In addition to presenting world-class concerts, Indian River Festival is committed to fostering a sense of togetherness through a series of community events, such as songwriting workshops, masterclasses, and more.
View upcoming community events for this season below.
IRF Academy
August 17-19, 2021
Learn from some of the best musical talent on PEI! New this year, IRF Academy will feature three different workshops with talented Island-based musicians spread out over three days. Workshop topics include vocals, strings, and songwriting, taught by some of PEI’s best music instructors. Open to all ages, levels, and genres!
Instructors include Sara Campbell, Natalie Williams-Calhoun and John Connolly.
We have space for 6 performers and 2 alternates. Sign up HERE.
Instructors:
Sara Campbell
Sara Campbell holds a BA Music degree in jazz from St Francis Xavier University and a Master’s in Sacred Music from Emmanuel College of Victoria University in the University of Toronto. Sara is completing a post-graduate certification in Adult Education from the University of Prince Edward Island. Currently, Sara is a full-time faculty member at Holland College School of Performing Arts. She joined the National Association of Teachers of Singing in 2021 as a Vice President of the newly-formed Canadian Atlantic Provinces (“CAP”) NATS Chapter. Earlier this year, Sara completed her Vocal Health First Aid certification through the non-profit organization Vocal Health Education based in the UK. Sara is also a member of Sirens, PEI’s award-winning women’s choral ensemble. Sara teaches a wide range of voice types and styles and is fiercely passionate about diversity and equity in the classroom.
Natalie Williams-Calhoun
Natalie completed her Master of Music degree in Violoncello performance at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England, and her Bachelor’s degree in Cello at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Her professional career has led her from performing in a UK based piano trio to positions as a cellist in professional orchestras in Ontario (the National Ballet of Canada orchestra, the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony and Orchestra London Canada), Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. She is also a founding member of the Atlantic String Machine, a genre jumping string quintet based in Charlottetown, PEI. Ms. Williams Calhoun has extensive experience working with musical youth; as a private teacher, a conductor and an examiner across Canada with the Royal Conservatory of Music. Natalie is also a sessional lecturer at the University of Prince Edward Island, teaching String Techniques and Applied Cello.
John Connolly
An award-winning creative professional, John Connolly has served as a writer, performer, director, and musical director in theatre, film, radio and television. John wrote the music and lyrics for Marathon of Hope, a musical based on Terry Fox’s life, which has raised over $200 000 for the Terry Fox Foundation. John performed as a member of the Charlottetown Festival Company for six seasons where highlights include serving as co-writer, musical director and performer in two seasons of Come All Ye and performing as Dutch Mason in On the Road With Dutch Mason. Currently, John teaches voice at Holland College’s School of Performing Arts. He has also worked on creative projects with Soulpepper Theatre, CBC National TV and Radio, BBC America, The Province of PEI, The Stompin’ Tom Centre, Drayton Entertainment, Sheridan College, The Canada Games and more. John was honoured to perform at the Olympics.