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Fiddle Tunes for Fall Colours

At this time of year in Nova Scotia, the trees are changing to their fall colours, and keeping in stride with the beauty of the country landscape is a celebration of our traditional music, most notably being the music of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. There are usually live concerts, but there are fewer this year due to the pandemic restrictions, and most of the performances are streamed on the internet. Celtic Colours International Festival began on October 9th and runs through to October 17th and, I encourage you to follow the link to enjoy some of our local talent.

In previous years, siblings of the MacQuarrie family - Neil (2011-14 and now a KES Houseparent), Colin (2011-16; former Head Boy), Iain (Grade 11) and current Grade 8 student Ann, have performed music and dance at this festival; however, this year they had to turn down the opportunity for COVID-19 concerns. That did not prevent Ann and Neil from quickly brushing up on a couple of tunes for the Terry Fox BBQ in September. Iain felt too unrehearsed to join in at that time, but I assure you, his step dancing and stride piano playing are of top quality, nonetheless. Here is a recorded performance of Ann and Neil for your enjoyment. I think it's likely that they will take to the stages of future Celtic Colours once more in years to come!

I have asked Ann to add a comment:
The first tune I played was a March (or a slow Strathspey), the second was a Strathspey, and the third was a Reel. I really enjoy playing music with my brothers, and I don't intend to stop any time soon. I started step dancing to fiddle music when I was really little, and when I was nine years old, I decided I wanted to be the one playing the fiddle. I learned mostly on my own and took a few lessons from a family friend. Now I play for other people to dance and along with my brothers Neil and Iain MacQuarrie.

Enjoy the toe-tapping performance!

Jeff Smith
Director of Visual and Performing Arts


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King’s-Edgehill School is located in Mi'kma'ki, the unceded ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq People.