A brief history of The Chatsons!

 

Antonia received her B.A. in English Literature from York University and her A.R.C.T. from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. She trained for a teacher at Toronto Teachers' College and has taught in schools from Grade 1 to being a lecturer at a teachers' college. She has always taught music privately which is what she does now. Her hobbies include reading, tole painting , and chasing cattle.

 

Do not be deceived by university degrees. They do not make the man. Francis was a high school drop out but he is a proficient carpenter, electrician, mechanic, and a welder. He has built his own band sawmill to make outbuildings. Contrary to his wife who learned music only through teaching and books, Francis is self taught, playing a range of instruments ranging from guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and mouth organ.

 

Irene graduated with her grade 12 diploma and has since stayed on the farm and helps with everything and is studying music with her parents.

 

They all live on a 600 acre farm, mainly bush, just south of Denbigh in Eastern Ontario and run beef cattle. They are avid gardeners and grow most of their own fruit and vegetables. They play an active part in their church, The Vennachar Free Methodist Church in Vennechar and do the music there for the Sunday services. They also play out at gospel sings by themselves and also with another gospel group. They enjoy playing music together and playing for the Lord.