‘Spread the Music’ - Bringing Fiddle Music to Youth Across Canada Calgary Fiddlers Association

The Spread the Music program will benefit youth in schools around Calgary and Canada by providing hands-on workshops in playing the fiddle, the spoons and the bohran. For many, this will be their first experience playing these instruments, but for some it will provide an enrichment opportunity to enhance their developing skill in the folk art of fiddling. We plan to also take our fiddle groups to Canadian areas where fiddling is a huge part of their history and culture, but where the lack of teachers and instructional opportunities puts fiddling at risk of dying out in those communities.

Fiddling has mirrored the cultural development of Canada and is one of the strongest and most original of the country's musical traditions. We feel very passionately that this art form should be preserved, promoted and shared with others wherever and whenever possible.

The 'Spread the Music' campaign is meant to benefit youth in communities large and small and will provide an immense impact in communities by exciting and motivating young people to take part in local music programs. We hope to also get into communities where fiddling is a part of the history and culture of the area, but where lack of workshop and instructional opportunities means the music in those areas are at risk. Fiddling in and of itself is an activity of bringing people you and old together to share and enjoy. Community-building and friendship is a primary goal.