Introduction
Since 1988 Strings Across the Sky (SATS) has been working with youth in the High Arctic teaching them to fiddle. SATS has run programs in 17 High Arctic communities and transported over 450 donated violins to the north. Our music director, Andrea Hansen, volunteers her time. SATS is generously supported by Heinls Purveyors of Fine Instruments, Canadian North Airlines, the Ontario Arts Council, Rotary International, the Ontario Arts Foundation, donated violins, and tax-receipted charitable donations from many individuals.
In 1994, 35 students performed with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra in Inuvik; in 1997, 40 SATS students performed at Roy Thompson Hall with the TSO; in 1999, 34 students traveled to the Orkney’s in the Scottish Islands to perform in a home coming festival; and, in 2004, SATS students performed with The Thunder Bay Symphony, The Regina Symphony, The Saskatoon Symphony and the The Festival of Sound Orchestra in Parry Sound. Community performances continually take place after a SATS week long teaching program.
Mission Statement
Mission /mishan/ n. a journey undertaken as part of a particular task or goal assigned to a person or group
“What began as a revival of traditional fiddling in the Arctic, has become a life skills learning program for students everywhere. As children learn the magical language of music, teachers and parents marvel at the improvement in other subjects. After only a few short days of instruction, students are performing in public. They gain a new sense of accomplishment and self-esteem. Some children experience a sense of approval for the very first time in their lives. The violin has been my passport to the world. I want to share this learning opportunity with as many children across Canada as I possibly can.”
- Andrea Hansen
Andrea Hansen in performance with students at Moose Deer Point in 2007.
Andrea Hansen rehearses with students at Fort Smith, NWT, in 2003.