Rankin Inlet (Aug 30/06) - Youth from around the region were in Rankin Inlet this past week for the second annual Kivalliq Music Camp.

The camp featured an all-star lineup of instructors, with Ian Tamblyn, Rebecca Campbell, Anne Lindsay and Fred Guignion leading the students in a number of different musical styles.

Nelson Kablaulik of Rankin Inlet strums the rhythm while instructor Anne Lindsay provides vocal support during the Kivalliq Music Camp in Rankin Inlet this past week. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

Bernadette Dean of the Kivalliq Inuit Association said the idea for the camp came from a series of consultations the group conducted with regional youth a few years ago.

She said a chance encounter with Tamblyn on a cruise ship she was working on led to the rest.

“I asked Ian if he knew people who could come to Rankin and teach a number of different instruments and vocals and he did the rest,” said Dean.

“The response to the camp has been very positive.

“We had a lot more youth interested in attending but, unfortunately, we don’t have all kinds of money.”

Tamblyn said the four instructors come to Rankin and act as a tool in helping the young students develop a unique musical voice for their community.

He said the camp is an opportunity for them to present their knowledge to the youth so they can express themselves, both musically and lyrically, in their own way.

“The enthusiasm and co-operation the kids show us here is phenomenal,” said Tamblyn.

“There’s really no value in judging their various levels of expertise because it ranges from some who are just beginning to others who are quite proficient on their instrument.

“That can be a challenge for us to arrange the camp so it benefits both beginners and experts.”

Lindsay, well known for her fiddle work touring with the likes of John McDermott and Blue Rodeo, released her first solo album, “Eavesdropping” to critical acclaim in 2001.

Having seen Rankin in March during her first visit, she was looking forward to a different view this time around.

She said she enjoys working with the Kivalliq youth and finds Rankin a fascinating community to visit.

“It was nice to come at a different time of year to see how the kids are doing since last year,” said Lindsay.

“I’m amazed how quickly they pick up the music, especially the fiddle material.

“I hope they’ll be able to continue developing their talent.”

Lindsay said the focus at this year’s camp was more on getting the youth to write their own material and working with other players to make music together.

She said they’ll be able to continue working on what they learned long after they leave the camp. “I’m happy these kids are getting the chance to develop as musicians.

“It’s a wonderful gift to be able to share with somebody and give them the opportunity to play music.”