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Maine Fiddle Camp is a multi-generational traditional music camp in central Maine. Not just for fiddles, MFC offers instruction in at least 14 instruments plus voice. Instructors emphasize learning and playing by ear. All ages and levels are welcome—from skilled players to people who have never played before. Besides instrument workshops, there are opportunities to perform, sing around the campfire, and “form a band”. There are jam sessions, variety shows, old time country dances and traditional camp activities like swimming and games for the kids. The FOOD at MFC is healthy, locally sourced wherever possible, respectful campers’ dietary needs, and above all, delicious.
MFC has a new home!
Maine Fiddle Camp is moving to Pilgrim Lodge in West Gardiner. We will see you there for our full schedule of in-person camps this season!
Location: Pilgrim Lodge, 103 Pilgrim Lodge Lane, West Gardiner, Maine. (Here are driving directions.)
Dates:
June weekend: 6/17 – 6/19
June week: 6/19 – 6/24
August week I: 8/7 – 8/12
August week II: 8/14 – 8/19
Tentative Staff:
June Weekend
June Week
August Week I
August Week II
Virtual MFC 2021-22
Join us for a monthly series of workshops with the fantastic Maine Fiddle Camp staff. Every 2nd Saturday, from November thru June, we will gather on Zoom for classes, specialty workshops, and more. The final June 2022 event will be tailored to flow “seamlessly” into live Fiddle Camp in June 2022 which will start on Friday, June 17.
15
Instrument “nests”
With the MFC staff
6
Workshop periods
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
8
Saturdays
November – June
Register for one workshop or the entire season.
Schedule – May 14, 2022
All workshops will meet in Zoom breakout rooms. You’ll receive the link via email and we will post it here on the day.
9:30 a.m. Main Tent Opens.
10 a.m.
Eagles (beginner fiddle) – with Maggie Robinson
Martins (guitar) – with Ben Foss
Dulcimergansers (mountain dulcimer) – with Pam Weeks
11 a.m.
Loons (intermediate fiddle) – with John Pranio
Boom Chickadees (piano) – with Alex Fortier
1 p.m.
Buffleheads (advanced fiddle) – with Éric Favreau
Cuckooleles (uke) – with Nina Miller
Puffins (harmonica) – with Steven Weiss
2 p.m.
Cello-Bellied Sapsuckers (cello) – with Daniel Hawkins
Woodpickers (mandolin) – with Glen Loper
Reed-Winged Blackbirds (button accordion) – with Jim Joseph
3 p.m.
Thumbingbirds (banjo) – with Jennifer Armstrong
Whistlers (flute/whistle) – with Nicole Rabata
4 p.m.
Warblers (singing) – with Bennett Konesni and Mia Bertelli
Thunderpumpers (bass) – with Stuart Kenney
5 p.m. SPECIALTY WORKSHOPS
“Put on your Fiddler Hat” with Elaine Malkin
This is open to all melody instruments but aimed at helping classical violin players get comfortable with truly sounding like a fiddler. We will work on rhythm, bowings, and other “fiddler tricks” to help become a more authentic folk musician.
7 p.m. Maine Fiddle Camp Old Time (virtual) Variety Show
Your Talented Virtual Staff
These folks are teaching at V-MFC this season. Instructors will rotate month-to-month.
Buffleheads (Advanced Fiddle) Éric Favreau, Ellen Gawler, Ed Pearlman, Lissa Schneckenburger
Loons (Intermediate Fiddle) Elaine Malkin, John Pranio, Jessie Boardman, Elizabeth Anderson
Eagles (Beginner Fiddle) Maggie Robinson, Mia Friedman, Helen Newell
Boom Chickadees (Piano) Doug Protsik, Neil Pearlman, Alex Fortier.
Cuckooleles (Ukulele) Kenny Raskin, Nina Miller
Thumbingbirds (Clawhammer Banjo) Jennifer Armstrong
Woodpickers (Mandolin) Baron Collins-Hill, Glen Loper, Noah Fishman
Martins (Guitar) Fred White, John Pranio, Isa Burke, Dan Faiella, Benjamin Foss
Whistlers (Flute & Whistle) Sharon Pyne, Sandy Davis, Nicole Rabata.
Cello Bellied Sapsuckers (Cello…) Elsie Gawler, McKinley James, Daniel Hawkins.
Warblers (Singing) Bennett Konesni, Mia Bertelli
Thunder Pumpers (Bass) Stuart Kenney
Dulcimergansers (Mountain Dulcimer) Pam Weeks
Puffins (Harmonica) Steven Weiss.
Reedwinged Blackbirds (Button Accordion) Sabin Jacques, Jim Joseph.
Additional MFC staff members will undoubtedly show up in Specialty Workshops
Virtual Camp Highlights
Latest News
- Tributes to Ben GuilllemetteWe lost Ben Guillemette, his having preceded everyone reading this to the heavenly dance band at age 95. I first met Ben when he showed up with “Toots” Bouthot (our Joanne’s father!) in 1975 to compete at the East Benton Fiddlers’ Convention. We young upshot fiddlers knew we were listening to fiddling and piano accompaniment […]
- MFC has a new home!Maine Fiddle Camp is moving to Pilgrim Lodge in West Gardiner. We hope to operate our traditional summer schedule this year, circumstances permitting! Dates: June weekend: 6/17 – 6/19June week: 6/19 – 6/24August week I: 8/7 – 8/12August week II: 8/14 – 8/19 Stay tuned for pre-registration, coming in the spring!
- In Memory of David SuretteIt is our sad duty and honor to announce the passing of a long time Maine Fiddle Camp teacher and inspiration David Surette, whose family, music, and spirit were perfect examples of the kind of leadership that has made MFC the “nurturing while learning” community it is. There will be tributes to him occurring throughout […]
Events
January 8, 2022: Virtual MFC
February 12, 2022: Virtual MFC
March 12, 2022: Virtual MFC
April 9, 2022: Virtual MFC
May 14, 2022: Virtual MFC
June 11, 2022: Virtual MFC
June 17 – 19, 2022: LIVE June weekend camp
(in person, West Gardiner, ME)
June 19 – 24, 2022: June Week camp
(in person, West Gardiner, ME)
August 7 – 12, 2022: August week 1
(in person, West Gardiner, ME)
August 14 – 19: August week 2
(in person, West Gardiner, ME)
Can you help us find past camp videos?
We are looking for videos from “real” MFC.
Some of you may have video of past variety shows, dances, etc.
Would you be willing to share it with us?
You can upload videos on this page. Please contact us if you have questions or leads!