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Emerald Rae Forman, Cape Breton and Scottish fiddling, 2016
Rockport, Massachusetts
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The distinctive fiddling style of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia has roots in the strathspeys and reels brought to Canada by early 19th-century Scottish immigrants. Emerald Rae Forman has mastered both Scottish and Cape Breton fiddling. She began her study with Boston based Barbara McOwen, renowned for her private library of Scottish music books. Emerald went on to compete in the US Scottish Fiddling Championships, winning the US National Champion title at 18 years old. She went on to earn degrees from Berklee College of Music and the University of Glasgow.
Fiddle and dance are closely related; to become a great traditional fiddler, it helps to know the dance steps the fiddle tunes accompany. In 2011, Emerald Rae completed a Mass Cultural Council Traditional Arts apprenticeship in Irish step dance with Mass Cultural Council Artist Fellow Kieran Jordan. Emerald Rae works as a professional performer and teacher of multiple styles of fiddle and step dance. She leads workshop at the Boston Fiddle Club and has served on the Boston Celtic Music Festival.
For a relative youngster, apprentice Elizabeth Kozachek is already immersed in the traditions of Irish, Cape Breton, and Scottish music and dance. She studied fiddle with George Keith, as well as Irish step dancing with Jackie O'Riley and Cape Breton step dancing with Mary MacGillivray and Jennifer Schoonover.
This FY17 apprenticeship in Scottish and Cape Breton fiddling will expand Elizabeth's repertoire, stylistic interpretation, and broaden her understanding of the music's historical context. It will also provide time to work on posture and body work.
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