from Cranbrook B.C., as well as a thought that we'd just be fiddling CLUB NEWS number of other guests. around. We still have a few months ahead of us before the next Dance season has also begun! AGM in Kelowna, so maybe now PRINCE GEORGE Enthusiastic crowds have turned is the time to start planning your out for our first dances of the fall next career as a board member of BRANCH #1 on September 17th & October 15th. the BCOTFA. The last dance of the season will Greetings from be held November 19th 2011. Have a Merry Christmas, Prince George everyone, and we'll chat again in Branch #1. It’s the Six of our fiddlers took part in the 2012. time of year again 41st Quesnel Old Time Fiddle when the days are Contest on Saturday, October 1st Cheers, getting shorter and now snow is 2011 hosted by our friendly Craig Freeman already on the ground. Our season neighboring branch to the south.
of music, fun and fellowship is The contest was followed by a
well underway. In spite of winter, splendid dinner and then the dance FROM THE EDITOR which seems to have made an early which featured local fiddlers,
FLORENCE TELLIER arrival, it has been good to see that contestants and judges. A great many of our members are getting time was had by all. Thank you Here we are again out hearing some good old time Quesnel for hosting another great – time is rushing fiddling at the jam sessions and contest! Trophies were awarded forward and swinging to the music at our to: Noah Jacob, 1st place in Junior another year is dances. Class; Chloe Nakahara, 1st place in almost ended. Youth Class; Barry Nakahara, 1st Our regular schedule of playouts place & Ardea Wylie, 3rd place in Although we could not make it to has resumed. During the summer Intermediate Class; Gabrielle the Island in July, we did manage break, our fiddlers often performed Jacob, 1st place and Clayton to make a trip there in September downtown at the Farmers’ Market. Burrill, 3rd place in the Open Class. and very much enjoyed our visit Appreciative market goers were Congratulations everyone! with family and friends. We were entertained by a number of our also able to take in part of the fiddlers and musicians on several Our branch mourns the passing of Coombs Jamboree which was a Saturday mornings in June, July life time member Bess Bowman on pleasure. and August. October 7th 2011. She had been a member, along with her fiddler It was nice seeing familiar faces at Our Thursday evening jam husband Dave, since 1970. She Coombs and also to get the chance sessions started in September. will be sadly missed by her to meet our new Secretary- Each evening there is a time husband Dave, daughters Beth Treasurer, Philippa Parker and two between 7:30 and 8:00 pm for a Bressette, Heather Soldan, sons session of group fiddling. Several Jamie Bowman & Davie Bowman,
B.C. Fiddle News Winter 2011 Issue
12 grandchildren and 13 great slippery side roads. It has been be the Christmas Carol “Let it grandchildren. Bess was one weird year, so far. Snow” played as a jig. I was continuously active in Branch hoping to have a photo to go with activities, accompanying Dave to Since the last newsletter the fiddle this but my camera photos don’t the jams, dances & contests. She camp has come and gone and want to download to my computer. used to call the circle dances while everyone that I’ve spoken with had Go figure, new computer, old cell Dave played his fiddle. Bess a great time, as usual. phone, of course it won’t work. would always bring along her Just in case you don’t recognize camera and was the club Also, our 41st annual Contest was the name of the band it was Calvin photographer for many years. She held October 1st, the results of Vollrath, Mark Sullivan, and Trent started the club photo albums in which are listed below. It was not Freeman on a Winter Tour of B.C. the 1980’s up to 2001 when the a very full contest this year and our starting in Prince George on the she passed the torch on to others. Farthest Traveled was a member of 10th, playing Quesnel on the 11th, After a stroke earlier this year, our club from Miocene, BC, just Williams Lake on the 12th, Bess spent her final months in outside of 150 Mile House. The Kelowna on the 13th and Simon Fraser Lodge where she eldest was also a member of our Vancouver on the 14th. It was a expressed appreciation for her club, Roy Throssell of Quesnel. great show. If you missed it I’m care. Her funeral service was held The rest of the results follow - all sorry, - you missed something at Knox United Church on October were from Quesnel and Prince special. 12th. George. Fiddle Camp is already in the Christmas is coming! Our jam Championship: planning stages so keep your sessions take place every Thursday 1st - Deni Stone calendars open for July and check evening from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at 2nd - Anita Mamela out the website for more the Elder Citizen’s Recreation Open: information. Center 1692 10th Ave. Our last 1st - Gabrielle Jacob jam will be in late December. Jam 2nd - Adam Johnson This is all the news I have, so sessions will resume January 6th, 3rd - Clayton Burrill again on behalf of the Quesnel 2012. For those of you travelling Intermediate: Branch of the Old Time Fiddlers, to Prince George in the New Year 1st - Barry Nakahara I’m Ab. please drop in at one of our 2nd - Ab McQuillin Thursday jams. You are welcome 3rd - Ardea Wylie Thanks for keeping Old Time to listen, dance, make requests and Seniors: Music alive. play. 1st - Ken Emery 2nd - Roy Throssell Ab McQuillin
On behalf of the Prince George Youth: Old Time Fiddlers we wish you a 1st - Chloe Nakahara joyous Christmas and a Happy Junior: CENTRAL New Year filled with good health, 1st - Noah Jacob FRASER VALLEY good friends and good fiddling 2nd - Krystal Gelinas BRANCH #4 always. Little Britches: st BRANCH #4 1 - Hunter Grosse Pearen Marguerite MacKenzie, We had a busy Club correspondent Yesterday, Remembrance Day summer as
afternoon, we had the great members who
privilege of attending a House were not away continued to QUESNEL Concert performed by a group practice on Wednesday evenings calling themselves “Slim Wallet as usual. Cedarbrook Chateau BRANCH #3 and the No Dough Boys”. It was a Retirement Home in Mission small concert in one of our Seniors allowed us to play in their Gym at The winter did Assisted Living Homes and was a no cost so in August we gave them start. Then we fantastic compilation of tunes new a “thank you” concert. It was a had no snow and old, with wonderful variations beautiful day and it was very for Remembrance Day. Today we on old favorites, played to a pleasant playing outside on their woke to winter weather and very different beat. An example would
B.C. Fiddle News Winter 2011 Issue
patio and joining them afterwards contests held this summer and our for some delicious snacks. SURREY club would like to congratulate BRCH #5 both of them for doing well in the Sadly, we report the passing of our BRANCH #5 following competition: old time member, Charlie Skinner Greetings from 14th Annual John Arcand Fiddle and also Jack Siggs, a keen dancer Surrey Branch #5 Fest who regularly attended our dances Fiddlers Kai Gronberg – 1st place in the at the Abbotsford Seniors Centre. youth, “Andy DeJarlais Category” Our President, Vivienne Chin In just six weeks, & 1st place in Old Time Fiddle attended both Memorial services we will once again be into the Category in Junior 1 class. and passed on condolences from start of another new year. My! st our group to the families. How fast the time flies! Lia Gronberg – 1st place in the
junior 1, “Andy DeJarlais Our long time member Don Olds category” & 1st place in Old Time th We had a great summer and as celebrated his 80 birthday at the Fiddle Category in Novice 1 class. end of September with a party at of the first week of September, You can also hear them play on the Campbells Gold Honey farm. A we are back practicing dance air at 8 pm Saturdays on 101.7FM, large upstairs room was filled with tunes for our monthly dances at in the Fraser Valley. friends and family, young and old. Clayton Hall. Our band Dale McGregor was MC for the members are very dedicated and Some of our members had the evening and he did a splendid job continue to hone their fiddling opportunity to attend Don Olds of reviewing Don’s achievements skills by coming out regularly 80th birthday party in September throughout his life. Several guests to our practices & dances. and participated in playing some performed, including his family good old fiddle tunes and having a members, dedicating their music to So far this fall we have had 1 great time visiting with other Don. A buffet was served and the members of the Central Fraser play out, where we played at a evening ended with a huge jam! Valley Club. Thank you Don, for fund raiser for The Trinity Delta inviting us. We have performed several play- Lutheran Church Group and we outs in the area for Church events thank the 5 members of our 2011 has unfortunately brought us and anniversaries and look forward band for volunteering their time the loss of 3 members of our club to playing at Peace Arch Hospital to come out and play for this and we will miss them dearly. later in November. Our two lead venue. Jack Siggs – Passed away Aug. 28 fiddles, Ed Ryz and Jo Blaak have - Jack has been supporting our done a great job at making us Evan & Rose Marie had a dances for the past 20 years. sound good. Sometimes we are Jack had a wonderful personality taken aback at how good we are! wonderful vacation during the month of August, where they and was well liked by everyone that knew him. He will be missed cruised the Baltic, visiting the We had our AGM this month. Our by all. 2012 Executive comprises of following countries: Verna Otter – Passed away Aug. Vivienne Chin (President), Jo Amsterdam, Hamburg 28 - Verna has been a member and Blaak (Vice-President), Dawn Germany, Tallin Estonia, St. supporter of our dances for the past Fauteux (Treasurer), and Joanne Petersburg Russia, Helsinki 10 years. Verna was a friendly and Davenport (Secretary). We also Finland, Stockholm Sweden, well respected lady with every one have a very capable Bookings Visby Sweden, Copenhagen who knew her. We will all miss Director, Myrna Wing, and of Denmark, Oslo Norway and an her. course our two Musical Directors additional 4 days in London Claude Levasseur – Passed away Ed and Jo. Sept 26 – Claude has been a where they toured Buckingham Palace, the Cotswolds, Stratford member of our band for the past 20 So now we are all looking forward years. He was well known, as he to our Christmas Party and Potluck -on- Avon and Shakespeare’s th participated in many fiddle Supper on Saturday 26 birthplace. competitions and old time dances November! Merry Christmas throughout our area. Claude was everyone! Two of our fiddlers, Kai & Lia well respected and also a very Gronberg had a great time dependable fellow. Regardless of Vivienne Chin competing in the numerous fiddle B.C. Fiddle News Winter 2011 Issue
the weather, Claude would always and Al Procyshyn. Connie and real surprise. I don’t know when be there to play at our dances and Aaron were also presented with a our travelling man finds the time. support all of the other dances as much deserved Lifetime John & Lynn also have far as Abbotsford. We will miss membership. To Vic Ukrainetz, volunteered to take over the you Claude. who was our usual MC and again contest chair from Connie. This is set up and supplied the sound no small job so we will all have to You are more than welcome to join system. To our faithful piano help them out us at our dances, which fall on the player, Irene Donison, who again first Thursday of each month at generously bought and donated all One of our members, Amy Bauer, Clayton Hall, located ½ block the trophies. Also, Mabel celebrated her 90th birthday at the north of Fraser Hwy. on 184th St. Babcock, who was our house back Elks on November 3rd. John Tribe in Surrey. Dance time is 7:30 pm up lady, no easy job. organized a small group of us to to 10:30 pm. We also have a play for the assembled family. practice at the same location, on Our many regular players are all One of her daughters’ neighbours, the 4th Wednesday of the month back in full swing. One of the Maggie Sharpe, was a member of from 7 pm to 10 pm. extra events was the annual 2 day the Buchta dancers on the Don Art Walk in Winfield. We played Messer show. Something of Seeing that this is the final issue of both days this year to enthusiastic interest often transpires from these the newsletter for 2011, our Surrey crowds on September 12th & 13th. events. Maggie was the Branch #5 members would like to September 24th was the Rutland photographer for the afternoon. wish all of the other branches a Fall Fair with lots of displays and On the annual Remembrance Day Merry Christmas and a Happy rides for the kids. We played to a event, we were out in full force at New Year. small but happy crowd with a few the Parkinson Rec Centre to little kids bouncing around to our entertain a large crowd before Until the next edition: jigs and reels. The same day part lunch. After lunch Vic’s band of our group played for the Legion took over and packed the floor. Submitted by, Happy Hour. Our President, This is one event that has to be Evan Sanyshyn Wayne Angman, assembled a kept alive so that the younger
small group to do the Dorchester generation will learn of the Fall Fair, the Kiwanis Towers and sacrifices made by an older KELOWNA Appreciation Day for the Food generation and continues still. Bank volunteers. On October 20th
Vic and a small group attended Calvin Vollrath put on a show here BRANCH #7 th This year we Ellison Elementary school to give on the 13 . The performance have been a bit of instruction and included many of Calvin’s treated to a demonstration to their violin compositions and lots of old program kids. Our fall General standards. Mark Sullivan and relatively cool summer for this rd area and a gorgeous long Indian Meeting was on October 23 . It Trent Freeman were great backup was decided that our Christmas on guitar and mandolin, as well as summer. The apples and pears are nd picked, the gardens are harvested, party would be on December 2 at some fine 3 part harmony on their so bring on the winter. I built a the Rutland Seniors’ Centre. Next violins. Our friend, Rod Miller, year’s Provincial Contest will be joined the boys on accordion with small greenhouse to try and extend st nd the garden season for awhile and held here on June 1 & 2 . We a dandy polka by Alex Maduck. start it sooner in the spring. are fortunate to get Danny Lapp as Rod and two other accordion our guest artist. He was from players won the band competition First of all, in the last newsletter I Prince George originally where it in Kimberley last summer with somehow missed a paragraph from all started and puts on a fine show. that polka. There was a good my hand written notes to the John and Vic are looking into the turnout of enthusiastic fans with computer copy thanking all our possibility of a fiddle camp next lots of clapping, tapping toes and people who made our contest a summer. John has also smiling faces. Calvin reacts really success. A big thanks to all the volunteered to make next year’s well with lots of stories of interest contestants and our background trophies in his workshop. If you and received several well deserved support team. To Connie and her would like to view the all wood standing ovations. Vic was our gang who put it all together and clocks that he has built, go to MC and kept the ball rolling. If the judges, Leo Ready, Keith Hill http://jtwoodenclocks.com for a
B.C. Fiddle News Winter 2011 Issue
this show comes your way don’t members and guests which will be miss it. KOOTENAY held December 3rd at the Genelle Hall, near Castlegar. A traditional Our sunshine lady, Pauline BRBRANCH #9 turkey supper with all the Angman, had a bad spell with a trimmings will be served followed ruptured appendix, but has The snow is by an evening of music and recovered nicely. Connie our slowly wafting dancing. This is always a very energizer bunny took a little time down to the special, festive event to launch the off to see her Doctor, but is fine ground as I sit at my computer and holiday season. now. One of our members, Andy look out the window. I feel a Jones, lost a brother in Saskatoon. melancholy at the advent of winter Well, that’s about all the news for Our condolences to Andy and his because the years are going by this time. On behalf of all family. Andy is also a fine violin much too quickly. members of Branch #9, I would maker and has helped many of our like to extend best wishes to all our members with bow repair and I also have a melancholy feeling at fellow B.C. Old Time Fiddlers’ fiddle problems. We were also the sad news I have to report this Association members and their sorry to hear that Leo Ready had a issue of the newsletter. My long families for a very Merry knee operation in Ontario but time husband, Ted Stewart, passed Christmas and a Happy New Year. sounds like he is recovering well. away suddenly in his sleep on th September 15 , 2011. Ted was an Mary Ann Stewart enthusiastic member of the Old That about winds up the last 3 months. The next thing we know Time Fiddlers #9 and an outgoing, we’ll be shoveling walks and fun-loving drummer in our WILLIAMS LAKE driveways, so don’t over do it, performance group. He will be we’re not 35 anymore. Then it sorely missed. We would have BRANCH #10 will be Jingle Bells at the Sally celebrated 50 years of married life It was a Ann kettles. To all the Branches this December and I have lost my wonderful fall from Branch #7 have a safe and best friend and partner in life. Rest with the snow happy holiday. See you next year. in peace my dear Ted, until we and cold holding meet again. off...some days were practically Russ Gerrie balmy, but I didn't think that would p.s. Cheerfulness is like money hold for long. As far as I was donated to charity, the more we give concerned I didn't care if we got the greater our cheer. any snow until February. My wish was not to be...as I sit and type this report I glanced outside and the MERRITT snow is blowing sideways past my window! Maybe next year there BRANCH #8 will be no snow until December, but I won't hold my breath. I am sorry to announce that We have been very quiet this fall, Merritt has so there isn't very much to report. canceled its Christmas Party. Ted Stewart We have been playing our regular commitments each month - We will however be having our The Fiddlers held a successful Retirement Concepts and the general meeting and elections in “Fall Ball” November 5th to raise Legion Seniors’ Luncheon. Deni January. funds for our Fiddle Camp July House will be re-opening in
December and we will start We would like to wish all of you a 2012. Around 50 folks attended playing there once a month. very Merry Christmas and the best and the music was provided by our to all in the coming year. members and guests. Our annual Christmas Dinner will th Branch #9 is looking forward to be on Thursday, December 15 , at Diane Shalanski-Garcia the annual Christmas Party for B.C. Fiddle News Winter 2011 Issue
the Seniors Citizens Activity breakfast food additive. Sadly, no They sure enliven the dances and Centre. matter how much I go to it for inspire us to stretch our repertoire. inspiration, I have yet to master the In months that have five Thursdays Our club was part of the rapid guitar chord sequence for we play as a group for big crowds entertainment for the members and “Whiskey Before Breakfast”. at the Bowen Park Seniors’ Centre their guests at the Williams Lake That’s just one example of the kind in Nanaimo, which in 2011 has Royal Canadian Legion for about 3 of challenge that keeps us all occurred three times. In August hours on Remembrance Day. The engaged in learning and improving we played at a testimonial Legion puts on a very nice potluck our playing of Old Time Fiddle luncheon for a prominent resident for everyone each year and as music. of Qualicum Beach and in usual the place was packed. September for Childrens’ Day at Following our Saturday and the QB Museum. We were very lucky recently to Sunday performances at the have two concerts in Williams Coombs Fair we had a taping The student band of Springwood Lake put on by two very well session with Dunia Tozy of Shaw Middle School in Parksville has known and talented performers. Cable TV for a video clip to won the right to represent British promote our September 17 Columbia at the national Several members of our club Jamboree. About ten members of championships being held in May, attended April Verch's concert on the band gathered at the home of 2012 at the National Arts Centre in November 8th. What a talented Ethel Whibley to play a few tunes Ottawa. The members approved a lady! Great music, dancing and and be interviewed for the show, donation to them to help with the singing.! Then on November 12th, which was shown frequently on cost of that trip. A cheque was Calvin Volrath put on a concert, the local Shaw community channel presented at a recent ceremony accompanied by Trent Freeman in the days leading up to the event. attended by members in the and Mark Sullivan. Trent played Later the clip was put on You attached photo: George and Ruby the mandolin and fiddle and Mark Tube and can be accessed via the Gudbranson, Nell Bowles, Ken played the guitar and fiddle. They link: Deacon, Byron Stephen and Bruce are all amazing musicians and put http://youtu.be/H3o2HZ7NouY Foden behind the camera. We on a wonderful show. It’s received excellent reviews wish them great success. from as far afield as Ontario and Best wishes to the following England. members who will be celebrating birthdays in December: Kathy The Jamboree was very successful. Fetters and Pat Myre. A full house enjoyed a couple of dozen performances by individuals Have a great Christmas and a and groups as well as the Coombs Happy New Year, and I hope we and Port Alberni branches, don't get as much snow as we did augmented with members from last year! North Island and Comox Valley. So, it has been a very active time . Everyone was enthralled with the for Branch #11. Hopefully we will
awesome featured performance of be able to attract some new Cheers, Sarah Tradewell on fiddle, and her members to lower our Pat Gunderson Mom, Cheryl, on keyboard. We demographic profile a bit. were especially pleased to have COOMBS B.C.O.T.F.A. President Craig We miss Elsie McKay who Freeman and Fiddle News editor remains in Nanaimo hospital Florence Tellier in attendance. BRANCH #11 awaiting surgery.
So much fiddle Our regular Thursday dances Submitted by, music has roots in began on September 22 and after Bruce Foden, Ireland and I December 15 will break until [email protected]
learned why at a B January 12, 2012. Once again we welcome an influx of folks who & B in Galway where the landlady introduced my wife and I to the come to enjoy the more benign weather of an Oceanside winter. concept of Irish Mist liqueur as a B.C. Fiddle News Winter 2011 Issue
sure you never heard them all. wish him, and any of our other KAMLOOPS Also a great big thanks to all the members who have not been ladies that brought in the pies!!! feeling well, all the best!! BRANCH #12 The kitchen looked like a bakery!! Submitted by; Hi folks, I’m back We had a visitor from Wales Marie Bursey again (did anyone England this summer, I didn’t have miss me?). I an opportunity to chat with him for wasn’t around much this summer long, but he told me he had a and missed the September wonderful time playing a bit with NORTH ISLAND newsletter, but thanks to Florence the O.T.F. and hoped he could Tellier (bless her) our report was remember a few of the tunes. His BRANCH #17 out on time. Thank you Florence. name is Dai Griffiths and he said
he thoroughly enjoyed the short No report at I hope everyone had an enjoyable time he had with the Kamloops this time. We summer. I personally thought it group; everyone was just so look forward was never going to happen and I’m friendly!! to news of the sure I wasn’t alone there. But the North Island Branch in the Spring rain finally stopped and we had a There are a few C.D.’s left and can issue. very short summer, now it is time be purchased from Jackie (250- to get out the dancing shoes and 319-3680). I’m sure they will all maybe the woolies!!!! be sold by the next general COMOX VALLEY
meeting!!! Our wonderful musician’s have BRANCH #18 really been busy this last month Coming up; Christmas Dance & I have been plagued by and a half, playing up a storm for Dinner will be at Desert Gardens computer problems for the the following: th December 17 - 6:00 p.m. Cost: past few days and I am about to Shores Retirement Home, Pine $40.00/person. See Jackie for give up and resort to quill, ink and Grove Care Centre, Overlander tickets. carrier pigeon in order to get this Extended Care, Hamlets Senior Dec. 31. --News Years Party at branch epistle to Florence. The Home, Ridgeview Lodge, Heritage House 8:30 p.m. Tickets superfluous electronic gadgetry Kamloops Seniors Village, $ 15.00 ea. available from Linda around computers makes me Bedford Manor and Riverbend. Hiles 250-376-6209. appreciate, more and more, the That’s a very impressive schedule, unplugged simplicity of the fiddle. along with that of course is the th On Nov. 5 we had the pleasure of dances every 1st and 3rd Saturday. having a couple at the dance who The Branch #18 Comox Valley Thank you to all the folks in the th were celebrating their 60 Fiddlers have been keeping it band for giving so much of your Wedding Anniversary. They are simple lately with a few practice time! Ivor and Leonard Blomfeldt from sessions at Fiddlejam and some
Kamloops. Congratulations to you relaxed playouts. There was a We had a Fall Harvest dance both and may you have many more brilliant sun and sky when we which drew a nice crowd. Our years of dancing!! knocked out the tunes for the guests from Armstrong, Nila and Anderton Therapeutic Gardens John Hirsch played along with our There also was a not so nice event crowd in August and we all old time fiddlers - Nila on her Saturday when Herbert Anderson thought that the gardens were just accordion & John on his guitar. had to leave the dance by beautiful. September saw us The music was great - everyone ambulance as he was having chest playing at the L'Arche fundraiser appeared to be having a wonderful pains. I spoke to his wife and she in the Merville Hall where cakes time. said his doctor was going to have and pies were being auctioned off
Herbert do a stress test to see if it for over 100 dollars each! We I can’t forget to thank Betty Tasko was his heart that caused the played for the dance and had some and Mable Lalonde for the discomfort in his chest. In the enthusiastic guests doing rather decorating they did for the Harvest meantime he is just to take it easy amazing gyrations, fueled, I guess, dance. Thank-you ladies, you at home. Louise said they hope to by those pricey cupcakes and tarts. received many compliments be back by the next dance. We all Later in the month, we enjoyed throughout the evening but I’m playing a lively set for the Black B.C. Fiddle News Winter 2011 Issue
Creek Fair-goers and listened to Truck Show. It was nice to have to run back to Victoria for another other acts, such as RNR with two members of the Williams show that evening. Mandolin Nick, as they, too, Lake Club, Ken Emery, with his entertained the crowds. fiddle and Kathy Fetters, with her It was also very nice for me to accordion, join us on this session. meet Florence Tellier for the first Our first Contra Dance in October It is always interesting to have time, even though it was a very saw Trent joining us to help keep visitors and exchange ideas with brief encounter. When your only us on the rails. Those contra sets other club members, compare song communication has been via e- can be 15 to 20 minutes long so lists and hear some variations on mail, your imagination creates its our troupe certainly requires pieces. own image, so it was good to meet stamina and supple wrists. The the real person. It was super that annual Charity Telethon had Of course, the end of that first she and her husband had been able Branch #18 on center stage for a week of September means the Fall to travel to the Island for this somewhat shorter set of 10 Fair in Port Alberni and we event. minutes...you need to leave room generally play the first night, for the good citizens to call in their Seniors Night. For this We were part of the entertainment pledges, for Pete's Sake! Fiddler performance we seem to draw a for the Sunshine Club Oktoberfest Rick joined us on stage to play and loyal crowd every year, many we Tea, and that went very well, even then adroitly hopped back behind see at dances, and others who just though we had to rush off to play his camera to continue filming the like to sit and listen. It is always a at Heritage Place that same bevy of entertainers. toss up as to whether it will be afternoon. We also provided the scorching hot or pouring rain for music later that week for the Our membership renewal date is the Fair week-end and this year Sunshine Club Dance. We approaching soon and we hope to was the former. Luckily we were generally play for at least three of get some of that paperwork done at under a tent and shaded, although their dances during the year. We the next Contra Dance. After that, there certainly wasn’t much air also did a Halloween special for we look forward to the upcoming movement. The Fall Fair Abbeyfield with many of our hot fiddling bluegrass concert with Committee provides a good sound members in some sort of costume. John Reischman and then we'll system and sound man for any of take a break for the holidays. the performers using that venue. We’ve had a few more guitar We've had some great fiddling players join the ranks this year(for memories over the year and we On Saturday September 17th, a while we kept losing them to the wish everyone out there a Merry Coombs held it’s annual Jamboree fiddle section) and I see and hear Christmas. and our club enjoyed helping out them working diligently on once again. A greater number of learning the many chord Craig Freeman our members were able to attend progressions needed for the huge
this year, with several of them list of new-to-them pieces. With taking part in the afternoon Open so many seniors in the club, we ALBERNI VALLEY Mic session. As a club we were have found that it is very helpful to
BRANCH #19 also able to play for a good portion have a good number of musicians of the evening dance, and were available for our various play-outs. Rain, rain and more glad to have some of the With people often traveling or rain. Maybe the Courtenay members join us for having other commitments, it is message is to switch part of the time. Several people nice for the club to feel we can rely our minds from getting the garden took advantage of the dry camping on having a firm core of fiddle tidied up, and now think of indoor available to stay overnight and players and sufficient back-up activities, to be ready for all of the relax or jam, as the mood dictated. support, whether it is guitar, piano entertainment we can provide the or bass, at any time. Piano players community. Of course the highlight of the are like gold, so we’re lucky to Jamboree was the visit and have two of them, and we now We have had some great sessions performance of Sarah Tradewell. have a couple of people who can, this fall. We finished up our What an incredibly talented and when needed, switch from their summer play-outs at McLean’s personable young woman. She primary role, and play electric bass Mill by doing a lunch hour gave a wonderful performance to fill in if the “Tub “ player is entertainment for the Antique even though she had to be prepared away or needs a rest (it is actually
B.C. Fiddle News Winter 2011 Issue
quite hard to play that tub About a year ago he had a heart & constantly for hours) CALENDAR OF double lung transplant. The story of his transplant journey was in the One issue that we are consciously EVENTS February, 2011 issue of “North of working on right now, is the 50”. If you would like to read it, arrangement of musicians for play- Watch for details of the 2012 go to www.northof50.com. out or performance, to provide the Old Time Fiddle Contest season best possible set-up to hear each in our next issue. He is now planning to write a book other and give optimum sound. and Kevin says that through all his We have tended to get ourselves years of ‘fiddling around’ he has strung out in a line on the stage B.C. Fiddle News very few photographs of himself and have sometimes ended up with Advertising Costs playing at contests, etc. He would two separate sections, with the beat Full Page - $ 60 like to include some in his book, so on one side milli-seconds behind Half Page - $ 30 if anyone out there has any such the other. Not good. We’re Quarter Page - $ 20 photos Kevin would appreciate Business card size - $ 15 thinking that one of the keys is to hearing from you. get the back-up section well placed Please note that B.C.O.T.F.A. Branches to start with. The “Tub” player can publicize their events at no cost, with You can contact him at said he was finding that he was space allocation being at the discretion of [email protected] or 250- forming a low-frequency sound the Editor. 545-8340 wall between adjacent players and it was better if he was placed behind the group, rather than in ------front as a “novelty”. We fiddlers need to learn to form a tighter block so everyone can hear well and therefore follow the lead FOR SALE fiddlers, who in turn need to hear a strong back-up. Are we tied up in Washburn 5 String Bass knots yet? Do other clubs have Guitar similar problems? If so, have any Bantam Series interesting and creative solutions come up? All suggestions Hard Case appreciated .... else what is an $ 300.00 firm association for? Bit by bit, we If interested, call learn and have fun and satisfaction 250-376-3608 for more doing so. info. I guess Christmas and New Year celebrations are the next major events coming up, bringing with them the question “to play, or not to play”, seasonal pieces. Always a tricky one, as some people like Pictured above is Kevin Kienlein them and some don’t. of Vernon. This photo was taken At the Canadian Grand Masters in Nevertheless, we wish all of you a in August, 2011 at the Kidney August of this year, B.C. was very Merry Christmas and a Happy Walk in Kamloops. represented by 3 of the best young New Year whatever music you are fiddlers in the Association, Alex playing. Years ago Kevin was very active Randall, Deni Stone & Sarah with the Vernon Old Time Tradewell. Following on the next Fiddlers, serving as a director, page are letters from Deni & Gail Ross president and contest chair Sarah describing their numerous times. experiences.
B.C. Fiddle News Winter 2011 Issue
In the many years that I've been playing music, I have I was so excited for the CGM weekend - I couldn’t wait never been more impressed with where my talent has to see all my friends again and meet some more amazing sent me, than the magnificent city of Ottawa for the musicians. The Competitor’s Showcase on Friday night, Canadian Grand Masters. While it has been a dream of where each province’s representatives performed a few mine to always play on a national stage, I never thought tunes together, was a great opportunity to catch up with for a minute that I would have as amazing of a time as the people I met the summer before and hear what tunes when I was at the airport, getting ready to get on my first people play across Canada. The next day was the airplane to travel at speeds of up to 570 MPH at 40,000 competition itself. All 29 competitors played a waltz, a feet in the air! jig, a reel, and a tune of choice, and then the finalists were announced. It was an extremely strong group of In Ottawa, the first thing you notice is that everything is fiddlers; there were so many talented players who gave it so flat...and surprisingly clean. At the competition, it their all, but unfortunately, not everyone could make the finally sinks in that you are there, with 25 other amazing finals. Though I didn’t move on to the final round, I fiddle players, all working their tails off to make their enjoyed hearing each of the top 11 contestants play four province proud. But you know, I like to think I made contrasting tunes, which were not necessarily the my province proud just by being invited to attend such a traditional set of waltz, jig, reel, tune of choice. This fantastic competition. My rewards for going were not gave the competitors a chance to play tunes that perhaps about getting a good placement, or to become famous...it they wouldn’t ordinarily be able to perform in a contest was to meet amazing new people (Emilie, Michael, and setting. All of them were fabulous, but Daniel Gervais Kaitlyn) and seeing my old friends (Alex & Sarah) was the clear and well-deserved winner! again. I am happy to say that I would certainly like to go Congratulations to all the fiddlers. again, if given the chance. This experience has opened up a new world for me, and it’s all thanks to hard work, After the contest, the jamming began! We went over to some luck, and many great people who have helped Darcy McGee’s pub for some tunes, and jammed until support me or instructed me through the years. Thank the bus took us back to the hotel at 2:00 am. We hadn’t you British Columbia! had enough, of course, so we took over a meeting room Deni Stone in the basement and played and danced the night (or morning?) away. I didn’t want to leave, I wished it Before I describe the CGM experience, I would like to could continue on and on! I had an incredible time and I thank the BC Old Time Fiddlers’ Association for hope to return next year for more fiddling fun. recommending me. I had a wonderful weekend in Sarah Tradewell Ottawa and I appreciate the assistance that you gave me!
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B.C. Fiddle News Winter 2011 Issue