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Xentel | | . | Symphony of Fiddles |
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In support of the Rainbow Society of Alberta.
The Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra was founded in 1982 by Wallace and Alexis Galbraith, who are both string instrument tutors in Ayrshire in South West Scotland, with the aim of encouraging and developing Scots Fiddle Music among local young musicians many of whom were or had been their pupils. The orchestra has steadily matured since those early beginnings and now boasts a membership approaching 200 violinists, cellists, accordianists and percussionists from ten years old and upwards from schools and universities.
The Orchestra is proud of its support for both local and national charities. The Ayrshire Hospice, the Red Cross, Childline, Cancer Research and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution are examples of organizations which the Orchestra has been delighted to assist. The Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra was honoured to receive the Provost's Medal from South Ayrshire Council in 1999 for services to music and the community and were privileged to be involved in the restoration by Dr David Martin of the violin which once belonged to William Robert Burns. The instrument that the poet played is now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland at Culzean Castle. The Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra presents a refreshing, youthful, creative and enthusiastic approach to Scots Fiddle Music. Scotland's heritage is a rich and varied tapestry of history and folklore, romance and legend, much of which is reflected in its music and song. Traditional fiddle music is part of that cultural inheritance and can be traced from Scotland to Scandinavia and North America and across the world to wherever Scots have made their home. Its spectrum includes tranquil airs, emotive laments, stirring marches, lively jigs and dashing reels. Although traditional by nature, fiddle music is very much alive today, enhanced by succeeding generations, each of which makes its own, unique and often innovative, contribution to the repertoire. The Orchestra is based mainly in the central area of Ayrshire which is a crescent shaped county in South West Scotland with an extensive, scenic coastline on the Firth of Clyde. For more information visit www.fiddleorchestra.com. Since the formation of the Calgary Fiddlers in 1981, this highly skilled group of amateur musicians, ranging from 12 to 18 years of age, have entertained thousands of people throughout the world with live performances, television and radio broadcasts and concert tours.
This past year was extremely busy for the Calgary Fiddlers. In November 2000, the Calgary Fiddlers had the honour of performing for H.S.H. Prince Albert of Monaco at the International Conference of the World Games Committee in Monte Carlo, Monaco. The group was also privileged to perform this spring for many dignitaries such as the President of Yemen, the Prime Minister of Canada, the Premier of Alberta and the Mayor of Calgary. The Calgary Fiddlers (403) 2574666 With the start of its seventh season, Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic has undeniably set the standard for extracurricular music programs in the United States. Fiddlers Philharmonic began with a simple idea: introduce an alternative style of music education to public school students. It has grown into a model of instruction and motivation that is being emulated across the nation. Yet more importantly, it is a brilliant example of what young adults can and will achieve if given a direction and the opportunity to explore, develop and pursue their own interests. In August of 1994, Bob Phillips, Fiddlers' Founder and Artistic Director, gathered 22 high school string musicians with one or two years of informal fiddling instruction. He asked them to consider forming a group with two primary goals: to learn traditional American fiddle music and perform for small audiences, thus perpetuating this rich, musical heritage. The response from these "founding fiddlers" was immediate and so positive that a uniquely student driven musical ensemble was born.  With each passing year the appeal of Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic grows. The members continue to work independently and as a group polishing existing skills and learning new material. While primarily an instrumental ensemble, Saline Fiddlers adjusts to the individual talents of its members. Over the years the group has introduced many fine singing voices, as well as the immensely popular Fiddlers Cloggers, to their audiences. This year, watch for numbers that will include swing dancing. Fiddlers Philharmonic represents the positive side of today's youth while reflecting the rural traditions of Saline and ultimately the country. The performers, all students at Saline High School, earn their places through competitive auditions based on musical ability and personal integrity. Fiddlers balance academics, sports, school organizations, church activities, jobs and social lives with this demanding commitment to music. During the first six years, the group has performed more than 460 times in ten states, the District of Columbia, and three foreign countries. They have had the honour of performing twice at the White House and last January, the Fiddlers joined Bonnie Rideout in recreating their Circles and Bridges tour show for an audience of more than a thousand on the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center. Fiddlers have shared the stage with many top artists as well as other student groups. Especially gratifying is the number of student fiddle organizations which have started around the country because of Fiddlers Philharmonic. The Saline students look forward to sharing workshops and concerts with these new fiddle ensembles. Supported by hours of volunteer labour, donations from appreciative sponsors, sales of recordings and fees for performing, the Fiddlers also continue to provide community service by means of music in and around their hometown. They have released four recordings since 1996. Profits from the sale of the recordings help finance the annual tour planned by the group. Last summer the Saline Fiddlers spent 12 days touring their home state during their Fiddlin' Around Michigan 2000 tour. This year the group will likely be accepting a return invitation to the Kennedy Center and during the summer, the Fiddlers will head west to perform in Washington state and western parts of Canada. The tour will culminate with several performances at the internationally renowned Calgary Stampede. All trips are scheduled on the Fiddlers year-round agenda which boasts over 80 performances each year. For more information visit www.salinefiddlers.com. |
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In April 1999, the group toured the Kansas City area where they also recorded their sixth album entitled Live and Otherwise. During the month of July 1999, the Calgary Fiddlers made their fourth trip to Scotland to participate in local Celtic festivals and that October, Alberta Economic Development sent the Calgary Fiddlers to South Korea to represent Canada at the International Travel Expo in Socho.
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