Youth String Camp
Join us as we come together to learn, explore, and create music in a welcoming, safe space.
Dates: July 7-9, 2025
Times: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Location: Squamish Academy of Music, Squamish, BC
Instructors: Jocelyn Pettit (Fiddle/Stepdance), Rosie Carver (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.
Full and partial bursaries are available to participants through CAMP Society. The bursary application form is available here.
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 7 - Wednesday July 9:
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, Write a Tune, Chords & Grooves
12:00 - 1:00 PM Lunch Break
1:00 - 3:00 PM Ensemble Classes
Wednesday July 9:
3:30 PM Performance for Family & Friends
Fee:
$395, with full and partial bursaries available*
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 (CAMPS). Full and partial bursaries are available to participants through CAMPS. Please apply here or contact CAMPS at campsocietyinfo@gmail.com for more information.
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, Newfoundland Young Folk Camp, Bellingham Celtic Festival (USA), Northern Streams Festival (UK), and Festival La Semaine Acadienne (FRA).
ELLEN GIRA (Cello):
Based in Maryland, Ellen Gira is establishing herself as one of the most versatile cellists in the Scottish and American Traditional music scenes. 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 PhD 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, UK and Europe, and performed for live BBC Radio and Sweden Radio P2 broadcasts. 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!”.
ROSIE CARVER (Fiddle/Violin):
Based in Vancouver, Rosie Carver is the founder and director of the West Coast Fiddleheads, and a long-time member of the Celtic folk group, Blackthorn. She also performs with the lovely trio, Triskellion, and with Blackthorn Blossoms; and has appeared as a guest artist with several ensembles and orchestras. With over 30 years of performance and teaching experience, Rosie is a member of the BC Registered Music Teachers Association (BCRMTA) and Associate for the Royal Conservatory of Toronto (ARCT), with a Diploma in Violin Performance.
Rosie and her partner, Michael Viens, founded and launched the Cat Nap Music Camp, which celebrated its 5th Anniversary in 2024.
Registration
To sign-up, please fill out the form below.
Feel free to contact info@jocelynpettit.com with any questions.