FIDDLESTICKS!: December 2011

Friday, December 9, 2011

Better than a rock star...

So I'm checking my facebook and Caitlin (graduated last year) had posted this full-length video of one of Alexander Rybak's songs. So cool - and he sings. I think most of you will really enjoy it - see what you think!

See? Approaching 5 1/2 million views on youtube. You don't have to be a classical musician - there's a world of possibilities out there! You may remember Alexander from my October 13th post this year. Check out that one for a completely different experience of his playing!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Who Knew?

So apparently hair care is an issue for string players in more ways than one. The things I learn when I browse through Strings magazine. Not only that, but you can't even wash your hair because you might get your frog wet - crazy! Anyway, if you want to learn more about how to maintain a proper relationship between your frog and your stick, check out page 57 of the January issue!
And for some Christmas fun, here's a video of one of my favourites, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, performing The Nutcracker Suite. They seem to like waving their frogs in the air - practice AND showmanship is what I always say!

Things you may not know about Mr. Bernier:

He began playing fiddle at the age of eleven and after earning his Bachelor of Music in Music Education at the University of Saskatchewan he went on to become the 1990 Grand Master Fiddler. Mr. Bernier began teaching full time as a private music teacher and also went on to teach students at music camps across Canada and the United States.

His dedication to music education, particularly in Saskatchewan, is evident in his lifetime of accomplishments which are really too numerous to fit into this sidebar – you’ll have to google him to find out (he even won the 2003 SCMA Humanitarian Award !)

Did you know that Mr. Bernier actually writes and arranges music in addition to teaching here at Rivier? Very cool.

His students have also gone on to accomplish great things such as: Winning the Royal Conservatory Silver Medal Award for the highest exam marks in the province; Touring with the National Youth Orchestra; and recording their own CDs. So pay attention in class!

Most important of all, Mr. Bernier has set up the ONLY strings program in Saskatchewan available to middle and high school students – and you can get academic credit for it. Wow!