The Bright Strings Community Fiddle Orchestra is pleased to announce its fall term Saturday classes, which run from September 12 to December 12 and cost only $125. Their affordable program is supported by the Lanark Frontenac Heritage Fiddle Music Association and is an associated recreation program of Tay Valley Township.
A brand new beginner group, under the direction of Cindy McCall, welcomes all ages 8 and up. Classes focus on the basic techniques of the fiddle, as well as the fundamentals of reading music and learning to play while having fun. Cindy particularly enjoys assisting each person with the challenges and joys encountered, and helping them move through the stages from absolute beginner through the intermediate group and on to the main orchestra and advanced group.
Beginner classes take place from 9–10am. Fiddles are available for rent at a nominal fee of $10 a month. The Intermediate group (for students who have at least 1 year experience) runs from 10:15–11:15am. The main Bright Strings Orchestra practices from 11:30–1:30pm, playing tunes that celebrate a wide range of fiddle traditions. They play throughout the year at community events, festivals and schools, and there is an expectation of reasonable commitment to these fun performances.
The Advanced group (The Rolling Scrolls) then meets from 1:45–2:45pm. There is an expectation of reasonable proficiency, and each member brings a set of their choosing and arrangement to the group with the objective of creating a group that can present performances in settings too small for the larger orchestra.
A Friday night Zoom class from 6-7pm is also available for advanced to intermediate level fiddle. This focuses on specific elements of learning, as well as accommodation for missed classes due to distance or illness.
The classes are divided into three semesters, covering different materials and techniques throughout each semester. Subsidies are available. Interested students are asked to contact Cindy McCall at 278–2448 or cindy.fiddlemusic.mccall@gmail.com.