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Tributes to Ben Guilllemette

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We 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 gravitas, a major cut above anyone else who took the stage (a flatbed trailer in front of the Littlefield farm blacksmith shop) that day. I remember his playing as having that indescribable dynamic of a technique that comes from a special dedication, and feeling that comes from a deep engagement with his own being and inheritance, both cultural and universal.

He was, in fact, too good for the judges that day, and asI remember, “lost” to Dave Livingston’s soulful jiggery–soulfulness of a different sort, for sure. Ben’s gracefulness was not slow to shine after that, and we all soon learned of the generosity he had along with his intensity, a dynamic we learned to savor in his company as a mentor and friend. He was the real deal, as a human being and carrier of traditional French music, which he in turn enriched with his truly catholic interests in any violin music played with heart.

Ben loved working with wood, and over time moved from house carpentry to cabinetry to violin-making–from structures that shelter people to what holds their food and goods to that which houses their hearts, which fiddlers know only opens fully when someone pulls the bow over the string, to pry into and celebrate the mysteries of existence and the love that gives life and sustains us all.

There is a lot in Maine Fiddle Camp that is of Ben Guillemette, having touched my life and the lives of our founding staff in profound ways, guiding us all toward the savoring of every participant at every stage of their lives, musical or otherwise.

— Greg Boardman

Don Roy and Ben Guillemette

I met Ben in 1975 when Uncle Lucien and I visited with him at his home in Sanford. Within minutes we had the fiddles out with Ben was giving me pointers, sharing tunes and telling really great stories. Ben and Lucien began joyfully needling each other about whatever subject offered the opportunity to do so. The fun lasted for the duration of the visit. This scenario was repeated every time I visited Ben and we soon became good friends and he became a mentor. On Saturdays as a young, newly married man, I would visit Ben at his cabinet shop in Alfred. He had a piano in a spare room and we would go in there to play music for a couple hours. He always took time to teach me some technical aspects of playing the fiddle. I like to think that Uncle Lucien taught me the tunes but Ben taught me how to play them.

Ben was quite the player. He was self taught. In the service he bunked with a classical violinist with whom he credited much of his knowledge about playing the violin. He played in a Bluegrass band for 13 years touring across Canada; he played on the Grand Old Opry in Nashville a few times, won many prestigious fiddle contest and the list goes on and on. He was very humble and rarely talked about his credentials.

Throughout the years Ben, Uncle Lucien and I along with our spouses and friends journeyed all over the North East playing concerts, attending fiddle contests and parties. Ben and his grandson Daniel were part of the first Maine French Fiddlers group who played Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and many other venues. The trips to these events are as memorable as the events themselves, or more so. Ben and Lucien once started a conversation during a van trip to Aroostook County about the difference between onions and scallions that lasted for hours! BTW it was unresolved! It was always fun!

No one loved the violin and violin music more than Ben. Right up to his passing he would call me with news about some player or tune he just heard, just as excited as he was in 1975. Ben lost his index finger on his left hand when he was in his eighties and taught himself to play with the other 3 fingers left. He was still making violins at age 95. When he wasn’t playing or making fiddles he was watching music on TV. He was a lifelong student of the music and was always eager to share his knowledge.

Ben was a devout Catholic with tremendous faith. He had a beautiful love for his family and taught his grandsons to play fiddle. He was married to Harriet for 69 years. She passed away 364 days before Ben and he told me last year “she was just as beautiful as she was when I met her”. His life was full of joy that was very contagious. I was truly blessed to have met Ben and he will be missed.

— Don Roy

Mother Marc’s Waltz, a favorite of Ben Guillemette

In Memory of David Surette

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It 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 the vast legion of friends, musicians, dancers, listeners, and family, so look for some offerings from us in the near future as we reflect on his influence. We will miss him greatly. All our loving best to Susie, Isa, Julianna, all veterans of MFC, as his spirit lives on through his music.

Maine Country Dance Fiddle Workshop, Feb 13, 2021

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A note from Greg Boardman: We would just like to tell you about the upcoming Maine Country Dance Fiddle Workshop this February 13, 2021. We are still negotiating for a hall in which to invite the first five registrants of each group, advanced, intermediate and beginner, to do the live portion of the workshop (wearing masks and keeping our distance, of course). Simultaneously, the entire workshop will go out on Zoom and thus involve as many folks as care to participate. [Read more…] about Maine Country Dance Fiddle Workshop, Feb 13, 2021

Interview with Sylivia Miskoe

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Most Fiddle Campers know who Sylvia Miskoe is. She has been teaching piano accordion at Camp for a couple decades, a petite woman with blonde/grey/white hair walking through Camp with an accordion slung over her back. Sylvia loves traditional Scottish dance music and also New England traditional dance music and old time country dancing. [Read more…] about Interview with Sylivia Miskoe

MaestroBistro Plus #2, August 15, 2020

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Virtual Maine Fiddle Camp continues!! The “action” all starts at 4:30 on Saturday, August 15

We will continue with a monthly, 3rd Saturday, Maestro Bistro concert featuring MFC staff members preceded by workshops presented by the same staff members. You can participate in two ways. First, you can watch the concert live streamed on YouTube or Facebook by going to the MFC YouTube channel here, or by going to the MFC FaceBook page. We are suggesting a $10 donation for the Maestro Bistro show only (donate here). The second way will be by registering for the full MB+ (register HERE!). This will allow you to take the workshops interactively via Zoom and join everyone in “the main tent” for socializing before and afterwards. Upon registration you will be given Zoom links to all 3 workshops as well as the “main tent”.. After the workshops you will be able to stay in the tent with other campers and interact while watching the show. When you register, you will be asked for a free-will donation of $25 to support our efforts.

The workshops will all start simultaneously at 4:30PM, and the concert will follow, running from 6-7:30.  Here is the August 15 lineup:

 Jeremiah McLane

Ed Pearlman

Isa Burke

And here are the workshop descriptions. If you want to join any or all of these register HERE!:

 

Jeremiah McLane,  Breton Ridée/Laridé:

The Ridée/Laridé represents a family of Breton dances from the Vannes region, along Brittany’s southern coast. They are characterized by arm movements which enable the dancers to stay in time together and with the music, unlike Breton dances that are defined primarily by the choreography of the foot movements. This workshop will focus on a suite of four Ridée 6 temps (‘six count’) melodies.  Open to all instruments,  intermediate to advanced.

 

Ed Pearlman, Power of a Tune Title:

This workshop will focus on learning a haunting, four-part, D minor reel called “Seann Truibhas Uilleachann” but will also discuss how that tune is related to three other tunes and a dance, which, because of their titles, came to be viewed as coded messages about the powers that be. One of the related tunes even caused a man to be brought to trial for asking a piper to play it while there was a minister present (the title of that version was directed against ministers). All levels are welcome to choose how they’d like to participate, whether to learn the tune or participate in the discussion. Sheet music and audio will be made available online.

 

Isa Burke,  Songwriting: Write Now, Edit Later


I often like to think about the songwriting process in two distinct parts that require two very different approaches: writing and editing. It often helps to write freely without worrying about whether it’s perfect, or even good — you can save the worrying for the editing phase. In this workshop, we’ll start by exploring generative techniques and exercises designed to get you generating lots of ideas. Then, once we’ve got some raw material, we’ll switch into editing mode and talk about how to refine those ideas into a song. We’ll even look at some writing exercises that will get you writing while also making the editing process easier for your future self!

REGISTER HERE for workshops and socializing in the main tent!

 

 

KAITY NEWELL HOUSE FIRE

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Most of you know from FaceBook that long time MFC staff member, Kaity Newell’s, home in Damariscotta burned to the ground last week. Kaity is fine as are her dogs, cats, chickens, car and fiddle. Everything else is pretty much gone. There is a go fund me campaign started to help Kaity recover from this devastating loss, and you can find that here: www.gofundme.com/f/kaity-newell-fire-recovery I can’t say enough about how big a part Kaity has been in the traditional music scene in Maine for the last 40 years or so. Please help as much as you can!

Going Forward…

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Those of you who registered for V-MFC all received a survey form to fill out. If you haven’t done that yet, please do, so we know what we did right and what we could improve on. We will definitely have more Maestro Bistros throughout the summer and there is talk about a “virtual winter MFC”, but no definite plans at this point. There are still “Camper Concert” Virtual Ensemble videos being processed and you can stay informed by watching the website and all news will be carried on the newsletter right here!! And of course, we are still hoping to get back to REAL “in person” live Maine Fiddle Camp in 2021. We will keep you informed right here!!

VIRTUAL MAINE FIDDLE CAMP IS THE BEST EVER!!!

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Well… we ALL did it!! Virtual Maine Fiddle Camp is over and it was an unqualified success. There were close to 500 registered campers and well over 1000 who “stopped by.” (Many stayed!) I’d like to let you know about the “crew” who put this all together. This was unchartered territory, and starting approximately one month before the virtual camp, we pretty much made it up as we went. Some of the MFC staff had familiarity with Zoom meetings and other interactive online platforms. Others had knowledge of YouTube, and others yet were familiar with website design, etc. None had EVER done anything approaching the scope of Virtual Maine Fiddle Camp 2020, but we wanted to give it a try. Read on if you want to know who made this happen… [Read more…] about VIRTUAL MAINE FIDDLE CAMP IS THE BEST EVER!!!

FIDDLE HELL ONLINE JAM

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Hello Musical Friends!
My family and I have initiated the FIDDLE HELL ONLINE JAM, every Wednesday at 5PM Eastern Time, live streaming on the Fiddle Hell Massachusetts Facebook group. That’s 4PM Central, 3PM Mountain, and 2PM Pacific. We will also jam every Sunday at 8PM Eastern Time. That’s 7PM Central, 6PM Mountain, and 5PM Pacific time.My wife Cindy and I are taking time every day to play tunes together. We’re remembering old ones and learning some new ones. Playing music takes us to a good place . As well, our son Andy and his wife Joy are doing a lot of creative playing, and our son Eric and his fiancée Autumn Rose are never far from their instruments.

Checkout the Fiddle Hell website!

Ashokan Music & Dance Camps Online

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Ashokan Music & Dance Camps Online
The Ashokan Center offers interactive online Music & Dance Camps this summer. Attend workshops, concerts, hangouts, sing and play-alongs, and much more. At Western & Swing Week (June 29-July 5), learn vintage Jazz, Swing, Western-Swing, Country, and everything in between. At Northern Week (July 20-26), the focus moves to New England, Québéc, Sweden, France, and the British Isles. Then at Southern Week (August 17-23), it’s Appalachian, Old Time, Cajun and Zydeco music and dancing. Ashokan will also hold Acoustic Guitar Camp (July 29-Aug. 2), Family Camp (Aug. 5-9), and Bluegrass Camp (Aug. 12-16). All 2020 camps are online – learn more & sign up at: ashokan.org

Alden Robinson Fiddle Workshop, May 30, 2020 10:30AM

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Join Alden Robinson for a Virtual MFC fiddle workshop!

Alden will offer a Virtual MFC Preview fiddle workshop on Saturday, May 30th. We will learn Mrs. Galvin’s jig, an Irish tune that is popular in Maine at the moment. Alden will teach this for intermediate fiddlers. We will learn the tune phrase by phrase, and then put it together. We will also talk about some useful bowing techniques, plus some fun ornaments.

Workshop from 10:30 to 11:30. Join at 10:00 to socialize and discuss the state of fiddling and life in general.

Here is a sound file and sheet music for Mrs. Galvin’s Jig:
If you have not used Zoom before HERE are some suggestions to get the. most out of the workshop.

Please help us support Virtual Maine Fiddle Camp by making a donation.  Click here to donate!

We should love to hear your feedback, click HERE to fill out a short survey!
Here is the link to the video of Alden’s Workshop: https://youtu.be/IC8H1-ID-qo

Maestro e-Bistro, Friday, May 29, 2020, 6:00PM

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The second Maestro e-Bistro is coming on Friday, May 26th at 6pm so mark your calendars! These dinnertime concerts from the staff of MFC are paired with a featured dish and special guest from the MFC kitchen. Enjoy the music while you have your meal and be sure to contribute to the conversation in the live chat. This installment will feature Ellen Gawler, Gordon Peery, Susie Burke and Dave Surette, AND a SSFG (Special Surprise Food Guest)!

The concert will be streaming on both the MFC Youtube channel and the Facebook group so head to one of those places at 6pm to join us for the show. Links to both:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MaineFiddleCamp
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/149361975560/

Virtual Maine Fiddle Camp Update

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Well, Fiddle Campers, Virtual Maine Fiddle Camp is off to a great start. This past weekend we kicked it off with a “live streamed” Maestro Bistro on Friday, May 15 hosted by Neil Pearlman, and an online “Zoom” fiddle lesson by Elaine M. on Saturday, May 16. Both events went off without a hitch and were very well attended.

[Read more…] about Virtual Maine Fiddle Camp Update

David Kaynor

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After last years’ August (2019) MFC I had the pleasure of visiting David Kaynor at his family home in Maine. David had been a special surprise guest at camp and while he was in Maine we shared tunes on his front porch. We played mostly Swedish tunes, and this is a beautiful one from Dave I recorded. I hope you enjoy. Sheet music is available on the website: Skänklek efter Lars He’en

A Step Back in Time with Don Messer

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“When we were in our twenties searching out the old-timers who played for the country dances in Maine, all the fiddlers said their idol was Don Messier.  For many decades he kept the fiddle tradition alive and crystallized the regional “downeast” or “Canadian” style of fiddling.  He was an inspiration to them and they all aspired to be as good.  I always admire how he took the local fiddling, dancing and singing traditions from the Maritimes and created a variety show around fiddle tunes.  His Canadian broadcasts were avidly picked up by Mainers. He was an enormous influence throughout Canada and Maine.  Here is a link to some of his shows.”
Fearless leader, Doug

[Read more…] about A Step Back in Time with Don Messer

Canadian Reel

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A note from Doug:

This is a dance tune we played for many years, along with The Dominion Reel.  It works great and is an intermediate level classic. This tune was first collected by Smokey Mckeen, Greg Boardman, John Gawler, and Bob Childs around 1976 when visiting maritime folklorist -tune collector Gale Huntington in Cape Cod.  He played it for them on a button accordion.
I think it is on the OGG Folkways recording from 1978. — Douglas Protsik

[Read more…] about Canadian Reel

Elaine Malkin Fiddle Workshop May 16, 2020, 2:00pm

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Join Elaine Malkin for a Virtual MFC fiddle workshop!

This workshop was held on May 16, 2020.

This workshop is for musicians on any melody instrument at level 4 or 5. Sign up on the MFC Virtual web page, and below are the sheet music and sound files for 2 traditional Québécois tunes.  Download them and get familiar with them. At the workshop we will polish them with the traditional Québécois ornaments and bowings. If you don’t get to practicing them at least have the sheet music handy.
Sheet Music: André à Toto reel and 6-8
MP3: André à Toto reel
MP3: André à Toto 6 8
If you have not used Zoom before HERE are some suggestions to get the. most out of the workshop.

Please help us support Virtual Maine Fiddle Camp by making a donation.  Click here to donate!

 

Phyllis Purves-smith & Carl Hemenway

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Hi Jo-Anne and Doug!
It is sad, but I think the right thing to do. Carl and I have done August camp 4 years running. We will greatly miss camp, all the people, the wonderful food, the great teachers!
Stay well, be safe, see you in 2021!
Phyllis Purves-smith & Carl Hemenway
Philadelphia, Pa.

Jenny van West

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Jo-Anne,
Not at all surprised but still of course SO sad to hear it….2021 is going to be a banner year.
Hope you are doing ok in all of this. Thinking of all my MFC staff buddies!!!
Love always,
Jenny van West

Dave Cousineau

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Regrettably, I figured it might come to this.
That said, I believe you are doing the right thing.
Best regards,
Dave Cousineau

cynthia phinney

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Hello Joanne – yes, so sad. But so important to do.
I have quite a bit of experience using Zoom for online meetings (even going to use it next week for my hairdresser to coach me through a haircut, because she wouldn’t take my money for doing nothing) so if that experience can be helpful in any way, let me know. This is definitely a time for creativity!
Love,
-cynthia phinney

A Gail Bier

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Oh no! I understand the decision but am really sorry not to  have the hope of going to the Maine fiddle camp for the two weeks in August.  I was hoping that the decision could be put off until later with the illusion that all this mess would clear up enough.but of course, a lot of decisions have to be made. May all of you be safe and remain healthy.   I will keep fiddling away and look forward to seeing you in 2021.
A Gail Bier
Brooklyn, New York

Willy

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Oh boo hoo!  We’ll try to keep practicing.  We will miss you for sure.  Many thanks for the work you do.
–Willy

Paul Vernet

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Wow, what a bummer. Hadn’t thought that far ahead. Shame. Good luck to you and yours, and thanks,
– Paul Vernet

Jeff Tucker

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Jo-Anne, I’m so sorry to hear that we won’t be having MFC this year.  I would like to roll my fees and Sophia’s over to 2021, since I sure as heck want to go then.
~ Jeff Tucker

Kevin Weatherbee

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Well, that stinks.  Please keep us updated and let us know what’s going on.  Hopefully this will end some day.
Regards,
Kevin Weatherbee

Ellen Baiely

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Jo-Anne,
I was hoping for August, at least… This news made me cry a little. I was unable to block the time for MFC last year due to travel, much to my misery at missing that perfect immersion, and was just waiting for the go-ahead as I’m sure many others were, also. But to my knowledge, you are ALL well and making it through this misery, with the prospect of coming out the other side with a new and optimistic Life Perspective!
Thank you for keeping the MFC info flow going.
See you in 2021!
Ellen Baiely

Tom Martin

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Oh Jo-Anne,
That is “almost” the saddest news I could have received in the middle of the lockdown! I’ll hop on website and make donation to help out.
Stay safe. I look forward to the Tina Turner revival!
Best
Tom Martin

The Grand Life of Upright Piano

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       “The Grand Life of Upright Piano”
by John Pranio

(PA Starck Piano Co. est.1891 New York – Chicago)

So here’s the fairly thrilling story of the piano the Oshima boys grew up plunking away on as kids in Whitefield.  Toki’s mother’s old upright was gifted to us early on, and we all enjoyed years of its musical generosity.  We had the old-timer tuned countless times and refurbished more than once. But finally, a couple years before we moved to Belfast, it was beyond repair and it ended up out on the screen porch. Here it hunkered down, functioning as a table of sorts at pot-lucks; a dusty collector of stuff; a plant stand, etc. There, hit by sideways spraying rain or snow, spilled lemonade, or manhandled by a new generation of young musical explorers, it stood, dignified, with unflagging posture. [Read more…] about The Grand Life of Upright Piano

HERE IS A WAY TO SUPPORT MAINE FIDDLE CAMP!

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Hi Fiddle Campers and prospective Fiddle Campers! As most of you know, the complete 2020 season of MFC has been cancelled due to the coronavirus. *sigh*.. BUT the MFC staff has put together a team to work on a “Virtual Fiddle Camp”. We plan to keep the spirit of MFC alive with live streaming concerts, workshops, presentations, music videos, one on one or group lessons with your favorite instructor, and MORE!! This will definitely be the BEST virtual Fiddle Camp ever!!! You can help to that end by donating with the knowledge that your donation will be going to help underwrite this project and help the MFC staff who are working on the project, many of whom have lost some or all of their livelihood. So keep an eye right here on the website for updates.. Stay safe!!

Click here to donate

 

MAINE FIDDLE CAMP SADLY CANCELLED FOR 2020

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Dear MFC Campers and friends, It is my sad job to inform you all that we are canceling this season of MFC due to the obvious uncertainty of the virus situation.  Most camps have done the same. The plan, just for now, will be to return with the same line up and (approximate) dates in 2021. In the mean time we plan to keep the spirit of MFC alive with live streaming concerts, workshops, presentations, music videos, etc., maybe even a “virtual” online fiddle camp. We are putting together a team to work on that now and you can keep updated on the MFC website and there will be regular newsletters. MFC missed a year in the past and can do so again.  Staying healthy is always so important, we have been so lucky in that regard at camp.  Hopefully next year will be the best ever.
For Campers who have already registered for 2020, there are choices: you may request a full refund (including the “non-refundable” deposit), request to apply the funds to next year’s camp, or donate all or some of the payment to MFC to help support our staff until we can reopen next year. We will be contacting each of you soon regarding these refunds, and all refund requests will be honored without question.
With sorrow, but always optimistic, and many thanks to Bill, Jo-Anne and the rest of the MFC management team, and remember: “Look for the Silver Lining!!”
Your fearless leader,
Doug

Chris Brinn: Irish Piano Accordion

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Chris Brinn taught piano accordion for a weekend at MFC several years ago. In 2020 he is BACK and will be teaching during the newly established accordion track for the June week, June 21-26. here are Chris’s own words!! – bill o.

I started playing the trumpet when I was about seven years old. I was extremely lucky that both my parents and teachers always encouraged music. Both my grandmothers played piano, and my grandfather on mother’s side (who was from Wicklow, Ireland) played in a harmonica band when he was in the army. In school though, the headmaster always played guitar and had us all singing during weekly assemblies. I think this was where I first heard, and became hooked on, folks songs and folk music.

[Read more…] about Chris Brinn: Irish Piano Accordion