One feature of the Society has been the steady encouragement of young fiddlers and their inclusion in all aspects of the Society’s activities. They range in age from very young to older years, and from players relatively new to their instruments to those passing more senior grades. Our juniors are so committed that it is a very encouraging sign for the future of traditional Scottish music.
From a musical perspective, the Junior Orchestra have their weekly group practice and coaching sessions with Junior Orchestra Acting Conductor, Alison Young. Alison is supported by pianist, Colin Dempster and Ian Thow from the Garioch Fiddlers Senior Orchestra.
The Junior Orchestra play their own part in the Rally programme each year and individual winners of the Alex Garden Memorial Trophy, Bert Morgan Cup and Bill Johnston Memorial Trophy (Formerly Young Fiddler of the Year) are featured on stage. It is noticeable that group participation is always appreciated in parallel with competitive achievement without pressure on youngsters to do both. Combinations of youngsters have played at concerts and for TV appearances such as the Ceol na Fidhle series. It was therefore appropriate that a product of all these stages, from a child member aged 8 in 1988, and now Senior Orchestra Leader, Neil Hehir had a solo spot at our 25th Rally in April 2008, as a representative of that on-going process of cultural continuity.
Socially, it is a happy aspect of the society that all proceedings are rooted in a feeling of togetherness. In so doing, we have formed the pattern for new generations of Garioch Fiddlers, something for which we should all be grateful.
Calling all young fiddlers…..
Have you been playing the fiddle for more than a year and can play in the basic keys (about Grade 2 standard)?
YES – THE GARIOCH FIDDLERS NEED YOU ! !
Come along to the Kintore Arms Hotel Inverurie, and enjoy playing with lots of other young people who like playing the fiddle too. It’s all about music and fun, every Monday night from 6.30 – 7.30pm.