Music Lessons for Brighter Futures

“Welove playing music because it soothes the heart.” Frank Panaktalok said.

“We play mostly country rock, square dance music, jigs…” He’s the bass player in a band with Jasper Andreason (fiddler) and Andy Kimiksana (guitar player). They are the toast of Tuktoyaktuk; the community are happy that Brighter Futures funding has been allocated so the band can start a class for all who want to learn to play. “These guys have been playing together as a group for many years and it will be so cool to have their skills carried on to the next generation,” said Sheila Taylor.

Their sound is excellent, and I find myself tapping along and feeling relaxed. When Dennis Allen joined in the jam, the band of three was able to play along with any song he proposes. “We’ve got really good ears. We can pick up a song right away, especially Franko,” said Andy. “We’ve been jamming together for almost 5 years. We learnt from our uncles and mostly we picked it up just by watching and learning.” They perform at square dances and travel out to Midway Lake sometimes to play. Their music was at the talent show in Tuk during the jamboree was as exuberating as the jigging contest itself!

“People approached us and asked if we can teach them how to play guitar, adults, and teenagers, everybody.” They decided to apply to Brighter Futures. They did not worry about paperwork but just approached the office for funding to teach at Kitti Hall.

Jasper and Andy said their abilities “runs in the family.” Their uncles used to play long ago so “We try to carry on, try to play.” They are rambunctious, and when I asked if their nephews going to continue on, they giggled. “Hope so, hope they try to play.”

“This is our first time teaching music to young people. Two years ago, we were part of a group that taught square dancing. We hope to get it going again, like the fiddlers before us who’ve passed on. Now we’re trying to teach this musical tradition. Amongst the younger people, there are lots of them that like hip hop but you still see them at the square dances.”