Pipers, drummers, and Highland dancers enjoyed the second-annual “School of Celtic Arts” here last week. And despite the lower enrolment, the classes and performances were a success.
“It went really well,” said organizer Dr. Bruce Lidkea of the Fort Frances Highlanders. “Considering the little bit lower numbers, things went very smoothly.
“It certainly is easier the second time around.”
About 20 pipers, six drummers, and 20 Highland dancers participated in this year’s school, compared to 57 pipers and drummers and 17 dancers last year.
Of the people who did participate, Dr. Lidkea said they had everything from beginners to advanced students, ranging from 11 years old to senior citizens.
Classes in piping and drumming were held at Confederation College here while the dance classes were held at Fort Dance Studio.
The inspiration for the event came from a similar school in Kenora. After it shut down, the Highlanders decided to start one up here. The instructors are flown in from some of the best pipe bands in North America.
Dr. Lidkea said the feedback from the students was very good this year. “The majority plan on coming back next year,” he noted.
Like last year, the school held a parade down Scott Street last Wednesday afternoon and then a concert at the Townshend Theatre the following night.
“Certainly, the concert is wonderful. That’s where the instructors really get to shine,” said Dr. Lidkea.
This year, with the organization well in hand, Dr. Lidkea was able to spend some time in the classes and pick up a few tips himself. “I actually got to be a student,” he said. “It was nice.”
Plans already are underway for next year’s “School of Celtic Arts,” with organizers considering moving the date from mid-July to mid-August.
“July is the peak month for parades and such,” Dr. Lidkea noted, adding there might be fewer conflicts if the school was held in August.
He’s hoping to increase the number of students enrolled next year, too. “It’s a bit easier to run the school with more people,” he remarked.
Dr. Lidkea also said the event could use the help of the community. Some young people who wanted to attend this year were unable to do so because there were not enough billets.
“People interested in billeting next year, let me know,” he said.
Dr. Lidkea also said they would like more volunteers next year.
“I’d love for someone to take over the concert,” he noted, adding people also could volunteer to “do something as simple as helping out throughout the day with the instructors, making photocopies and running errands.”
Anyone interested in helping out with next year’s School of Celtic Arts is asked to contact Dr. Lidkea.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
