Mia -

I've got to tell you about the Valley Of The Moon Scottish Fiddling School. It's a week-long camp run by the Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser, held in the Santa Cruz mountains in Northern California. People come from Europe as well as all over the U.S. to take part in this incredible week of learning, jamming, friendship, and evening parties and dances. There are quite a few children at the camp, and several have been going there for years, literally growing up with the camp. Some of these kids who are now in their twenties have found their calling after attending V.O.M. and are now making their living in traditional music. I can hardly put into words what an inspiration this camp is. The classes taught by Alasdair Fraser, Irish fiddler Martin Hayes and others is top notch, and for beginning children, there are excellent teachers for the most basic of beginning players - even for kids who have never touched a fiddle. You and your son might want to consider it for 2001, since this summer's camp filled up earlier this year. If you want to take a look at their website: vom@monitor.net

-chanteyranger