Music In Schools
Music In Schools 2025
Exploring the Fiddle Music
of Canada
Carrie Dlutkowski will present workshops to string music students in Iron and Houghton Counties in January and February 2025. Her program called “Exploring the Fiddle Music of Canada: 1700’s to Present” provides an overview of the history, style, and repertoire three styles of fiddle music: Scottish, French-Canadian, and Métis. This program will take students on a journey through a few of them, including French-Canadian and Métis. The program also focuses on Scottish fiddling, which has greatly influenced fiddle music in Canada. Carrie introduces the students to Ottawa Valley step dancing that originated in the Ottawa River Valley between Quebec and Ontario. This percussive style of dance draws on Irish, Scottish, tap, and other styles, and can be performed solo, or as a group. Students will develop an understanding of the basics of Ottawa Valley step dancing, and of the history that influenced its evolution as a dance form. She will also teach tunes to the strings students.
Carrie Dlutkowski
Fiddler and step dancer Carrie Dlutkowski enjoys sharing her music, which draws on a wide range of styles and influences, especially Canadian and American styles. She explores the roots of traditional music, while also branching out from this foundation into new creative territory. Born and raised in Upper Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, Carrie grew up playing violin. With over two decades of experience, Carrie brings a strong, versatile musical foundation to the stage.
Indigenous Storytelling
and Music
Artistic Director Evan Premo presents Upper Peninsula school programs with Michael “Laughing Fox” Charette a Native American musician and story teller from Red Cliff. Together they provide programs of indigenous storytelling and music with flute, drum and bass to elementary school children.
Michael “Laughing Fox" Charette
Michael “Laughing Fox" Charette is a gifted Native American storyteller, poet, and member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (located in Northern Wisconsin). As a self-taught Native American flute player he enhances his stories with hauntingly beautiful flute music. Growing up surrounded by the pristine beauty of the Apostle Islands and Lake Superior led him to dedicate his gifts as an artist to educating about Native American history, culture, and ways of life. Laughing Fox’s work as both a visual and performance artist is varied and tied together by the traditional teachings of the Anishinaabe people, which is respectfully incorporated into his work. Laughing Fox captivates audiences with his authentic, relaxed style.
“The music is amazing—complex and haunting.”
– AUDIENCE MEMBER