Christmas Celebrations with Amy Geddes and Anna-Wendy Stevenson
Item Posted: Sunday 5th March , 2006
Amy Geddes and Anna-Wendy Stevenson have had an amazing impact on music in Cowal, so we thought we would lay on a special event for workshop members and invited guests.
The following article appeared in PRESS and POST:
LOCH GOIL CELEBRATES
Most of Loch Goil, it seemed, turned out for a party and concert to celebrate the winning of a national award.
The concert had already been arranged when they heard that the Lochgoilhead Fiddle Workshop had won the Award for Community Project of the Year, organised by the BBC and Hands up for Trad. Originally planned as a celebration of the Workshop’s third anniversary, and a thanks to their long standing (and long suffering?) tutors, it was expanded to include a thanks to everyone involved in putting the Workshop on the national stage.
The growth of their educational programme, their support of numerous local communities in putting on professional concerts and tours, the help of well- known Park photographer Derek Prescott, and the development of an outstanding web site designed by local firm Integral Solutions – all these elements helped the Workshop come to the attention of the Award organisers.
That a rural group can win a plaudit such as this against competition from larger urban groups must be a great satisfaction to the volunteers running the group. It also shows that, if local talents and skills are harnessed there are few things that cannot be done by small communities when they put their heart and soul into it.
The winners of the award were decided by public vote, and in this maybe the group had a positive advantage. Many non-members and non concert goers gave their support because a local group were up for an award,
The Awards ceremony, in Edinburgh, was opened by the Minister for Culture, Patricia Ferguson, who said: "Traditional Scottish music is enjoyed by millions of people all over the world - it is an export Scotland can be truly proud of and its influence stretches far and wide, across cultures and musical genres. These Awards are a great way of showcasing the musical talent in Scotland"
The Awards are the brain-child of Simon Thoumire of Hands up for Trad and Footstompin’ Records, and are now in their third year, and well established as a run up event to Celtic Connections Festival in Glasgow, and as an important focus for recognising the contributions made by individuals and groups to the regeneration and expansion of Scottish Traditional music. Sixteen categories such as best album, band, Gaelic singer, Scots singer, pipe band and venue all compete. The Awards have done a good deal to raise the profile of the resurgent Traditional music scene.
Never slow to find an excuse for a party the Workshop put on a stunner. A film show of photographs by Derek Prescott of members, players, concerts and sessions created a great sense of community. Their tutors, Amy Geddes and Anna- Wendy Stevenson, with guest musicians James Ross and Simon Bradley, played a full concert programme including many compositions composed recently for Workshop members. This made the whole evening warm and personal.
Members had made a collection for the tutors and presented them with an engraved silver quaiche and a silver necklace each, as well as a presentation folder of photographs and press cuttings- including, of course, previous articles from the Press and Post! In time-honoured tradition, the day ended with a party and session at a member’s home. It was truly a music in the community event.
You can find out more about the Workshop’s classes and events by visiting www.fiddleworkshop.co.uk