On Saturday 11th June, Aberdeen's third sector united in a spectacular parade starting at Harlaw Academy, proceeding all the way down Union Street to the Castlegate, supported by an array of street performers, local celebrities and musical entertainment.

We were thrilled to have Sharon Hassan leading the mobile musical entertainment on SC&T's behalf. The parade set off at 11.00am at Harlaw Academy and proceeded on foot down Union Street to the Castlegate.

The parade went well on what was a bit of a grey and shower spotted day - fortunately it stayed dry enough for the fiddles during the parade itself - and our musicians definitely stood out from the crowd. We received lots of positive feedback from folk watching the parade and we caught their attention by looking lively and playing tunes.

Special thanks to tutors, Sharon and Dave, for leading the tunes.

The May issue of the SC&T newsletter has already hit the classes and is winging its way to Friends of SC&T. If you would like to find out about the exciting events we have coming up over the summer, click to download the pdf version.

SC&T are delighted to announce our popular weekend clarsach workshop will be held on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th June. Led by leading Scottish harper Wendy Stewart, it will take place in the hall on the picturesque Grandhome Estate.

Wendy Stewart is a critically acclaimed, world class performer who connects with the listener at a deep musical level and a renowned teacher who coaxes the budding musician out of the hesitant beginner.

Workshop info:
£30.00 / £25.00 per day (Friends of SC&T & under 16s)

Saturday 25th June, 9.30am for 10am - 4.00pm (with 1 hour for lunch), beginning/intermediate players*

Sunday 26th June, 9.30am for 10am - 4.00pm (with 1 hour for lunch), intermediate/advanced*

BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT AS PLACES WILL BE LIMITED
(max 20 participants each day).

*players of any level can attend on each day (for example, teachers who would like to learn new tunes to teach).

Saturday 25th June, 7.30pm, Evening Buffet.
To allow us to gauge numbers, please indicate on the booking form if you plan to attend.

For more information contact the SC&T office on 01224 591900
email office@scottishculture.org

Click here to download the booking form online

SC&T @ WORD 

In partnership with Aberdeen's Word Festival 2011, SC&T presents daily musical performances by some of Aberdeen's leading traditional musicians in the Word Café, Elphinstone Hall, where you'll be able to enjoy the live music with a post-event glass of wine.

13th-15th May, 5pm - 6.30pm, Word Café in Elphinstone Hall:
Friday - Yousedancin'
Saturday - Danse McCabre
Sunday - Straefoot

New addition to the music programme:
Friday 7pm & Sunday 1pm - Moonbow in Elphinstone Hall

Strings 'n' Things

Children’s Fiddle Classes

Every Saturday from 7th May 2011, 11.30am - 1.00pm

Strings ‘n’ Things is a chance for young fiddle players to come together and gain experience of playing in a group setting. It's a fabulous opportunity to meet other kids with the same interest and have fun playing tunes together.

SC&T tutor Laura Lockyer (Fiddle 0, Fiddle 3, Session Playing 2) will work with the young fiddlers to build sets of tunes which they will have the opportunity to perform at the SC&T end of term concerts and Lemon Tree lunchtime slots.

While the classes are initially aimed at young fiddle players, other instruments could be catered for if there is enough demand - please contact the SC&T office initially to note your interest in classes for another instrument and we'll keep you posted.

Class Info:

£6.00* per child per class / £30.00* for a block of six classes
Suitable for under 16s and all ability levels

There will be a break during the class and refreshments (juice and biscuits) are included in the price. Classes will be held at the Lemon Tree, Aberdeen, every Saturday from 7th May, 11.30am - 1.00pm.

As the classes finish at 1pm, why not stay and listen to the SC&T Saturday 'Lunchtimes at the Lemon Tree' traditional music performance and have a bite to eat!

Contact the SC&T Office for a booking form or download the online version here

*Discounts may be available for children of parents in receipt of benefits, please contact the SC&T office initially to discuss this informally.

SC&T End of Term Concert

Harlaw Academy, Sunday 27th March, 6.00pm

Running Order

Each group has a MAXIMUM of 7 MINUTES performance time (includes getting on/off stage) unless otherwise stated. 

PLEASE try to stay within this limit, as the later groups will suffer if you run over. Download a printable version here.

6.00 - FIDDLE 0 - LAURA LOCKYER
 
6.07 - WHISTLE 1 - HELEN LYNCH
 
6.14 - SONG 2 - CHRISTINE KYDD
 
6.21 - FIDDLE 2 - SANDY TWEDDLE
 
6.28 – BODHRAN 0/1 - MAGGIE TRICKEY

6.35 – MIXED INSTRUMENTS 3 – DAVID ANDERSON
 
6.42 - FIDDLE 3 - LAURA LOCKYER
 
6.49 - HARMONICA 2 - DAVE LORIMER
 
6.56 - FLUTE 1/2 - KENNY HADDEN
 
7.03- FIDDLE 1 - CARLEY WILLIAMS
 
7.10 - BANJO/MANDOLIN 1/2 and GUITAR 3 - MARTIN MacDONALD
 
7.17 - PIPES 2/3 - IAN SUTHERLAND
 
7.24 - MIXED INSTRUMENTS – SHARON HASSAN
 
7.31 - WHISTLE 3 -  KENNY HADDEN
 
7.38 – STEP DANCE – Self-led group
 
7.45 - SONG 3 - CHRISTINE KYDD
 
8.02 – CEILIDH DANCERS (accomp. by Sandy Tweddle) – LYNN SAUNDERS
           

THE STRAMASH
Lead by Sharon Hassan and Friends. Christine Kydd with Song 3 to lead Auld Lang Syne to finish.        

INFO FOR YOUR CLASS:

The END OF TERM concert will take place on SUNDAY 27 MARCH at Harlaw Academy. Doors open 5:00pm. Start 6:00pm. Attendees are welcome to bring a ‘picnic’ as well as alcoholic beverages for your own consumption (bring your own cups, plates, etc).

PLEASE encourage your class to stay for the entire concert - it is only fair for the groups at the end to have the same enthusiastic audience as the first performances. There are TWO practice rooms. Please share nicely - all the classes will want a chance to at least warm up. PLEASE have your group ready, and waiting in ‘the wings’ 5 minutes before your performance time.

‘Battle of Harlaw’ Song Writing Competition

The Battle of Harlaw
24 July 1411

As I cam by the Garioch land an doun by Netherha
There were fifty thoosan Hielan men a-marching tae Harlaw
And sing diddy-aye-o sing fal-the-doh sing diddy-aye-o-aye-ay

From the ballad as sung by Jeannie Robertson

To mark the 600-year anniversary of the Battle of Harlaw of 1411, one of the bloodiest battles of the medieval period in Scotland, Scottish Culture and Traditions Association (SC&T) is organising a song writing competition.

The winner will be awarded a cash prize plus the opportunity to perform the song or have it performed by others at a concert on 9 June 2011 in the Town and County Hall of Aberdeen Town House, organised by the Elphinstone Institute.

Prize: £200
Closing date: 9 May 2011

Find out more about the Battle of Harlaw on Historic Scotland's website here.

Rules

Please read the competitions rules carefully:

1. Anyone may enter the competition.
2. Each song submitted must be the contestant's own original work and must not infringe any copyrights or any other rights of any third parties.
3. A song may have co-writers.
4. The song must have been written within the past twelve months and have not previously been placed first, second or third in any competition.
5. Entries must be submitted as mp3 files on a CD, or a memory stick, or as a file attached to an email.
6. Please submit your entry to SC&T at the address below and mark it ‘Harlaw Song Writing Competition’.
7. The words of the song, as an MS Word file, must be included, together with your name, full postal address, contact telephone number and an email address.
8. It is the entrant’s responsibility to check that all recordings and files are playing correctly before submitting his/her work. Faulty non-playing recordings will be void.
9. No changes may be made to song entries after submission.
10. Contestants may enter a maximum of two songs.
11. Songs will be judged on the basis of composition, lyrics, melody, and originality. The quality of performance, vocals and production will not be a consideration.  
12. The song should reflect in some way the Battle of Harlaw.
13. The song can be set to an original tune or to a traditional air adapted to suit.
14. Entry in the SC&T Song Writing Competition constitutes permission to use the winner’s names, recordings, etc., for promotional purposes for SC&T.
15. All entrants will retain their full ownership and all copyrights to all songs submitted.
16. The decisions of the SC&T judges will be final in all matters relating to the competition.
17. All entries must be received by 5.00 pm on the 9 May 2011. Late entries will not be accepted.

To print out a copy of the rules click here. You can also email the SC&T Office office@scottishculture.org with your name and postal address to have a copy posted out to you.

Download a flyer here

Cairngorms Cèilidh Trail 2011

Fèis Spè are again running the Cairngorms Cèilidh Trail in 2011, with support from Fèisean nan Gàidheal and the Cairngorms National Park Authority. The first years' programmes received great reviews from all venues, audiences and participants and they are now seeking a new band to tour the Cairngorms National Park area in July 2011. 
Download an application form here

Auditions will be held in Grantown on Spey on SUNDAY 1st MAY and, including a training session, will last most of the day.

It is ESSENTIAL that ALL interested applicants attend this day - travel expenses will be re-imbursed.
Please note deadline and return address for applications.

If you submit an application, you will be sent confirmation of receipt and further details about the training / audition day.

Good luck.