Sea to Sky Youth Strings Camp
Join us as we come together to learn, explore, and create music in a welcoming, safe space.
Dates: July 8-10, 2024
Times: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Location: Squamish Academy of Music, Squamish, BC
Instructors: Jocelyn Pettit (Fiddle/Stepdance), Katherine Fawcett (Fiddle), Ellen Gira (Cello)
Ages: 8-16
Register: Please fill out the form at the bottom of this page. Payment can be sent by e-transfer to info@jocelynpettit.com. If you are applying for the CAMP Bursary, this program is FREE.
Limited spots. Sign up early!
Program Objectives:
To provide high-quality, professional instruction focusing on building confidence and musical skills.
To provide accessible and inclusive music education, in partnership with the CAMP Society.
To build community through fun and collaborative music learning, in a supportive environment.
To offer mentorship to youth string players — developing individual musicality, gaining small-ensemble experience with similar-level players, and culminating in a performance opportunity.
Open to all string players (fiddle/violin, viola, cello, bass). Other instruments interested in ensemble playing are welcome!
Participants will be grouped based on age and level (beginner - advanced). Mornings will centre around main instrument classes, followed by fun electives. After lunch, we will group into small ensembles. Each group of young artists will receive mentoring to establish a common repertoire, arrange tunes, and prepare for a short performance for family & friends on the Wednesday afternoon.
Schedule:
Monday July 8 - Wednesday July 10:
9:00 - 10:45 AM Fiddle & Cello Classes
10:45 - 11:00 AM Snack Break
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Electives:
Intro to Step Dance, Singing, Chords & Grooves
12:00 - 1:00 PM Lunch Break
1:00 - 3:00 PM Ensemble Classes
Wednesday July 10:
3:30 PM Performance for Family & Friends
Fee:
$395, or Free with Bursary*
Fee includes 3 days of mentorship and instruction, performance coaching, helpful resource materials (including sheet music and recordings), and snacks.
*We strongly believe in music education being accessible and inclusive to all, and have partnered with the Community Access Music Project Society (CAMP). CAMP Society aims to provide low-barrier music education programs, with full bursaries. We invite youth to apply now to participate in this free program!
Instructor Bios:
JOCELYN PETTIT (Fiddle/Violin/Stepdance):
From the West Coast of British Columbia, Jocelyn Pettit is a vibrant fiddle player, stepdancer, singer, and music educator. As a 5-time Canadian Folk Music Award Nominee, and Western Canadian Music Award Nominee, Jocelyn has released three solo albums, including her latest, Wind Rose. She has toured across Canada and internationally, appeared on national television and radio, and holds a Master of Music Degree from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
As an educator, Jocelyn has a passion for sharing the joy of music and dance and encouraging learners of all ages. Over the past 13 years, she has taught classes and led strings programs at numerous schools, music camps, and festivals - including the Squamish Academy of Music, Squamish Waldorf School, Open Door Music School, Bella Coola Music Camp, Georgia Straight Guitar Workshop, Bellingham Celtic Festival (USA), Dusty Strings (USA), Northern Streams Festival (UK), and Festival La Semaine Acadienne (FRA).
ELLEN GIRA (Cello):
From the East Coast of the USA, Ellen Gira is establishing herself as one of the most versatile cellists in the American and Scottish Traditional music scenes. Based in Maryland, she has performed throughout North America and the UK, and collaborated and recorded with numerous acclaimed traditional musicians. She holds a Master of Music Degree, and recently completed doctoral studies in Traditional Cello Pedagogy, both from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She has taught at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and currently teaches at the School of Musical Traditions and Four Hour Day Lutherie in Maryland.
Together, Jocelyn & Ellen are an award-winning fiddle & cello duo. Their album, All It Brings, was named “Traditional Album of the Year” at the 2024 Canadian Folk Music Awards. They have toured extensively throughout North America and the UK, performed for live BBC Radio broadcasts, and performed for His Majesty King Charles III. They have taught at numerous festivals, workshops, and camps; and host an annual summer Fiddle & Cello Retreat in Squamish, BC. FolkWorld Magazine calls them, “A dazzling duo!”.
KATHERINE FAWCETT (Fiddle/Violin/Singing):
Based in Squamish, Katherine Fawcett has been teaching music, privately and in schools, for over three decades. She specializes in inspiring pianists and string players with a wide range of musical styles, and currently teaches violin at the Whistler Waldorf School and Squamish Waldorf School.
Katherine is a fiddler in the old-time fiddle/banjo duo Cricket & Claw, a founding member of the Sea to Sky Orchestra, an award-winning author and playwright and a retreat host. Her podcast is called, "The Feral Fawcett: Conversations for Curious Creatives."
Registration
To sign-up, please fill out the form below.
Feel free to contact info@jocelynpettit.com with any questions.