This one time at Band Camp . . .

Dale, Siobheann, Curtis

In the middle of March a email came to me telling me about the Leahy's first ever Music Camp. I, and many other Fyd-L-Styx members signed up, some sooner then others, to learn tricks, techniques, and advice from the Leahy family, and Natalie MacMaster. The camp was held at Viamede Resort, only 35 minutes from home so we drove back and forth over the four days.

Day One

The first night was a social event to meet everyone and receive our schedules for the rest of the week. Everything that was going to be happening was a complete surprise until we got them. The one event I was most looking forward to was the Square Dancing on Juniper Island on the third night. There was lots of food, and plenty of time to talk to get to know everyone. The Leahy family and Natalie were out and about (out and a boot) talking to everyone, and Chistopher, Colin, and I got talking to our old music teacher Doug Leahy. He gave us lessons before the family had made the decision to go out on the road, and it was great to talk to him again. Also I met some of my cousins I have never even met before in my life so that was also pretty cool too. After some housekeeping items we were set free to go home and rest for the big day the next morning.

Day Two

The next morning it was pouring down rain, it didn't matter to most because all the classes were inside, but it mattered to Dale and I as we had made plans to drive into Peterborough to see the Arrogant Worms Concert at the Festival of Lights. At home it was already raining when we had left, but it was only cloudy at Viamede when we arrived, but we knew what was coming, and sure enough it did. After a big breakfast it was off to my two morning classes, one with Donnel, and the other with Natalie. I learnt two new pieces, and had to really use my ear to learn them because they gave out no music. Then after lunch it was time for a class that I have secretly been waiting for, stepdancing with Siobheann. None of us was very good, we basically just learnt different shuffles. After that it was off to hear about the history of the Leahy Family. It was sort of like a press conference, we asked questions and they answered, even their parents showed up. At the end the father and some of the Leahy boys played a song while their mother stepdanced. I now also know where Doug got his humour, his dad is hilarious. Dale and I then left hoping to see the Arrogant Worms, but they were cancelled.

Day Three

The next morning I had classes with Angus, and Doug. It was a lot of fun to learn from Doug again, he even taught us some of the tricks he showed off when the 3 C's were younger. In the afternoon I had only one class, with the Leahy Boys. Then it was off to the dentist for me, for the consultation for my wisdom teeth, I get to have all 4 out. I made it back just in time for dinner, but too late to get a seat with the group, so it was a table of Americans for me. After that we all loaded onto boats and headed to Juniper Island. A few of us got wet on the way over, some a little more then others, Chistopher looked like he took a pee in his pants. We had an awesome time at the Square Dance, as we tried to dance out the water on our clothes.

Day Four

On the last day we worked on our technique, and rhythm with Natalie and Donnel, then with Angus and Maria. We were also encouraged my Angus and Maria to compose songs, maybe that will be a goal while I'm gone with Katimavik. The after lunch we had Doug again. He taught us how to play our own thing in a song. We started out with Devil's Dream with some playing the tune and others playing deference t things to make it sound really neat. By the end we where playing the Orange Blossom Special, we had about 10 minutes left when we started playing it, we gradually got faster and the feet got pounding into the floor. The whole house was shaking and we played right into our break and had only 5 minutes to get to the next session, but it was really cool. After dinner, we had our final jam, and Leahy and Natalie played some of there songs. Then after a few songs by the students we had our final song, the Orange Blossom with Donnel. We got even faster then in the house and the crowed was going wild, the on the final time Donnel found this super speed gear and busted out in a solo, only because no one could keep up. That had to be the highlight of the night. It was totally worth it and I hope they have another one next year.