Keeping the Spirit Alive! Dani’s Story

Daniela Gassi is a former Big Canoe staff member and current teacher and all-around amazing musician in Toronto. She is our second story in our #whatsyourstory blog posts. We absolutely love her story and we hope you do too! 

Playing the song “Hurricane” at 4th Session Cheesehouse 2001, with Mitch, Alex, Flo, and Steve my first year of staff, will always remain one of my most memorable moments at camp. If CBC peeps had not practically forced me out of my comfort zone of classical music to learn a Bob Dylan song, and if they had not encouraged me to take a huge risk and play with them in front of the camp that night, which would be the first time I ever played violin at camp, and if it wasn’t met with the most special, loving, energetic, crazy, positive enthusiasm that is only possible at a CBC Cheesehouse, I don’t think I would have had the courage to do it over again, and again, and again….at campfires, more Cheesehouses, jamming at rest hours, playing songs for goodnights, for the next 6 years.

After camp I continued to play violin in independent folk groups, including my main band with Liam and Graeme Gerussi, which I still play in today. I can’t imagine my life without this aspect of music.

Woah. When I think about it CBC has had a huge impact on my life. It is where I decided I wanted to become a teacher. It is where I learned about leadership. It is where I decided I loved music. It is where I met so many friends who I still consider to be family. 🙂

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Most importantly if this story made you start remembering your own, we’d love to hear them! Contact us here or on Facebook if you’d like to write your own. We can’t wait to hear from you!