2007-2008 Season Highlights

We just wanted to take a little time to share with you what some of the highlights were of this past season:

1. One of the biggest highlights of the year was being able to tour with Daniel Gervais for several months. He is a world class fiddler and a charm for everyone who crosses his path. We hope to be granted the opportunity to work with him some more in the coming years.
2. Our 1-day residency, Rendez-Vous, is a big success. We've taken the best of what was already working with Les Bûcherons and refined it into a series of focused workshops that students and teachers love. We still offer the 5-day Artist in Residency program for those that want the full Les Bûcherons experience.
3. To accompany the Rendez-Vous service, we are producing a songbook compiled by Daniel and I. This book will contain the lyrics and music, in standard notation, of our most popular songs. It will be available by September for the upcoming season.
4. 8 schools used the Rendez-Vous 1-day residencies to replace or enhance their seasonal and Christmas concerts. This was very popular with parents and students alike.
5. We were fortunate to be invited to play at the 20th National Carl Orff Music for Children conference. Gord Oaks, Daniel Gervais, Gilbert Parent and I served up our repertoire along with some good, old-time square dancing. It was a real treat to see the music teachers dancing. They got the beat and it was just humming, thanks to Gord's solid timing and Daniels powerful fiddling.
6. Dani Nabohlz, our administrative agent, has moved on and we thank her immensely for the 2 years of consistent, solid service she gave Les Bûcherons. She was the head office and will be missed dearly by all our clients and associates. Good Luck Dani! You can make it happen as you did with us. Thank you!
7. We welcome Estelle Dubé-Parent on in Dani's place. Watch out world! Estelle is ready to do the impossible. I am just tickled at the idea of what we can do having such an incredible women at the steering wheel of this unique company.
8. The office is now moving out to "Cabine Soleil" on Cooking Lake, the residence and retreat center belonging to Gilbert and Estelle. This morning, Estelle and I hosted a couple workshops and a traditional French meal for a group of 20 French Students from Queen Elizabeth high school.

- Ian Porteous