Bringing Back Music North of 60

The Cause

The Kole Crook Fiddle Association was formed in 2002 after the untimely passing of a beloved and talented young Metis fiddler from Hay River, Kole Crook.
Our mandate is to preserve and revive the traditional music of the north - old time metis style fiddling with guitar accompaniment. We have been sending teams of qualified teachers to schools all over the north: Tulita, Deline, Ft. Resolution, Ft. Providence, Ft. Simpson, Behchoko, Katlodeeche and many others. Our programs have reached countless students over the years, many of whom would otherwise not have this wonderful opportunity. The reality is that music programs have been cut from most curriculum's.
Every community visit is finished with a rousing and well attended community dance and performance by the students.
We are a non profit and rely on grants, donations and support, where available, from the schools.
With the reality of Covid-19, and the necessity of looking "outside of the box," we are hoping to introduce a new program where selected and well deserving students would be given the opportunity to receive private lessons over the school year, along with after school group jam sessions.
These students, mainly indigenous, would be from underprivileged homes and would not have the means to otherwise have this opportunity.
As we will likely not be able to bring southern teachers to our schools this year, we will bring the students to our teachers...our northern teachers!

Who Will it Benefit?

Besides the students and their families, the entire community will benefit. Many northern communities struggle with addictions and other social problems. The benefits of music instruction to the youth is immeasurable. The youth are given a lifelong gift which they share with their families and the entire community. In particular, the elders are filled with pride when hearing their children/grandchildren playing the traditional music.
This program will also greatly benefit our northern fiddle teachers, many of whom rely on us for income. All money would stay in each community.