It's one of the hardest climbs in the Canadian fiddle world. Getting called to compete at the Grand Masters is a career watermark for any fiddler who gets their name on that coveted list.
Prince George has been a hotbed of fiddle talent but since the first event in 1990, no local musician has made it to the finals. But this year, there are two.
Chloe Nakahara and Brittany Iwanciwski have been fiddle twins for most of their musical lives. The two came up through the ranks of the Prince George Old Time Fiddlers' Association, the PGSO's Side By Side program, they've taught at the same fiddle camps and been members of the same ensembles (most recently Coastline led by B.C. fiddle star Ivonne Hernandez) and they are together in Victoria studying the instrument at Camosun College/Victoria Conservatory violin program directed by Prince George's superstar music leader Daniel Lapp.
"I'm very excited. I don't know how far I'll get in the competition, but that's OK. Being there is just amazing," said Nakahara.
"I've been wanting to go for a long time," said Iwanciwski. "I was worried I'd never get invited. It's kind of a once in a lifetime thing."
Only three fiddlers (James Steele, Daniel Gervais twice, Patti Kosturok thrice) from Western Canada have ever won the Canadian Grand Masters, marking just how prestigious it is.
"It's getting close," said Iwanciwski of the Aug. 25-27 event this year being held in Valleyfield, Quebec. "I have to work hard to have my songs in order, exactly as I'll do them on the stage."
"Normally you are asked to perform a jig, a reel, a waltz, and a tune of your choice," explained Nakahara. "You don't want to be making anything up while you're up there in a competition, you want it all rehearsed out."
A provincial board makes the shortlist of fiddlers whom they believe, thanks to results earned at approved competitions around the province, are worthy representatives of their province. From the submission packages received by the national Grand Masters body, a few select fiddlers are called to advance to the finals. Iwanciwski and Nakahara were so selected.
It is an affirmation for them, personally, but the pair of them getting the nod is an affirmation for the strength of this area's fiddling talent. They both said it was a multifaceted set of teachers and playing experiences that got them to this stage. Nakahara said elementary teacher Dave Schulte wanted to teach the kids in the class the ukulele but he taught them Neil Young tunes and more engaging fare than kiddie songs. That, she said, got her to give music a try. From there it was on to Grade 8 clarinet with Metin Toyata who was a member of PGSO, as was Jose Delgado-Guevara who became her violin instructor. Then it was on to Victoria.
For Iwanciwski, it was early childhood in Chetwynd before settling in at Nukko Lake elementary school and on to Kelly Road secondary school. She and her family members - parents Ryan and Sheila, brother Riley and sister Lauren - played in a family band.
All the while, they were both involved in the local fiddlers' association, getting much mentorship from the late Charlotte Lapp, Daniel's mother. It set them up for what was to come.
"In Prince George, Chloe and I were some of the best fiddlers, but when we got to Victoria, so many players were world class, strong musicians were everywhere," said Iwanciwski. "With so much talent, you don't get gigs unless you're really good. But there are lots of people to learn from, lots of busking you can do, and if you're dedicated to it, you find a way to get better and get to know people who can help you, and you make sure you help other people, too. Everyone can learn and everyone can lead."
At 22 years old, Iwanciwski is now looking at how to make music her career or at least a lifelong pillar of her life.
Those aspirations will have to wait until after August, though. She and Nakahara have a national championship to contend for.
