We went along to the weekend not knowing what to expect and arrived at registration on the Saturday morning with some fear and trepidation. However, that soon disappeared when we met the main tutors running our course, Andy Thorburn and Val Bryan. They very quickly put us at our ease which in turn allowed us to get the most out of the weekend.
Val and Andy soon had us deep in discussion on teaching techniques, preparation and the many practical issues that arise when tutoring classes. We also covered some great ice breaking techniques, warm ups, and musical games. One of these had us all on the floor passing drumsticks to each other! Great fun and very useful – honest!
We also attended a very enlighting session on child protection given by Susan and a session giving us a taster of the Gaelic language with Gilleasbuig.
Day one ended with dinner and a great music session held in the old barn which went into the wee small hours !
Day two was a practical day of music and song where we were split into groups and had to teach each other new material, mainly in the tradition of learning and teaching by ear, which we then had to come back and perform in the afternoon.
The weekend ended with the issue of some very welcome and well earned certificates and thanks to the team.
I know Abi and I have benefited greatly by completing this course. We are returning to ‘Get Reel’ with new skills, lots of information and techniques to make our classes even more enjoyable and productive. This training follows on from training already completed with music leaders in the Stirling area.
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is a wonderful resource on Skye. The setting is stunning and we were very lucky to have a beautiful, cold, but clear weekend of weather to enjoy it. We received a lovely warm welcome and brilliant co-ordination from Iona MacDonald for Feisean nan Gaidheal and excellent tuition from Andy, Val, Gilleasbuig and Susan.
We thank them all very much for organizing such a great course and making us so welcome on it. We look forward to going back next year to complete the next level!
‘Get Reel’ welcomes new members. If you are out there and have always wanted to learn how to play the fiddle, guitar or whistle, whether you be child or adult - come and see us. It’s never too late to start and it’s great fun trying!
Classes are run on Tuesday evenings during term time at Balfron High School. We work with experienced tutors, including, Ruiaridh Campbell of Angus Lyon and Ruiaridh Campbell fame, Mike Vass of Malinky fame and Barry Reid of Treacherous Orchestra fame, as well as our trainee tutors. Teaching is normally by ear, but music will be available if you need it. Contact Sara Bell on 01360 550770 or Suzanne Hendry 01360 551686 for details.
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