New tune for College of Piping

SUMMERSIDE - The board of directors of the College of Piping and Celtic performing Arts of Canada didn't have to go far to find a new executive director.
Charlottetown-based awarding-winning fiddler and music teacher Kendra MacGillivray will take over the reins of the internationally renowned college in August.
MacGillivray sees this opportunity as a perfect fit.
"I've been steeped in Celtic music from the day I was born," she said. "I took Highland dancing as a young girl and I began fiddle lessons when I was nine. I took piano lessons and I took step dancing. So my interests were in Highland dancing and the fiddle music, step dancing and piano from a very early age. "
MacGillivray said it's been something she's done her whole life - and not only from the performing side.
"I've taught Highland dancing. I teach step dancing at workshops but my big thing is that I've been teaching fiddle for 20 years. So, basically, I've been passing this music on and totally immersed in it my whole life," she said. "So when this opportunity came up I thought it was a perfect fit for me and it would be a very natural progression for me to take on another role still within the Celtic music world and be able to put all of my experiences and my knowledge and contacts I've made over the years and go in there and try to bring in a bit of my knowledge."
Ken Gillis, board chair of the College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts, said MacGillivray brings a wealth of experience to the college.
"I think she's a great addition to the college team," Gillis said. "She has a lot of experience not only in music but other Celtic performances and is well known throughout the community. She's pretty well known throughout the Celtic community. We think she's just going to be phenomenal there."
The college had been in discussions with MacGillivary for about two weeks and made their decision earlier this week. Gillis said the decision to offer MacGillivray the position was unanimous by the board.
MacGillivray begins her new position Aug. 3.