August 28–30, 2026 | Chaster House | Gibsons, BC
The Gibsons Fiddle Camp returns for its 6th year on the stunning Sunshine Coast! Join us for a weekend of inspiring workshops, collaborative ensemble playing, and seaside jams — all set against the waterfront backdrop of Chaster House.
This year’s faculty:
Trent Freeman · Oliver Swain · Gabriel Dubreuil
Whether you’re looking to deepen your ensemble skills, expand your repertoire, or simply make music in a welcoming community, this camp is for you.
The Gibsons Fiddle Camp returns for its 6th year on the stunning Sunshine Coast! Join us for a weekend of inspiring workshops, collaborative ensemble playing, and seaside jams — all set against the waterfront backdrop of Chaster House.
This year’s faculty:
Trent Freeman · Oliver Swain · Gabriel Dubreuil
Whether you’re looking to deepen your ensemble skills, expand your repertoire, or simply make music in a welcoming community, this camp is for you.
Your instructors
Trent Freeman (Fiddle)
Juno Award–winning violinist and core member of The Fretless. A genre-bridging virtuoso, Trent moves seamlessly between traditional fiddle styles and bold contemporary sounds. He’s toured internationally, recorded six albums with The Fretless, released original fiddle tunes of his own, and is a sought-after collaborator with artists like John Reischman and Pharis & Jason Romero. Also a killer guitarist and pianist
Juno Award–winning violinist and core member of The Fretless. A genre-bridging virtuoso, Trent moves seamlessly between traditional fiddle styles and bold contemporary sounds. He’s toured internationally, recorded six albums with The Fretless, released original fiddle tunes of his own, and is a sought-after collaborator with artists like John Reischman and Pharis & Jason Romero. Also a killer guitarist and pianist
Oliver Swain (Accompaniment & Rhythm Instruments)
Juno nominee, two-time Western Canadian Music Award winner, and one of Canada’s most versatile roots artists. A master multi-instrumentalist (bass, banjo) and vocalist with over 50 album credits, Oliver has performed at major festivals across North America, Europe, and Australia. He’s toured with acclaimed roots bands, studied with legendary tradition-bearers, and brings a deep, genre-defying musicality to every stage. OIiver is also a well known choir director, and coaches pianists and guitarists.
Juno nominee, two-time Western Canadian Music Award winner, and one of Canada’s most versatile roots artists. A master multi-instrumentalist (bass, banjo) and vocalist with over 50 album credits, Oliver has performed at major festivals across North America, Europe, and Australia. He’s toured with acclaimed roots bands, studied with legendary tradition-bearers, and brings a deep, genre-defying musicality to every stage. OIiver is also a well known choir director, and coaches pianists and guitarists.
Gabriel Dubreuil (Fiddle)
Blending Québécois and Celtic traditions with classical and jazz influences, Gabriel is a Berklee College of Music graduate and an active performer with Collage Trad and Early Spirit. He serves as Executive & Artistic Director of the Celtic Ensemble and Programming Director for Festival du Bois. Gabriel is passionate about building musical community through ensemble playing.
Blending Québécois and Celtic traditions with classical and jazz influences, Gabriel is a Berklee College of Music graduate and an active performer with Collage Trad and Early Spirit. He serves as Executive & Artistic Director of the Celtic Ensemble and Programming Director for Festival du Bois. Gabriel is passionate about building musical community through ensemble playing.
Camp Fees
Detailed Schedule
Day 1 - Friday, August 28 (House in Gibsons)
Day 2 - Saturday, August 29 (Chaster House, Gibsons)
Day 3 - Sunday, August 30 (Chaster House, Gibsons)
Three days. Beachside. This camp sells out every year (this year will also have lower capacity than last). Don't wait, register now!
Testimonials
- Early Bird (until June 10, 2026) – $200
- Regular (after June 10, 2026) – $250
- NSCE & SEAOM Members (Early Bird | until June 10, 2026) – $175
- Saturday + Concert Only – $125
Detailed Schedule
Day 1 - Friday, August 28 (House in Gibsons)
- 7:00 PM - House concert
Day 2 - Saturday, August 29 (Chaster House, Gibsons)
- 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM: Class
- 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM: Class
- 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch
- 1:30 PM - 2:45 PM: Class (incl. elective Step Dance workshop with Danielle Enblom!)
- 3:00 PM - 4:15 PM: Step Dance Workshop and Called Dance
- 5:30 PM - Late: Outdoor potluck picnic & jam session!
Day 3 - Sunday, August 30 (Chaster House, Gibsons)
- 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM: Class
- 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM: Class
- 12:15 PM - 12:45 PM: Lunch at the beach
- 12:45 PM - 2:00 PM: All groups class (mass numbers)
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Beach Jam
Three days. Beachside. This camp sells out every year (this year will also have lower capacity than last). Don't wait, register now!
Testimonials
- “Gabe’s Gibsons Fiddle Camp was a fantastic family experience! Kind and inclusive instructors, great mix of tunes for all levels, and an amazing concert to kick things off. The energy, community, and joy were unforgettable. My kids are already asking to go back next year!”
- “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.”
🎼 Workshop StreamsChoose the stream that best suits your instrument and experience level:
Accompanists
(Guitar, piano, ukulele, bass, banjo, etc.)
With Oliver Swain
Develop groove, harmonic awareness, and ensemble sensitivity.
Intermediate / Mixed Ensemble
For melodic instrumentalists
With Trent Freeman & Gabriel Dubreuil
Strengthen tone, phrasing, and ensemble skills while learning dynamic fiddle sets.
Advanced Ensemble
For experienced melodic players
With Trent Freeman & Gabriel Dubreuil
Dig deep into nuanced arrangements, musical communication, and stylistic detail.
Who Should Attend?Open to musicians of all ages who love ensemble playing and fiddle traditions.
Accompanists
(Guitar, piano, ukulele, bass, banjo, etc.)
With Oliver Swain
Develop groove, harmonic awareness, and ensemble sensitivity.
Intermediate / Mixed Ensemble
For melodic instrumentalists
With Trent Freeman & Gabriel Dubreuil
Strengthen tone, phrasing, and ensemble skills while learning dynamic fiddle sets.
Advanced Ensemble
For experienced melodic players
With Trent Freeman & Gabriel Dubreuil
Dig deep into nuanced arrangements, musical communication, and stylistic detail.
Who Should Attend?Open to musicians of all ages who love ensemble playing and fiddle traditions.
- Focused primarily on adults and teens
- Children welcome with 3+ years experience and accompanied by a parent
- Not suitable for beginners or those with less than 6–12 months of experience. Accompanists should have an understanding of chords/chord shapes on their instrument.