history
The idea of teaching fiddletunes at The Victoria Conservatory Of Music started in 1999 with the director, Denis Donnelly who invited Calvin to start a program of folk fiddling. The following year, we were asked to do a couple of performances. The group was a hit and the success of playing for the public combined with higher enrollment in the classes encouraged us to name the ensemble and program “The Conservatory Fiddles.”
In the first year the members were mostly kids but in the second year an adult Level 1 class was added. This year there are six classes per week with every combination of age and ability imaginable. We will offer an adult beginner group lesson starting in September as a prep class to the Level 1 group.
The group has performed at numerous events over the years including The Esquimalt Lantern Walk, St. Patrick’s Day Concert, Alix Goolden Hall, the James Bay Market , The United Way Awards Ceremonies and All Ages Hoedowns with The Bill Hilly Band to mention just a few.
Over the past few years we have been hosting our own Urban Barndances at the Victoria Conservatory Gymspace , and lately at Saint Mary’s Parish Hall with called dances by ANNE GLOVER and special guest appearances by The Gettin’ Higher Choir, The Conservatory Intermediate String Orchestra, The O’Brien Irish Dancers and other famous ensembles and musical personalities around town.
