Written by: Ben Miller
As we drove down the last brick red dirt road, surrounded by green grass and vivid stalks of blue Lupine, it began to rain softly. From there we filed into the barn that would serve as our concert and dance hall for the nights to come. As we sat listening to a few tunes from the week’s instructors, the audience turned their attention elsewhere and began to congregate just beyond the door. Outside, a warm semi-circle rainbow had formed over the horizon across from the now setting sun. This was only a taste of the beauty and magic the week held in store for us in Prince Edward Island.
The first year of the PEI Fiddle camp featured a variety of instructors for various instruments including several styles of fiddle as well as; guitar, piano, accordion, whistle, step dancing, Scottish smallpipes, border pipes, and highland pipes. The piping tuition was handled by Ellen McPhee –a PEI native– and Tim Cummings of Vermont. The other instructors were no less impressive. The line up included Ward MacDonald, Richard Wood, Karine Gallant, George Fowler, Meghan Forsyth, and the members of the Acadian band Vishtèn.
Personal highlights from the program included “Ear-stretching From the Fiddler’s Hand” and Ellen’s infamous “Preventative Measures” class. The first was a class led by Ward in which pipers had the opportunity to learn a tune by ear from a fiddler. This proved to be very challenging and a great skill to have. Not to mention, we learned a cracking reel*. The second was a seminar on posture and stretching as they relate to playing music. This is one of Ellen’s specialties since she works as a chiropractor when she isn’t playing the pipes.
Instructor Tim Cummings
A few last highlights would be the many nights of group dancing in Cape Breton, Contra, and Québécois styles, as well as one particularly great bonfire and session that took place on the beach. While I’m at it, I shouldn’t forget the local seafood—oh the seafood!
Overall, this is a real gem of a workshop. It is truly one not to miss. Between the fantastic staff, the friendly people, and the beautiful beach front location… there are so many great reasons to make the trip. Don’t miss it next summer!
PEI Fiddle Camp was held at Camp Abegweit , Prince Edward Island from June 20-26th.
Visit: www.peifiddlecamp.com for more information.
*The “Cracking Reel”.
Big session in the dining hall
Down by the beach listening to Marcel from Cuba play the Gaita
In class with Marcel and Bob
PEI Piping students visit the College of Piping
Visit to the College of Piping
Ellen MacPhee performing
Go team Blowpipe!