Fiddle Judge
Andrew Dawydchak Andrew Dawydchak has demonstrated a passion for performing and commitment for teaching. He has a Bachelor of Music Degree (Violin) from Humber College and has completed Suzuki Teacher Training Units 1-5. Andrew has demonstrated how his classical training as a Suzuki student can intertwine with a passion for folk, pop, Canadian fiddle, Celtic, country and jazz music.
Andrew has studied from some of North Americas premier players and teachers and notably credits Margot Jewell and Drew Jurecka on shaping his playing and teaching style. While initially volunteering his time to coach fiddle in 2013 to the students at ESM, the class has cemented itself as part of ESM Fiddle Enrichment Class and continues on! Andrew is no stranger to the stage. Winner of many top honour fiddle awards since 2005 including being a Canadian Open Finalist and Jr. Open Champion, Ontario Open, Southwestern Open, Northern Ontario Open, Maritimes and many other categories. Andrew has had the opportunity to share the stage with countless musicians of all genres including Grammy and Juno nominated artists. When not performing or teaching Andrew can be found perfecting his golf swing or stopping pucks on the ice. Go Leafs go! |
Fiddle Judge
Celina Marie Di Cecca Celina Marie Di Cecca was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario. She picked up her first violin at age four, and after attending her first fiddle camp at age 12 she fell in love with Canadian Celtic and Old Time music.
Celina earned her Music Education degree from The University of Western Ontario with honours, majoring on the viola. In 2010, she opened Celina's String Studio teaching fiddle, violin, viola, piano & mandolin, and has successfully built her studio to over 100 students. Celina also heads an amateur ensemble called Forest City Folk Orchestra. Bringing dynamic finesse to her stage performance, Celina is a highly sought after live and studio musician in throughout southern Ontario. She has performed with such notable musicians as Heather Rankin (The Rankin Family), Kevin Hearn (Barenaked Ladies), Calvin Vollrath, Shane Cook, and Jake Charron (East Pointers). Celina’s current big project is producing, directing and performing in The Great Canadian Fiddle Show. She is also in a variety of bands including folk-roots duo Greyhound Riders and wedding/party band The Amores. She's a founding member of Steel City Rovers and has performed with the Tartan Terrors, Sirens of Shanti, Wildlife and Shy Kid. Celina frequents as an instructor at regional fiddle camps and is active as both a judge and contestant at Ontario contests. In the summer of 2023, Celina was invited as 1 of 34 top fiddlers to compete at the Canadian Grandmasters Fiddling Competition. Currently residing in London, Ontario with her husband and two children, Celina is teaching, composing, and performing live as often as possible. |
Fiddle Judge
Doug McNaughton From Stratford, Ontario, Doug McNaughton is a master fiddler who holds the reputation of being one of Canada's finest instructors and a well-respected fiddle judge. He is no stranger to the Canadian fiddle contest circuit, winning the title Junior Champion on two occasions, and achieving a top 10 finish on five occasions at the renowned Canadian Open Fiddle Championship in Shelburne, ON. A masterful back-up musician in country and bluegrass circles, Doug has worked with a number of multi-Juno winning and nominated singers.
This year marks Doug's 50th season judging fiddle competitions across Canada. As an instructor, Doug has dedicated countless hours into preserving the Canadian Fiddle tradition. Many of his students have become Champion Canadian fiddlers in their own right, pursuing careers in music across North America. |