Disaster. This was the only word in mind for the first class of the "First Annual" Traditional Instrument Master Class Workshop held at this year's festival in Bannerman Park. Thanks to the organisers of the festival and a generous donation from O'Brien's Music Store, a large tent had been procured as well as a small sound system to help combat the music from the main stage. Disaster? John Gosse and Angela Pickett showed-up on schedule to give demonstrations of their particular fiddle-playing styles. No problem. However, what about a curious listening audience? Three people, consisting of a woman and her two children were sitting in the audience. This was grand. The fact that the kids were trying to beat each other's brains out with stuffed toys was not so grand. "It's the first year...it'll take a while to catch people's attention" we started thinking, "Maybe this was all a waste of time!" Disaster we thought.

The half hour of fiddle was over at 1 PM and the boys for the strings session started to arrive. Dave Panting, Jason Whelan, Scott Schilleriff and Bill Sutton...AND some people to listen, AND to learn! Whether it was the nearby fish ‘n chips stand that brought people over to the tent, or a genuine interest in what was happening within we don't know, but from then on, the audience chairs were filled and people were standing around the outside of the tent happily watching and listening to the performers. We were only mildly excited! With musicians having committed to giving their time for the various spaces in the schedule, it seemed like everyone was having a good time. Sessions... or classes... were held for the fiddle by Angela Pickett, ChrisAnstey and John Gosse, accordion / harmonica / concertina by Corey Clarke, Stan Pickett, Graham Wells, Bill Mckim and Fergus O'Byrne, flute / tin whistle by Rob Murphy, Michelle Brophy, Gerry Strong and Graham Wells, strings (mandolin / hammered dulcimer / banjo / bouzouki) by Dave Panting, Scott Schilleriff, Bill Sutton, and Jason Whelan, bagpipes(uilleann pipes / Scottish smallpipes / great highland bagpipes) by Neil O'Grady, Rob Brown, Sandy Robertson and Patricia Druken and rhythm (bouzouki / guitar / bodhran) by JasonWhelan, Don Walsh, Graham Wells, Rick West and R.J. Genge.

The main objectives of the workshop were to help players and potential players learn something about ‘traditional' instruments from more experienced musicians, as well as to show people that there are numerous individuals around who play traditional MUSIC which isn't sung... namely tunes players! It's nice for beginners to know there are others out there who can possibly give lessons, or who can be approached if there are any questions. After all, the best and most enjoyable way to learn and play this type of music is from and with other people...why did sessions evolve as they have?

Based on some of the feedback from the audience members, I think the objectives were met - people commented that it was nice to learn something about the instruments people were playing; often they're seen and heard on the stage but seldom do people know anything about them unless the instruments are common ones. Also, it is great to see such support from musicians...the only reluctance encountered was from musicians being asked to explain their instrument and playing style. Everybody contacted was quite enthusiastic and interested in helping-out. Unfortunately, not all were available due to prior commitments. Look out next year!

All in all, I think we had a pretty good weekend and are looking forward to doing it again next year, so long as the weather continues to cooperate! Thanks, once again, go to the St.John's Folk Arts Council, O'Brien's Music and especially to all the aforementioned musicians who volunteered their time to make this festival event happen. Those who participated in organising the workshop and who volunteered to play in it have a love of traditional music and want others to catch ‘the bug'. Hopefully we helped some budding players and infected a few new ones!