Borders youngsters show musical finesse in concert at Heart of Hawick
Tuesday, September 11 2007
Over 100 parents, friends and invited guests enjoyed a celebration of traditional song at the Heart of Hawick theatre in Tower Mill on Thursday, 6th September.
Over 85 pupils from Roberton, Newcastleton, Wilton and St Margaret’s Primary schools took part in the concert which was a culmination of a ten week traditional song programme funded by the Scottish Arts Council’s Youth Music Initiative (YMI).
Assisted by Susie Kelly, Traditional Song Development Worker with Scottish Borders Council’s Arts Development Team and Elsa Lemaitre, co-tutor from the Yarrow Valley, the pupils swiftly grasped the words and actions to over 16 local and national traditional songs. Pupils also learned how the voice works and how to sing in harmony and at the same time, gained an appreciation of their local environment and heritage.
George Gilchrist, headteacher of Newcastleton Primary School said: “Traditional song and the Youth Music Initiative provided us with a tremendous opportunity to enhance young people’s access to music making. Tonight we have observed a collection of very talented youngsters who have been working hard with the Traditional Song Development worker and her co-tutor. This superb and spirited concert has been recognition to the talents of the tutors and the schools involved in this initiative”.
The YMI is a Scottish Executive initiative administered by the Scottish Arts Council with the aim of developing youth music provision in Scotland.
Photos and further information relating to Traditional Music and Song are available by contacting, Susie Kelly, Traditional Song Development Worker, Arts Development on 01750 724901 or online
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