Borders youngsters get tuned in to ‘Gie It Laldie’
Monday, November 19 2007
More than 250 pupils from primary and secondary schools across the Borders are gearing up for ‘Gie it Laldie’ - the first event of its kind ever to take place in the region.
The event, which will be held at the Volunteer Hall in Galashiels on the Thursday 29 and Friday 30 November, is a showcase of music and songs specially composed for children in the Borders by nationally renowned composer Lin Marsh, who has worked extensively in music education and composed music for children for BBC television and radio.
A pupil choir comprising nearly 180 primary six and seven pupils from six schools - Burgh, Melrose, St Ronans, Trinity, Priorsford and St Boswells – have been working with music curriculum support teachers over the last few months to prepare to perform the Borders song cycle as one group. The song cycle includes ten songs symbolising various aspects of the Borders region and has been specifically designed by Lin for the children’s voices.
Nicky Toneri, Scottish Borders Council’s principal teacher for arts staff & curriculum development, explained her enthusiasm for the project: “The performances are designed to promote song, music, creativity and citizenship and are part of a much wider initiative throughout Borders schools over the next two years to encourage children to sing more. By combining the capacity and skill of the Council with that of a voluntary organisation, we are able to do so much more in this area and this is an exceptionally well focused opportunity. Within the project, the young people are drawing on a wide range of skills and developing confidence in many areas of the curriculum. They are actually creative singers, researchers, recyclers and composers.”
The singers will be joined by several young composers aged nine to18 who have been working with nationally recognised figures to create new music to accompany and enhance the specially composed songs. Stephen Deazley, who is also directing the shows, is widely acknowledged as a champion of music and music education for children and young people. He has been working with secondary school students at St Andrews Arts Centre in Galashiels composing an entirely original musical interlude. Also involved in the project is Liz Dooner, a flautist with Scottish Chamber Orchestra who has been working with primary seven pupils from Eddleston Primary School making instruments from various objects found at the school for their composition based on the theme of recycling.
Executive Member for Education, Councillor Catriona Bhatia, explained why she has been inspired by this project: “The vast amount of time and effort put into this project by the teachers, composers and the youngsters themselves cannot go unrecognised. There is so much great work happening in our schools and it is a joy to see work like this being celebrated in this way. It is particularly inspiring that the songs have various cross curricular connections which can branch into other areas of school work so as well as this event being a showcase of this work, it also marks the start of a fascinating journey of curricular development for the future.”
Councillor Graham Garvie, Executive member for Culture, Sport and Community Education added: “This is a particularly exciting event for the Borders. By combining the talent and enthusiasm of our youngsters with highly skilled and dedicated staff and musicians – this will no doubt make the event one to remember. I am really looking forward to meeting everyone involved and look forward to seeing the project develop further.”
The event is the result of an association between Scottish Borders Community Orchestras and Scottish Borders Council’s Music Education Department and has been supported by Scottish Arts Council, Youth Music Initiative and the Foyle Foundation. It will be conducted by Stephen Deazly and Lin Marsh herself will be in attendance.
Tickets are now available, costing £5 and £4 and are available from Scottish Borders Community Orchestra, Tel: 01835 822296 or email: admin@scbco.org.uk.
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