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DEH CHO - Strains of classical guitar music echoed across three Deh Cho communities last week as Daniel Bolshoy toured the region.

Bolshoy, a classical guitarist, noted concert performer and Concordia University music instructor, performed for students and adults in Wrigley, Fort Liard and Fort Simpson from May 26 to 28. Bolshoy was well received in each of his tour stops.

Classical guitarist Daniel Bolshoy plays for a group of students at Chief Julian Yendo School in Wrigley. Students include, from left, Amber Clillie, Joey Moses, Rochelle Yendo, Savannah Baton, Haily Moses, Brandon Moses and Napem Moses. - photo courtesy of Brooke Suwala

At Chief Julian Yendo School in Wrigley the students responded to the musician's interactive approach, said Brooke Suwala, a teacher at the school.

Bolshoy took the younger students on a musical journey through Spain and Brazil. During one piece Bolshoy had the students shout "ole" during the most exciting parts of the song.

"It was a lot of fun," Suwala said.

Bolshoy talked about how he's travelled and played around the world, said Napem Moses, 13.

"He's a good player. I like the way he plays guitar," Moses said.

Moses, who'd never heard classical guitar music before and who normally listens to groups like Guns N' Roses and AC/DC, said he'd now like to play like Bolshoy does.

Bolshoy also made an impression on students at Echo Dene School in Fort Liard.

"He's really good. He's awesome," said Ashley Diamond-C, 17.

Diamond-C, whose music choices lean towards rap and hip hop, said Bolshoy inspired her to listen to more classical guitar music.

"I liked it because there's a whole bunch of stories behind it. They are just sweet songs," Diamond-C said.

Bolshoy is a wonderful entertainer and provides an explanation of each of the songs he performs, said Victor Dikaitis, the school's principal.

Bolshoy tailored his performances for the school's students, who were divided into three separate age categories. He also spent some extra time speaking with a social studies class about Israel, the country where he was raised.

"It was amazing how some of the students were hooked. You'd think they're only interested in heavy metal," Dikaitis said.

Bolshoy also gave a public performance in the evening.

"People thoroughly enjoyed him," said Dikaitis.

Bolshoy first came to the Deh Cho in February 2007. As a result of this tour, his third, Bolshoy has now visited every community in the region.

The tour was a joint initiative between Northern Arts and Cultural Centre (NACC) and the Deh Cho Divisional Education Council.

The tours in the Deh Cho and the NWT have been about outreach, Bolshoy said, after leading an adult workshop in Fort Simpson.

"Basically introducing people to what I do, sharing my love of the instrument and the music," he said.

Bolshoy said he's been inspired by the role music, especially fiddle and guitar, play in the North.

As a result of this inspiration Bolshoy is teaming with NACC to offer a music workshop in Yellowknife this July for talented students from across the territory, including the Deh Cho.

The event will hopefully build the base for a guitar community in the NWT, Bolshoy said.

"It would be really nice if we had a few guitar fans," he said.

After three separate visits to the Deh Cho, Bolshoy said as long as people are still interested in hearing him perform he's eager to do a fourth.

"I really enjoy coming up here," he said.