“Remember now, we’re the Prime Brook Philharmonic.” according to Elizabeth Patterson, Reporter/Editor at Cape Breton Post.
Fiddler Dwayne Cote may be smiling as he speaks to eight people who
have never picked up a violin before but he’s not joking. They’re
students of his “Fiddle From Scratch” sessions being held at the Brooks
Haven Seniors Recreation Centre in Prime Brook this week, part of the
Celtic Colours International Festival.
Generally acknowledged as one of Cape Breton’s top players, Cote, 48,
is on a mission. He wants to make sure Cape Bretoners keep loving,
appreciating and playing Cape Breton fiddle music. He and his wife Lisa
White Cote have developed the sessions to make learning how to play as
easy as possible. The sessions began several years ago near St. Peters
but have since moved to Prime Brook, since they live there now.
For a mere 35 bucks, anyone can take part. Cote even supplies the
instruments so first-timers can get a feel for it before buying
anything. According to first-time player Joan Roach from Glace Bay, it’s
money well-spent.
“I’ve never played it before,” she said after completing the lesson.
“I just thought it would be a neat thing to try. I love it.”
During the class, Cote patiently explains how to hold the instrument
and bow. Within an hour, everyone in the class is playing “Twinkle,
Twinkle, Little Star” in unison. Considering the violin is not the
easiest instrument to learn, the accomplishment is startling but never
tell Cote it can’t be done...
Cote has been performing professionally since he was 13 years old. While
he’s best known as a Cape Breton traditional fiddler, he’s also a
Celtic guitarist (in addition to the fiddle workshops, he also teaches
guitar workshops during Celtic Colours), as well as a composer.
Among
his accolades, he won the 2011 East Coast Music Award for best jazz
recording for his work done with Duane Andrews, an album that saw Cote
compared to the legendary Stephane Grappelli. He occasionally plays
classical violin as well.
Read more...
Source: TheChronicleHerald.ca