Join us for a little taste of Cape Breton in the heart of the Nation's Capital! Last Update: 2012-04-09 |
The aim of Ottawa Cape Breton Session is to share Cape Breton music and culture with the National Capital area. The Sunday Pub sessions are open to anyone who enjoys the music. Sessions are primarily for the musicians to share the experience of traditional music, rather than perform for an audience. They are loosely organized, open to anyone who can play the common tunes of the tradition, and a great way to learn new tunes and meet new people. Want to join in? You can! Open Jam Sessions: 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month at the Royal Oak Pub (318 Bank St. at MacLaren.) Sessions are led by Aylene, Ernie or Brian—let them know if you have some tunes you'd like to share. Sheet music permitted. Generally a pretty fast pace. House Sessions: 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month 2pm-5pm various locations. More of a practice session, slower pace for learning new tunes. Mainly aimed at those who read music or learn by ear quickly. For intermediate/advanced players. Reel Slooow Jams: The Reel Slooow Jam is an occasional and irregular gathering for those who are new to playing fiddle (or piano or guitar) and who would like to learn Cape Breton tunes. The focus is on tunes such as airs and waltzes, as well as playing jigs and reels from the session repertoire but at a slow learning pace with more time for those who don't read music to learn by ear. |
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A word of caution: Cape Breton fiddle music is best learned by ear. Although detailed sheet music and sound files are provided here for learning the basics of a tune be aware that the tune may sound a little different played live. The sheet music provides the melody of a tune, and while some common ornamentation such as a 'cut' may be occasionally notated, in general the fiddler is encouraged to add to the sound with their own selection of ornamentation. In addition the rhythm pattern played may be slightly different than the dotted notes in the sheet music would have you believe. The best way to really learn these tunes is to come out and play along with us at either a house or pub session. You would be more than welcome! |
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To really capture the Cape Breton flavour of a tune, it is best to hear it played by a Cape Breton fiddler. Use Alan Snyder's Cape Breton Fiddle Recording Index to locate publicly available recordings containing the tune you are interested in. The index also returns the first few bars of the tune in notation and midi, it is very helpful when you know a tune but can't quite get it started (it happens to us all!). |
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Whats New? 2012-03-30: Revised version of RSJ7_Trip to Mabou Ridge in a clean format with midi file. Thanks to John Miller for the transcription into abc format! 2012-03-11: Added new set #47 Mairi's Wedding/Bonnie Lassie/Highlanders Return. Revised the chords for set RSJ 4. Added repeats to #38 Si Bheag Si Mhor. Added Reel Slooow Jam set Trip to Mabou Ridge. 2012-02-04: Added new sets #43, #44, #45 ,#46 Irish Sets for St. Patrick's Day. Added section and tunes for Reel Slooow Jam sets. Full History: This page was getting too full! The longer list of changes is now here for those who are interested. Download copies of the tunes in our sets. Click to see and hear, right-click and "save target" to download. |
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Complete Set List: Click here for a copy (thanks Claude for the updated list!). Here is a complete index of tunes in alphabetic order: Index If you're just starting out, start learning in this order: 17, 1,2,3,4,7,18,21,6.... Download a midi player: The VanBasco Karaoke Midi Player is a great tool to play midis at your own speed for learning. PC only. For a similar software for Mac try QMidi. Extras: Lord MacDonald Reel Played by Bonita Leblanc (.wav) FAST SLOW
Plus: Sets #1, #2, #4, #7, #26, #28 from the regular set list above.
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Looking for something more Irish? Everything you need to find Irish music and culture as well as Ottawa Valley and other Celtic music in Ottawa is at Listen to Irish/Celtic music from Ottawa online at the Gaelic Hour on CHIN 97.9fm-Ottawa Both sites contain links to various Celtic happenings in the Ottawa area. Irish Music Ottawa also has links to genealogy resources, local music teachers, instrument sales/repair, also links to tune archives. |
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The Cape Breton Club of Ottawa invites you to make a membership commitment to keep our club vibrant, so that we can enjoy the many aspects of the unique Cape Breton way of life, a home away from home. Our club is a place to enjoy, share, and promote the best that Cape Breton Island has to offer: lively gatherings; traditional music; down-home food; delightful stories; and friendly people having lots and lots of good times together. Want to join in the Cape Breton fun? Candidates for new membership may fall into one or more of the following categories: Born on “the home of our hearts” Cape Breton Island; married or (friends with) a Cape Bretoner; or having a burning desire to be a Cape Bretoner (A Cape Bretoner in “spirit") |
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