Music@TheMuseum Preserving the Living Voice of Island Acadian Music
Since 2023, the Farmers’ Bank of Rustico has been developing Music@TheMuseum — a program dedicated to promoting and preserving and promoting the traditional music and song of Prince Edward Island’s Acadian community, designed for adult learners at the intermediate level.
Weekly Sessions with Philippe LeBlanc
At the heart of the program is a weekly gathering led by Philippe LeBlanc — one of Prince Edward Island’s most dedicated and accomplished Acadian music educators. A 33-year veteran of École Évangéline, he shaped the musical lives of generations of young Island Acadians, LeBlanc also served as the inaugural Acadian-in-Residence at Holland College’s School of Performing Arts (SoPA) in Charlottetown — bringing traditional Acadian music, song, and the art of tolut (mouth music) to a new generation of performing arts students. He is also the proud father of Emmanuelle and Pastelle LeBlanc, the twin sisters behind the internationally acclaimed Acadian duo Vishtèn. His lifelong commitment to passing on the living traditions of Island Acadian music makes him an ideal guide for this program.
Sessions are held every Wednesday evening through out the summer from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Each session opens with an hour of instruction, during which LeBlanc introduces a new traditional Acadian tune for the group to learn together. The second hour opens into a jam session welcoming musicians at an intermediate level and listeners alike.
Workshops & Future Plans
Throughout the year, hands-on music workshops offer participants the chance to deepen their repertoire, hone their skills and connect with traditions passed down through generations. Looking ahead, the museum plans to expand the program to include instruction for children and beginner adult learners — building a multigenerational musical community rooted in the heart of Rustico. As the group advances and its repertoire grows, so too do its performance opportunities — in the community and beyond.
For more information or to get involved, contact rusticofarmersbank@gmail.com or call 902-963-3168.
