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Joe Ashoona has made a name for himself in the Northern arts community in recent years, carving in alabaster, Dorset stone, black chlorite, and occasionally whale bone. - Daron Letts/NNSL photos

TULITA/FORT NORMAN - Students in Tulita are some of the best young fiddle players in the territory, according to Andrea Bettger.

Bettger is the vice-president of the Kole Crook Fiddle Association and a travelling instructor with the organization. She led a four-day workshop for students in Grades 3 and up in Tulita last month. She said she was was very impressed by what she heard.

"I've noticed that the Tulita kids are fast learners and they're very musical," she said. "They pick things up quickly and they're also very keen, so it's always a good experience to visit."

It was the third workshop hosted by the association in the past two years. The school purchased 10 fiddles for students to practise on following the first workshop in 2007.

Apart from the joy of making beautiful music, fiddle playing helps the students build confidence, learn to acquire challenging new skills and connect with elders in the community.

The association is holding a fiddle camp in K'atlodeeche from July 6 to 10. It is open to students across the territory. An adult class will also be offered. Some band councils are organizing to support travel costs for young people and the association is also fundraising in an effort to provide scholarships to cover tuition.