STELLARTON, N.S. – A group of Pictou County music instructors is once again offering introductory instruction to beginning musicians.
The Sharon St. John Music Camp is being offered in Stellarton for people from age five to 95 interested in learning how to play the fiddle, ukulele, woodwind instrument or chanter. For those already familiar with the instruments they promise a chance to expand your abilities. Participants will also be able to take part in step dance, musical theatre or composer class sessions.
The camp runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
Jillian Aucoin who is organizing the camp, hopes it serves to not only introduce people to new instruments but creates a greater interest in the arts in Pictou County.
“It’s an easy way to expose them to different instruments,” she said.
While they don’t need experience, she said those taking part in the camp should plan on having their own instruments.
Janet Goguen-Proudfoot teaches guitar and will be taking part in the camp this year.
“It’s a lovely way for beginners to be introduced to an instrument,” she said.
She believes the camp is a great way for people to make musical friends.
“It takes the pressure away from the fact you’re not in a one-to-one stetting,” she said.
Pam LeBlanc teaches fiddle and said it’s amazing to see the progress from start of week to the end.
“At the end of the week we have a concert so we show off what we learned,” she said.
Robyn Alcorn-Martin will be teaching at the camp for the first time this year and said camps of this kind that are open to any age are very rare.
“You usually get an elitist camp just for kids,” she said. “It’s neat that it’s provided for everybody.”
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
The Sharon St. John Music Camp will be held Aug. 20-23 at Sharon St. John Church in Stellarton. Cost of the camp is $150 for the first family member, $100 for the second and $75 for the third and any additional family members taking part.
For more information contact Guy or Jillian Aucoin at [email protected].
