Music is everywhere around us all the time. It is another language that people understand, but a language not everyone can speak; everyone can appreciate music, yet may not be able to play an instrument.
Five extremely talented and hardworking youth, who are very proficient in fiddling, are establishing themselves as a band in order to share what they have to say through music with as many people as they can.
High Strung consists of Aimee Poirer of Antler, Patrick Tinant of Bellegarde, Emily Dubois of Langbank, as well as Simone Boutin and Emily Klatt of Carlyle.
Together the group, which has been together for four years already, makes up the advanced fiddle class of music teacher, Michele Amy of Forget. Though they have been a group for four years, many have been playing the fiddle for up to eight years.
High Strung has decided to formally establish itself as a band to fundraise for a trip to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia this autumn. The youth are aiming to attend the Cape Breton Celtic Colours Festival, which brings artists from around the world together for some of the finest musicians, storytellers, and dancers.
A unique aspect to the festival is that it is not limited to one area on Cape Breton Island, but concerts and workshops are held across the island during the fall when the colours of nature's canvas are at their best, making it a beautiful setting for amazing artistry.
"Three of us will be in grade 12, so we will be graduating and moving on," Klatt stated.
Thus, this is an experience the group would like to have together before parting ways.
The interest in the music festival developed through their shared love of the Cape Breton style of music that has developed throughout their fiddling careers, so far.
High Strung's first concert will be on Wednesday, May 15, at the Redvers Arts Centre. The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets at the door will cost $20, while advanced tickets are being sold for $15, which can be purchased through contacting Leanne Poirer at (204)662-4418 or stopping at The Pearl Boutique in Carlyle.
They have already been booked for Old Time Dances and will hold a performance in Carlyle this September.
"We're excited for things to come," Klatt exclaimed, referring to the upcoming performances and the opportunity to attend the Cape Breton Celtic Colours Festival.
