Fort Simpson (May 06/05) - Amidst the sounds of fiddles being played and tuned, Curtis McTaggert sat at a table laughing with a friend and fellow fiddler in the making.

"I became interested in fiddling when I heard about the club on the school announcements," said McTaggert, an 11-year-old member of the Bompas Fiddle Club. "I felt that this was something I could do as a hobby. I really like fiddling. It's fun and the music calms me down."

John and Gerda Hazenberg formed the Fort Simpson group earlier this spring. They plan to continue it until the end of the school year.

Gerda said the Bompas Fiddle Club is affiliated with the Kole Crook Fiddling Society. It's the latest Deh Cho addition to an association that already includes chapters in Wrigley, Jean Marie River and Fort Providence.

Fifteen students have registered with the Bompas club. Five of the students have their own instruments. The other 10 fiddles are on loan from the Kole Crook Fiddling Society.

"Each student is encouraged to purchase their own fiddle, thereby allowing for another youth to obtain a fiddle on loan," Gerda explained.

The blossoming musicians are encouraged to practise weekly. She said music is very important for children developmentally.

Asked how he was progressing, McTaggert replied with a shy smile, "Not bad. My mom Margo Wrigley is very supportive of me and encourages my practising during the week. I also play fiddle for my mom in my spare time."

John Hazenberg and Karen Haukaas are sharing their fiddling knowledge with the youth. It's hoped that more adult volunteers will come forward, Gerda noted.

Classes are held every Monday from noon until 1 p.m. at the Bompas school library. With 15 minutes to go before they had to return to class, three advanced students played for the beginners. Christian Betsaka performed a rendition of Old Joe Clark. Shelly Hardisty, accompanied by Elissa Hazenberg, fiddled Rubber Dolly.

Elissa, 10, picked up the fiddle one year ago.

"I like fiddling and how you play. In the advanced class you have to be able to play 10 tunes. I think I'm doing excellent," she said, grinning.