Untitled Document

Five years ago I walked into a liquidation centre in Carbonear looking for a can of paint and came out with a violin. As a 12-year-old I had read a book called Raggle Taggle by Walter Starkie about the author's travels through Romania and Transylvania, meeting and playing with the gypsy fiddlers of the area. It made a huge impression; I yearned to play the fiddle from then on but lacked the opportunity.

Reaction to my new project ranged from support through incredulity to a flat "at 60 you are too old." Knowing I was probably crazy, I pushed on, booking fiddle lessons with Rendell Mercer of Spaniard's Bay and some violin lessons with Caryl Clarke of St. John's. I brought very little to it except a love of traditional music; a recorder, played mainly by ear; and the self-taught and imperfect capacity to read music.

Learning the instrument has been so much fun and made me so many new friends. I will never be an expert fiddler nor a fine violinist. It really is too late for that. On the other hand, I have spent fun weeks each summer at the Gaelic College of Cape Breton, learning the wonderful tunes and fiddling style from the area, playing at the festival, pubs and sessions. Cheekily, after only playing for about six months, I joined a chamber music group. I was totally clueless, but they helped me immensely and I have an increased appreciation of classical music. Christina Smith's fiddling course at MUN was a great introduction to Newfoundland music and I'm looking forward Music Camp in Bonne Bay.

Are you are thinking of taking up a new instrument and doubters are telling you you are too old? If you are still alive, don't believe them!

There is a downside. Anyone suffering from joint problems should pace themslves carefully. It is very easy to hurt oneself, especially playing the violin which requires flexibity and relaxation, so a good teacher is really important. My problem is a brain which does not work as quickly or retain tunes the way it used to. However one just has to work a little harder and be patient with oneself, and above all enjoy a renewed love and appreciation for the music.

Hilary Cass moved from England to Stephenville in 1967 with her husband and young daughter. She keeps meaning to retire from her job as a graphic/exhibit designer, but never quite manages to do so. She lives in Bristol’s Hope, where she fiddles as often as she can.


	It's Never Too Late by Hilary Cass The Broadside Vol 9. No. 2 August 2005

	Five years ago I walked into a liquidation centre in Carbonear looking for a can of paint and came out with a violin. As a 12-year-old I had read a book called Raggle Taggle by Walter Starkie about the author's travels through Romania and Transylvania, meeting and playing with the gypsy fiddlers of the area. It made a huge impression; I yearned to play the fiddle from then on but lacked the opportunity. Reaction to my new project ranged from support through incredulity to a flat "at 60 you are too old." Knowing I was probably crazy, I pushed on, booking fiddle lessons with Rendell Mercer of Spaniard's Bay and some violin lessons with Caryl Clarke of St. John's. I brought very little to it except a love of traditional music; a recorder, played mainly by ear; and the self-taught and imperfect capacity to read music. Learning the instrument has been so much fun and made me so many new friends. I will never be an expert fiddler nor a fine violinist. It really is too late for that. On the other hand, I have spent fun weeks each summer at the Gaelic College of Cape Breton, learning the wonderful tunes and fiddling style from the area, playing at the festival, pubs and sessions. Cheekily, after only playing for about six months, I joined a chamber music group. I was totally clueless, but they helped me immensely and I have an increased appreciation of classical music. Christina Smith's fiddling course at MUN was a great introduction to Newfoundland music and I'm looking forward Music Camp in Bonne Bay. Are you are thinking of taking up a new instrument and doubters are telling you you are too old? If you are still alive, don't believe them! There is a downside. Anyone suffering from joint problems should pace themslves carefully. It is very easy to hurt oneself, especially playing the violin which requires flexibity and relaxation, so a good teacher is really important. My problem is a brain which does not work as quickly or retain tunes the way it used to. However one just has to work a little harder and be patient with oneself, and above all enjoy a renewed love and appreciation for the music. Hilary Cass moved from England to Stephenville in 1967 with her husband and young daughter. She keeps meaning to retire from her job as a graphic/exhibit designer, but never quite manages to do so. She lives in Bristol’s Hope, where she fiddles as often as she can. (back to table of contents)