In September 2005, the Northern Hills Fiddlers began in the lower level of a violin teacher’s home.  Frustrated by the lack of a string orchestra program in the Calgary school system, and wanting to provide an ensemble experience for her students, Catherine Rose began to teach a group fiddle class in Northeast Calgary. The group grew steadily, and became the Northern Hills Fiddlers.

Dr. Shinichi Suzuki and his book “Nurtured by Love” inspired the philosophy and approach behind the Northern Hills Fiddlers. Musical skill is a talent that everyone can develop and anyone who is interested in playing the violin can learn. For this reason, the Northern Hills Fiddlers do not have entrance auditions. New fiddlers need to have an interest in fiddling and should be able to play one simple fiddle tune. Participants are encouraged to be enrolled in weekly violin lessons with a teacher of their choice.  Our fiddlers come from neighbourhoods across North Calgary and range in age from 6 years to adult. Each fiddler is encouraged to work at their own level, and, during performances, each fiddler plays only the pieces he or she has mastered.

Educational research has shown that studying music can increase mathematical and organizational ability in children. Beyond this, students playing in a performing group develop a sense of teamwork, similar to that found on sports teams, but are less competitive and more cooperative. The violinists learn to work together to weave a beautiful sound and the result can be amazing.