VOL. 68 NO. 16
T H E PA P E R T H AT ’ S G O I N G P L A C E S !
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2015
Destined for stardom
Shade Clark takes a few minutes at the interview to perform a song on her piano. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Rosanne Fortier Shade Clark is 10 years old and has already accomplished much with her music. “I first started playing piano when I was 5 years old,” Shade said. “I figured out how to play Mary Had a Little Lamb on a keyboard by myself and my mom decided to put me in piano lessons. I started piano with Mrs. Irene Bowen though Music for Young Children. After that my mom and I met Jennifer de Forest and then I asked if I could have lessons to play the fiddle. Now I also play guitar,” Shade said. “My mom has taught me a lot and I also have learned a lot from going to jams. I like music and I love practicing. I
really love the sound of music. I have a lot of fiddle CDs that I had signed by musicians I have met.” “When I first performed in front of an audience I felt a bit nervous but I just continued and I just got used to it. Now, it’s really easy for me. I feel happy and fulfilled from knowing I am passing on joy to people’s lives through my music,” Shade admitted. “There aren’t any challenges involved because I enjoy it.” Shade has been playing the fiddle for two-and-ahalf years and she has won second place and received a medal at both the 29th and 30th annual Grand North American Old Time Fiddle Championship
Competition where the judging is based on intonation, timing and style. “My mom, Rhonda Clark, has always been my biggest support! She works really hard to help me. My friend Walter, who is 95 and is like a grandpa to me has always encouraged me with my music ventures. [Also,] Jennifer de Forest is the greatest teacher and my best friend. She always looks out for my best interest.” “I also play the mandolin which you can pick like a fiddle except with chording because it has two strings that you have to press down and would equal one on the fiddle.” “My hobbies are archery, drawing, painting, crafts and
playing with make-up and doing my nails,” Shade said. This young star will be performing the opening act at Russell deCarle’s Show with his trio from Prairie Oyster at the Vegreville Train Station on May 12,
2015. “I like going to the Train Station because I get to jam which is my favorite part!” “I made a lot of new friends there and we get together and play music and have fun!” Shade added.
Elks come through with major donations See page 9 for story
Special Olympics hockey has a greay season See page 16 for story
Mother’s Day fundraiser for girls worldwide See page 22 for story