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34 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday April 4, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Artscene Oakville Beaver · FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2008 34 Celtic Fiddle Club strikes the right chord By Paloma Migone SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER James Franczek didn't think they would get this far. The director of the Oakville Celtic Fiddle Club started his musical group in October 2006 with six members. Now, his small orchestra has grown to more than 20 musicians, is releasing its first CD, preparing for it's second annual spring concert and even had a song from the CD played on the radio. "I was expecting six to 10 people and to go play at senior citizen's homes and then get some music and just play together. I didn't anticipate it growing the way it did," said Franczek, also a fiddle and guitar teacher at the Academy of Music, which he and his wife own. The club's main purpose was to create a space where Celtic lovers and non-professional musicians could gather and express their passion for the music. Franczek placed a notice in the paper inviting everyone willing to participate. "We had a love for this music and had no opportunity to play it before. James organized the group and put us all together," said Joe Burns, fiddler player for the orchestra. The Oakville Celtic Fiddle Club plays Scottish, Irish and Cape Breton traditions. The latter has preserved Celtic traditions from the 1700s. Franczek hoped to play it the same way, but after several attempts to remain true to the old tunes, the orchestra evolved to a unique sound. "I had originally planned on staying absolutely true to that specific sound. I found it a bit challenging in order to create that exact feel when you have 20 musicians playing at the same time," said Franczek. "It's wonderful because the group is taking on a style of its own. I think no matter how hard I try, I couldn't really get it to sound a specific way. It's just not possible." The club includes fiddlers, guitarists, an accordion player and a flautist from the ages of 13 to over 60. They have played numerous concerts including a Christmas concert, the Waterfront Festival, Fergus Scottish Festival and a spring concert. On April 12, the Oakville Celtic Fiddle Club will be playing its second spring concert at Glen Abbey United Church, 1469 Nottinghill Gate. They will be featuring their usual repertoire with a few new songs and Irish dancers. At the concert, the club will also be selling its first CD, an independently released selftitled 10-track album with familiar tunes such as St. Annes Reel and The Irish Washer Woman. Money raised from CD sales will go back into the club. Franczek hopes to gather enough funding to take members to Cape Breton, where they can perform and mingle with other Celtic lovers. The CD isn't the only milestone the Celtic club surpassed. On March 23, they got airtime when Highlanders Jig, another track from their album, was played during Denis Snowdon's A little Breath of Scotland on AM 740. Franczek thought the experience was amazing. "We've come so far in a short space of time. When you consider all the different instruments coming together and being able to put a CD together within two years, it is pretty awesome," said Bernadette Hart, an accordion player for the orchestra. Despite their 20-plus members, the Oakville Celtic Fiddle Club is always looking for new musicians. Franczek welcomes fiddlers, flute players, guitar players, and Celtic drum (Bodhran) players with at least one to two years experience with their instrument. When looking to the future, the club's director hopes to make a live video performance. For now, though, he is just happy to credit the club's success to its loyal members. "They are very dedicated; they make it to the rehearsals and are active in spreading the word about the group. It's really a strong membership that is making us grow and stay strong." For concert tickets, call 905-845-1227 or stop by the Academy of Music at 1026 Speers Rd., Unit 6. LIESA KORTMANN / OAKVILLE BEAVER IN TUNE: James Franczek, founder of the Oakville Celtic Fiddle Club, prepares for the club's second spring concert.The club has grown from six members in its first year to 20 musicians in less than two years. Call 1-877-510-510-2 and talk to a Registered Dietitian for free. EatRight Ontario ontario.ca/eatright Paid for by the Government of Ontario