Chilling Cellos and Spooky Strings

5th November 2009

Hot on the heels of Halloween, the Highland Cello day held in Inverness yesterday (Tuesday 3 November) had a definitely ghostly feel about it. Seventy young cellists and bassists from Highland primary and secondary schools gathered together for a day of workshops and master classes all building up to a performance at the end featuring music from the film Ghostbusters.

The event, for children aged 9 to 18, was organised by The Highland Council's string tutors and beginners, intermediate and advanced players from Caithness, Skye, Sutherland, Lochaber, Ross-shire, Inverness and Nairn all took part.

Strings Instructor Rona Mackay said: "This is the fifth Highland Cello and Bass day we have run and today has been very successful and enjoyable. It is a great opportunity for the young musicians to use the skills they learn in their instrumental lessons and get together with other young musicians of all standards to rehearse and perform. The spooky Ghostbusters theme went down very well with the students and the performance at the end of the day was really good."

It's been a busy term for Highland's Instrumental Instructors who, along with their collective 3000 pupils have been preparing for the two day gala concert at Eden Court on the 13th and 14th November which celebrates 21 years of music tuition in the Highlands and will feature performance by all the Regional Music Groups - Highland Regional Youth Orchestra; Highland Schools Wind Band; Highland Youth Strings Orchestra; Highland Youth Big Band; 'Snas ceilidh band; Highland Youth Pipe Band and Còisir G (Gaelic Choir).

The 21st celebrations start on Friday 13 November at 8pm in the One Touch Theatre. Còisir G 'snas and the Highland Youth Pipe Band will be performing a concert to celebrate the best of Highland traditional music, with a twist! Entitled" Highland Traditions", the programme will allow the young musicians to show their versatility, confidence and excellence in their performances with youthful vigour; boundless accomplishments and a 21st century view of our musical heritage. Tickets cost £8 or £6 concession for school children.

Also on Friday the Highland Youth Big Band will be performing a special late night programme in the Stalls Foyer at Eden Court starting at 10pm. This free session will feature a varied selection of swing, jazz and rock charts. Donations appreciated.

On Saturday the musical celebrations continue with a free informal concert from the Regional Gaelic Choir and soloists starting at 12.30pm in the Stalls Foyer. This will be followed at 2pm by a free lively session by Regional ceilidh band, 'snas who will be warming things up for the evening concert.

The Gala Celebration concert takes place in the Empire Theatre at 7pm. After the opening march-in from Highland Youth Pipe Band, this concert will feature all the Regional Music Groups. The programme can't fail to contain something to suit everyone's musical tastes and will definitely be an evening not to be missed. Tickets cost £8 or £6 for school children and Friends of Eden Court.

Photo
Caithness & Sutherland pupils
Pictured during the cello day with their strings instructor Della Hickey are (sitting L to R) Alistair Sinclair, Miller Academy; Amy Anderson, Thurso High School (Standing L to R) - Korbyn Cameron, Pennyland Primary; Calum Sinclair, Thurso High School; Imogen Drennan, Farr High School, Euan Hickey, Miller Academy