World-renowned fiddle players hold workshop for Moray young musicians
More than 80 young musicians from across Moray have had the chance to learn from two of Scotland’s best fiddle players at a special ‘Fiddle Day’ workshop at Speyside High School.
Gordon Gunn and Charlie McKerron, who perform with Session A9 and Capercaillie, took time out of their schedules to teach the Moray musicians how to play the song Sandra’s Waltz by ear.
The young people went into the session with no idea what they were going to play, with a special performance taking place for friends and family at the end of the day.
Alexander Davidson, Principal Teacher of Music Instruction and Performance, said: “The performance came together with lots of hard work from the players – it’s a credit to the young people, and the passion they clearly have for traditional Scottish music and the fiddle.
“I’m very grateful to Gordon and Charlie for giving up their time – and you could see that the pupils were too, taking in their knowledge from years of performing at the highest level, and also taking a bit of time to get their autographs and selfies!”
Finn, a Primary 5 pupil from Dyke Primary, said: “I had fun! It’s been exciting playing the violin with my friends from school, it’s not something that we normally do.”
Ina, a Primary 5 pupil from Dallas Primary, added: “My favourite thing about playing the violin is that at the end of it, when you learn a tune, you can perform it and it makes a really nice sound if you get it right!”
The session brought together pupils from the Speyside, Forres, Elgin, Lossiemouth and Fochabers Associated School Groups; and was organised by the Music Instruction and Performance team.
Gordon Gunn said: “Charlie and I were delighted to take part in the session, and we were both hugely impressed by the enthusiasm and talent of the children. Learning a tune by ear isn’t easy, but the young folk were great – and at the end of the session, everyone performed brilliantly.”
Chair of Moray Council’s Education, Communities and Leisure Services Committee, Cllr Kathleen Robertson: “It’s not every day that you have the chance to learn from world class musicians, and I’d like to thank Gordon and Charlie for taking the time to run this workshop; which has been very well received.”