Intro to Fiddling

We believe kids are motivated to learn and grow as musicians when they are inspired by the music and the social setting where it happens. This is why our programs begin with Celtic music! At the heart of fiddle music tradition is the idea of getting together and sharing music. What better way to make music fun?

Intro to Fiddling is a fun and engaging music class for new string instrumentalists (violin/viola/cello) aged 7-12. We learn what fiddle music is, practice learning by ear, and have fun playing as a group!

  • When: Wednesdays, 5:00 - 6:00 pm

    Where: North Vancouver

    Who can register: Students aged 7-12 who can play a simple melody and scale. Weekly private lessons strongly encouraged

    Class size: 7-15 students

    Instructor: Danielle Leonard

    Tuition:

Strings & Things

Strings & Things is a group where music-loving kids come together to fiddle and have fun! Students learn to become positive and engaging performers, make music in a group setting, and develop their ear through musical games at each rehearsal. They also have the chance to perform in the community, enhancing their musical skills and enjoyment. 

  • Instruments: violin, viola and cello

    Rehearsals: (North Vancouver) Wednesdays, 6:00 - 7:15 pm; September - June

    Who can Join? Students ~ 8+ years old, that can play 5+ fiddle tunes, or short classical pieces (Suzuki 1, RCM 2). Weekly private lessons are strongly recommended.

    Performances Include: ~6 performances / year

    Faculty: Danielle Léonard

    Tuition: 2024-2025 Fee and Program Schedule. A need-based bursary is available. For details on applying, please contact info@celticensemble.ca. If you'd like to contribute to our bursary fund, please visit our donations page.

    How to join: If you would like to arrange a Meet & Greet to learn more please email info@celticensemble.ca. Otherwise please register using the link below and we will be in touch to confirm placement.

Junior Ensemble

If you are a committed young musician who loves exploring different genres, we welcome you to our Junior Ensemble. Players perform arrangements with harmonies and grooves that are fun to play. Performances include a feature role in our Community Concert Series.

  • Age: 12+

    Instruments: violin and other bowed strings; flute/whistle; piano, guitar. mandolin, and accordion.

    Pre-requisite: Audition

    Co-requisite: Weekly private lessons

    Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:30 pm, September - June

    Faculty: Gabriel Dubreuil and Serena Eades

    Tuition: 2024-2025 Fee and Program Schedule. A need-based bursary is available. For details on applying, please contact info@celticensemble.ca. If you'd like to contribute to our bursary fund, please visit our donations page.

    Performances Include:

    • Community Concert Series (~6-12 performances at seniors residences, hospice, community festivals and events, etc.)

    • Spring Community Ceili Dance 

    • Theatre Shows: 10-15min feature at ~1-2 theatre shows

    • Junior Ensemble Intensive (1-day retreat)

    Additional Activity (fees independent from tuition and determined by itinerary):

    • Weekend travel to perform and attend workshops at the West Coast Youth Fiddle Summit (2025 event in Banff)

    • Local travel for tours and performances

  • Download audition materials below. Audition dates are June 15 and June 19 2024. Please email gabriel@celticensemble.ca to schedule your audition or schedule by clicking here. Early registration for NSCE programs is open June 1 until the end of June.

    We look forward to meeting you! If you are auditioning on Flute, Piano, Guitar, percussion or another folk instrument please email Gabriel at the address above for audition requirements.

    Please note: Recordings may need to be downloaded to play. Not all browsers support these file types.

Senior Ensemble

Strings & Things is a group where music-loving kids come together to fiddle and have fun! Students learn to become positive and engaging performers, make music in a group setting, and develop their ear through musical games at each rehearsal. They also have the chance to perform in the community, enhancing their musical skills and enjoyment. 

  • Instruments: violin, viola and cello

    Rehearsals: (North Vancouver) Wednesdays, 6:00 - 7:15 pm; September - June

    Who can Join? Students ~ 8+ years old, that can play 5+ fiddle tunes, or short classical pieces (Suzuki 1, RCM 2). Weekly private lessons are strongly recommended.

    Performances Include: ~6 performances / year

    Faculty: Danielle Léonard

    Tuition: 2024-2025 Fee and Program Schedule. A need-based bursary is available. For details on applying, please contact info@celticensemble.ca. If you'd like to contribute to our bursary fund, please visit our donations page.

    How to join: If you would like to arrange a Meet & Greet to learn more please email info@celticensemble.ca. Otherwise please register using the link below and we will be in touch to confirm placement.

Folkestra

Strings & Things is a group where music-loving kids come together to fiddle and have fun! Students learn to become positive and engaging performers, make music in a group setting, and develop their ear through musical games at each rehearsal. They also have the chance to perform in the community, enhancing their musical skills and enjoyment. 

  • Instruments: violin, viola and cello

    Rehearsals: (North Vancouver) Wednesdays, 6:00 - 7:15 pm; September - June

    Who can Join? Students ~ 8+ years old, that can play 5+ fiddle tunes, or short classical pieces (Suzuki 1, RCM 2). Weekly private lessons are strongly recommended.

    Performances Include: ~6 performances / year

    Faculty: Danielle Léonard

    Tuition: 2024-2025 Fee and Program Schedule. A need-based bursary is available. For details on applying, please contact info@celticensemble.ca. If you'd like to contribute to our bursary fund, please visit our donations page.

    How to join: If you would like to arrange a Meet & Greet to learn more please email info@celticensemble.ca. Otherwise please register using the link below and we will be in touch to confirm placement.

Learn to Step Dance

Strings & Things is a group where music-loving kids come together to fiddle and have fun! Students learn to become positive and engaging performers, make music in a group setting, and develop their ear through musical games at each rehearsal. They also have the chance to perform in the community, enhancing their musical skills and enjoyment. 

  • Instruments: violin, viola and cello

    Rehearsals: (North Vancouver) Wednesdays, 6:00 - 7:15 pm; September - June

    Who can Join? Students ~ 8+ years old, that can play 5+ fiddle tunes, or short classical pieces (Suzuki 1, RCM 2). Weekly private lessons are strongly recommended.

    Performances Include: ~6 performances / year

    Faculty: Danielle Léonard

    Tuition: 2024-2025 Fee and Program Schedule. A need-based bursary is available. For details on applying, please contact info@celticensemble.ca. If you'd like to contribute to our bursary fund, please visit our donations page.

    How to join: If you would like to arrange a Meet & Greet to learn more please email info@celticensemble.ca. Otherwise please register using the link below and we will be in touch to confirm placement.