MARYSTOWN, N.L. — A decline in people learning to play traditional Newfoundland instruments — like the accordion, has musician Fergus O’Byrne concerned.
“I mentioned the accordion in particular as the Burin Peninsula was renowned for its accordion music and it seems to me that there are not many young players around anymore," said O’Byrne. “Unless they are there but just not playing outside their own circles. But I suspect the former to be the case”
O’Byrne, who was in Marystown hosting the Young Folk at the Hall event Nov. 8-10, worries it would be a great loss to the culture of the Burin Peninsula if these instruments and the music played on them is left to disappear.
“The music, square dancing and local traditional songs tell us so much about our history that if they are not remembered it will affect how future generations will reflect on the rich and unique culture this province,” he explained.
He added the decline is happening not only on the Burin Peninsula, but in other rural parts of the province as well. It remains strong in Port Aux Port Peninsula, partly through the efforts of a teacher in Port Aux Choix who has been teaching fiddle music in his school for many years.
O’Byrne said there are efforts also being made by various individuals on the Burin Peninsula to help develop interest in traditional instruments.
“We’re working on it,” he said. “It’s kind of a work in progress trying to re-establish that aspect of it, but it needs more work. I know Vanessa (Jackman) is teaching fiddle now, so she started it off.”
Vanessa Jackman, a multi-instrumentalist from the town of Burin, said by offering fiddle lessons she hopes to introduce the instrument to a younger generation.
“Many of my students are either young children or teenagers and most of the songs we learn are traditional Irish and Newfoundland,” explained Jackman.
Four of her students took part in the Young Folk at the Hall event held in Marystown at St. Gabriel’s Hall.
“As a teacher, it's such a pleasure to see my students working with other mentors in the community to learn new songs and apply what they've learned from our lessons,” she said.
