First Road Celtic Colours Music Camp Wraps Up

It's a wrap. The inaugural Road to Celtic Colours Music Camp, which coincided with the Celtic Music Festival, wrapped up with a grand finale ceilidh at the Sherbrooke Village Courthouse on Thursday, Oct.

Attendance at the music camp was higher than expected, but not as high as organizers are hoping to see in the future. Positive feedback from both instructors Troy MacGillivray and Stan Chapman, as well as students is enough incentive to continue with this project.

"What a wonderful experience we had this week. Playing traditional music in a traditional setting was a perfect match and all in a culturally rich environment," said Siew Wan Khoo who attended the music camp from Squamish, B.C.

Tuesday evening's introduction to Gaelic singing and milling frolic facilitated by Catriona Parsons, Celtic studies professor St. Francis Xavier University was a huge success. More than 40 participants were on hand to waulk the wool, the pounding of cloth in rhythmic patterns.

In addition to the daily teaching schedule, informal musical gatherings were held each evening with performances by students.

Sherbrooke Village is already seeking support for next year's event and expects to partner with the Celtic Colours Festival again.

"Plans for next years event are already underway with dates being set for early October," said Lynn Hayne, manager of development and promotions. "We feel the program has great potential for growth and have high expectations for future music camps."

Program organizers plan to expand their partnership with the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) next year along with the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage Cultural Activities Program, which has supported Sherbrooke Village in the past.