John Paul was born in Apple Hill in Glengarry County on March 25th, 1930. He learned to play the guitar at the age of seven so that he could accompany his mother Laurette Ranger Vachon when she played the violin.
Neil MacDonell has been described by Denis Carr as “a true Glengarry gentleman.” Those words are a perfect fit for Neil in so many ways.
David MacPhee established himself as a fixture in our community when he began teaching Celtic fiddle and piano lessons to fourteen students at the Hall in 2005. His student base grew quickly as word spread of his affable and kind personality. There are few in David’s generation that are as committed to seeing the Celtic Music tradition continue as David is committed to the cause.
By reputation, conviction and action, Finlay McDonell has spent a lifetime supporting all of what Glengarry means to those lucky enough to live there.
Born on May 6th, 1937 in Monkland to Wilfred and Angeline (Quesnel) Leroux. Fred’s early life influences included his mother’s stories about her father, Peter Quesnel who played the violin. Encouraged by his family, he played the fiddle by ear and only later did he...
During his long career, Pipe Major Kitts volunteered his time and talent teaching numerous pipers. His easy going personality and talent along with his unselfish devotion to the perpetuation of traditional pipe music has encouraged many people, young and old, to take up the pipes.
John Angus was born April 15, 1898 near Munroe’s Mills. Although there is nothing to indicate when he started playing the fiddle, there is a photo of him holding a mandolin while overseas during WWI; therefore, we can make the assumption that he started playing early...
Born in Vankleek Hill, Joan Patricia Barton was the middle child of a family of eleven. A family of minimal means, Joan began to develop her musical talents when her grandfather paid for her to take piano lessons with the Sisters of Mary at the convent. In addition to...
Born in Maxville, in the heart of Glengarry, Carol has always been a proud and vocal supporter of the music and culture. When asked about her ability to play so many instruments, she replied, "Well, it's no big deal; I come from Glengarry where most everyone does...
Gerald McGillis began playing the fiddle on his 13th birthday and very quickly discovered his ability to learn any tune by ear after hearing it only a couple of times. Family folklore tells us that by the time his parents returned home from mass on that special day,...