Gabe's Gibsons Fiddle Camp 2025
Gabe's Gibsons Fiddle Camp is back for its fifth year! The 2025 camp will take place from Friday, August 15th to Sunday, August 17th at Chaster House on the beautiful Sunshine Coast in Gibsons, BC. This year’s instructors are Pierre Schryer, Andy Hillhouse and Gabriel Dubreuil.
Camp Schedule:
Friday, August 15th
7:00 PM - House concert in Gibsons
Saturday, August 16th & Sunday, August 17th
Workshops at Chaster House, located right by the waterfront across from scenic Chaster Park.
Workshop Streams:
The camp features three learning streams led by expert instructors:
Accompanists (guitar, piano, ukulele, etc.)
Intermediate/Mixed Ensemble (for melodic instrumentalists)
Advanced Ensemble (for melodic instrumentalists)
Who Can Attend?
This camp is open to musicians of all ages who are passionate about ensemble playing and learning new fiddle tunes and sets. The focus is on adults and teenagers, but children are welcome if they have at least three years of playing experience and are accompanied by a parent. This camp is not suitable for beginning musicians with less than 6-12 months experience on their instrument.
Note: Book your accommodations and ferry reservations early, as they tend to fill up quickly!
2025 Camp Instructors
Pierre Schryer (Fiddle)
Pierre Schryer is one of Canada’s top traditional fiddlers. A multiple Canadian Open Fiddle Champion, Grand Masters Champion, and North American Irish Fiddle Champion, Pierre’s music spans Irish, Scottish, Québécois, Cape Breton, Old Time, and Swing styles. His albums, including Blue Drag (nominated for a JUNO Award) and 2 Worlds United, have earned international acclaim. Pierre is also an accomplished luthier and festival producer, dedicated to preserving and teaching traditional music.
Andy Hillhouse (Guitar)
Andy Hillhouse is one of Canada’s finest Celtic guitarists and a specialist in rhythm guitar. He has performed across the world with groups like Mad Pudding, Collage Trad, The McDades (JUNO winners), and Pierre Schryer. Andy is also the Artistic Director of the Harrison Festival of the Arts.
Gabriel Dubreuil (Violin)
A dynamic violinist, Gabriel Dubreuil blends Québécois and Celtic music with classical, and jazz. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Gabriel has performed and recorded with major pop and world-music artists. He is a founding member of Collage Trad and Early Spirit and serves as the Executive & Artistic Director of the Celtic Ensemble and Programming Director for the Festival du Bois.
Camp Fees
Camp & Concert (Early Bird - until June 10, 2025) - $200.00
Camp & Concert (After June 10, 2025) - $225.00
NSCE & SEAOM Members (Before June 10) - $175.00
Saturday + Concert Only - $125.00
Concert Only (12 and under free) - $25.00
Detailed Schedule
Day 1 - Friday, August 15 (House in Gibsons)
7:00 PM - House concert
Day 2 - Saturday, August 16 (Chaster House, Gibsons)
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM - Classes
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM - Lunch
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM - Classes
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM - Break
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Classes
5:30 PM - Late - Outdoor potluck picnic & jam session!
Day 3 - Sunday, August 17 (Chaster House, Gibsons)
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Classes
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM - Classes
12:15 PM - 1:45 PM - Lunch at the beach
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM - Beach Jam!
3:00 PM - Pack up
Testimonials
“Thanks for a great gathering of violin enthusiasts and for boosting my skills forward.”
“Gabriel brought fantastic energy and enthusiasm to this weekend camp on the Sunshine Coast. Together with instructors Daniel Lapp and Craig McGregor, he created a fun and relaxed atmosphere that put everyone at ease, providing both beginner players and advanced fiddlers and musicians with the opportunity to learn and grow musically.”
“I had lots of fun at this camp. Instructors were great and so was the group. I took away several useful learnings after the weekend and enjoyed the jam sessions. Gabriel and Bobby were welcoming hosts. I'd recommend this camp for folks who love fiddle tunes and who can make it out to the Sunshine Coast.”