Youth in Canada's North will once again be learning the art of fiddling this fall thanks to a pair of talented Nova Scotian musicians.

 For the fifth year four communities - Igloolik, Iqaluit, Pangnirtung and Pond Inlet - will see popular performers fiddler Gordon Stobbe and guitarist Greg Simm share their craft at a series of workshops organized by the Tusarnaarniq Sivumut Association, which translates from Inuktitut to "Music for the Future."

 The idea for the program evolved in 2007 from a music club which Lunenburg County educator Julie Lohnes started in Pond Inlet in 2004.

 "The desire that youth have to learn to play instruments and the lack of structured after-school activities for youth were the driving force behind starting the club," Ms Lohnes explains.

 On seven occasions over the last five years, Mr. Stobbe and Mr. Simm have visited communities on Baffin Island to conduct the workshops, which have benefited youth by keeping them productive and engaged, not only during their learning experience, but throughout the entire year as many continue to play.

 The workshops teach them that hard work and dedication has rewards, and for many has increased their self-confidence, as well as a sense of pride and accomplishment in other areas of their lives.

 The association, which was created to secure the future of existing music programs and to reach more youth from across Nunavut, also will strive to provide instruments to communities and support music as a positive outlet for Inuit youth in the remote North.

 For more information visit http://musicforthefuture.ca or e-mail nunavutmusic@eastlink.ca.

posted on 10/26/11