SHETLAND FIDDLE SCHOOL & FIDDLE FRENZY 2004
INFORMATION SHEET
Shetland undeniably has a unique heritage and culture. This is especially true of our traditional music. We are often asked how this unique tradition has evolved in Shetland. Well, it’s probably related to a number of factors. Our relative isolation in geographical terms is certainly one. Another is our close proximity to Scandinavia, especially Norway. (We’re located as close to Norway as we are to Scotland – approx 180 miles) This location at the very ‘heart’ of the North Sea and Atlantic shipping routes / fishing grounds has meant that, over the years, many seafarers and others have visited, and indeed settled in the islands, bringing elements of their own cultures with them, inevitably influencing our own. So in our music you can identify Nordic, Scottish, American and European influences, all of which have partially interwoven over the years with what was, after all, a pretty unique local tradition in the first place.
Shetland is increasingly keen to share this unique musical culture with the world. Many visitors have enjoyed experiencing our music while in Shetland, and a growing number of local groups and musicians now travel the world, taking the message ever further afield.
We are continually looking at new methods of developing and promoting this culture in an authentic and effective manner and one option is thought to be through a local fiddle ‘school’. To many it seems almost unbelievable that no official fiddle school is currently held on the islands, although one is promoted in Stirling University, thanks to the efforts and commitment of the late Dr Tom Anderson. Local fiddler Catriona Macdonald has also promoted a number of smaller, informal events over the last few years, demonstration the demand for such events and the all-round benefits they generate. But now the time has come to spread out wings in this area as we introduce you to a totally home-grown, authentic event ~ ‘The Shetland Fiddle School and Fiddle Frenzy 2005’.
DATES: 9th - 14th August 2005
PATRONS
Main Patron ~ Dr. Aly Bain MBE
Patrons ~ Violet Tulloch and ‘Peerie’ Willie Johnson
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Musical Directors ~ Christopher Stout & Catriona Macdonald
Logistics Directors ~ David Gardner (Music Dev Officer ~ Shetland Arts Trust)
Richard Wemyss (Event Manager ~ Shetland Arts Trust)
Information and Bookings ~ Shetland Islands Tourism
AIMS OF THE EVENT
Traditional fiddle schools have, in the past, tended to adopt a largely academic approach, focusing mainly on direct teaching and learning opportunities. The aim of this particular event is to change that concept, while still delivering a similar, hopefully even wider, end result to that previously achieved. Participants, especially visitors to Shetland, will develop a clear insight into the living tradition of Shetland traditional music through direct access to our local culture, heritage, music / styles and musicians in an informal and entertaining manner, while local skills and knowledge will be imparted that can be taken away and built upon well into the future. The emphasis will focus primarily on Shetland fiddle music, providing the ‘student’ with a unique and authentic musical and learning experience. Quality, enjoyment, enlightenment and ‘the personal touch’ will also be at the very heart of the event. All in all something you can only truly taste by coming to, and experiencing, Shetland itself. Our aim is to spread the word about Shetland and its music, and you can help us do that.
WHAT YOU GET
Our slogan “Experience Our Heritage ~ Live the Tradition” hopefully says it all. The event incorporates a wide range of workshops, master-classes, concerts, dances, discussions, lectures and informal music sessions, delivered all over Shetland during a hectic six-day period, all of which are tailored to maintain the personal touch for the individual visitor / student. All those involved in the event (details later in this document) are well-known, skilled local musicians with an incredible collective knowledge of Shetland traditional music, across all local styles and indeed beyond. They range from nationally and internationally renowned Shetland musicians, through local fiddle teachers and instructors to simply those performing and keeping the tradition alive right across the islands, young and old alike. Throughout the event you will have direct access to, and active involvement with, all the participating tutors and musicians.
Of course you don’t need to take part in the fiddle school itself to be part of the overall event. The concerts / dances, sessions and some workshops will be open to all, and if workshops are not fully booked you can access these on an individual, ‘first-come first-served’ basis. Concert / dance tickets for the general public will be available on the door at each event and all sessions are free of charge. So you can experience a terrific week of fiddle music and fun to suit all personal desires.
See below for full details and ‘How to Book’ later in this document.
2004 programme:
WORKSHOPS / VISITS / CONCERTS / SESSIONS ~ BASIC DETAIL
Here are some basic details relating to event programme contents for your further information. For dates, times etc please refer to the programme itself.
WORKSHOPS & VISITS
History of Shetland Fiddle Music (Open to all)
As an introductory appetiser let local musician and fiddle tutor Margaret Scollay take you through a potted history of Shetland traditional fiddle music. A vibrant lecture on the history, sounds and styles of Shetland, augmented by musical anecdotes and interludes.
Beginners and Improvers Classes (20 Places)
Does just what is says on the label. Perfect for the out and out beginner or for those who are not so sure of their skills level. Hand picked tutors who are skilled at coaching and encouraging beginners will be on hand to provide musical and spiritual guidance. Perfect for family members of those attending the overall event and free of charge into the bargain. Informative and, more importantly, entertaining and fun.
Master Classes (20 Places)
Again, what you see is what you get. Tutors of local, national and international renown will deliver these classes for the player who already has reasonable ability on the fiddle. The venues for these workshops have been personally selected to provide you with a special and memorable experience, taking quality and good food into account. See ‘Venues’ for further details.
Fiddle Making in Shetland (20 Places each)
No musical visit to Shetland would be complete without a trip to our local fiddle workshops. Two different visits have been selected:
Ewen Thomson, who’s workshop is located in Channerwick on the south mainland of Shetland, originally hails from the outlying community of Fair Isle, where he honed his original skills in traditional instrument making. He is internationally recognised as an instrument maker of extremely high quality, providing instruments for, among others, members of Fiddlers Bid.
Skyinbow Fiddles is owned and operated by Kenny Johnson from his workshop in Vidlin, located on the north east of the Shetland mainland. Kenny too has an international reputation for quality and variety, making both traditional and electric instruments. Riverdance and the Rod Stewart Band are just two of a growing number of worldwide clients.
Ewen and Kenny will be exhibiting their wares at a special fiddle exhibition in Islesburgh Community Centre on the last day of the event, together with other local instrument makers. A chance to try and, who knows, maybe buy if you feel so inclined.
‘The Wie It Wis’ (10 places)
A journey back in time to visit an authentic Shetland crofthouse, circa early 1900’s, and experience the atmosphere of the social events that took place at that time. Music making, traditional dance, folklore, storytelling, traditional food and a dram (or perhaps two) also in traditional fashion. Learn about Shetland life and living a hundred years ago. Offering beautiful views over the southern mainland of Shetland this is an experience not to be missed. The travel route will also take us via Shetland’s most breathtaking view, the natural sand tombola at St Ninians Isle.
The Yell Tradition (20 Places)
A visit to one of Shetland’s larger northern isles to sample the unique music, musical styles (which vary from area to area) and history / folklore of the island. During this workshop you will be able to explore and learn about some of these styles and meet the equally unique musicians who keep the traditions alive. For instance the Cullivoe Fiddlers who will tell you about, and demonstrate, the tuning style ‘native’ to the north part of the island where the G string is tuned to A. One theory is that this was done to give extra lift to the tune when no accompanist was available. No doubt there are other explanations, all of which can be explored during this workshop. Learn the tunes and the stories behind them, including those about the trows ~ the mythical and mischievous ‘little people’ of Shetland. Hear some of the tunes ‘learned’ from them. Sample some traditional Shetland food and a dram (or two again) in a traditional manner. The evening before the concert and dance on the island (read on to learn more) you will have the opportunity to visit the local pub and take part in a traditional session prior to the concert. A great warm up for the night ahead. Oh, and of course you get a chance to see the island itself, which can equally be termed unique.
Da Fardest Nort ~ The Unst Tradition (20 places)
Pay a visit to Unst, Shetland’s most northerly island and therefore also the furthest north part of the UK. Here again the tradition can be termed unique, being traced back to one Friedamann Stickle, a German who jumped ship in Unst around 1790 carrying nothing but a fiddle with him. The venue for the event will be the Unst Heritage Cente, where you can view the history of Unst over the years and an exhibition of Unst music making and musicians from years gone by as part of your overall Unst experience. Again, hear and learn the tunes, styles, history and stories from those still living and protecting the tradition. Hear trowie tunes, local wedding tunes and ‘bedding’ tunes (all will be made clear) etc etc. Sample local food and drams again. Wash it all down with a visit to the UK’s most northerly (and Shetland’s only) brewery and sample their beers. Highly recommended !!! Again there will be the opportunity to visit the local pub, drink more local beer, and take part in a traditional session prior to the evening concert and dance on the island.
Dr Tom Anderson – The Man his Music and his Legacy (20 Places)
This workshop will explore the life, legend and legacy of the ‘Godfather’ of Shetland traditional music Dr. Tom Anderson. Tom was an internationally renowned musician, prolific composer, inspirational teacher (he encouraged, indeed demanded, the introduction of traditional fiddles tuition in local schools) musical historian and collector and collator of traditional tunes and styles. Visit Eshaness, the place of his birth (and now his resting place). See the places that inspired his tunes, especially the famous and breathtaking cliff scenery, hear the story of the man himself and absorb and learn his music. Meet the people who made music with him and some of those he taught including another internationally renowned musician Catriona Macdonald. See, hear and meet the legacy he left behind including the Heritage Fiddlers and Shetland Young Heritage. Experience true Shetland musical history. Traditional Shetland food and a dram in the great man’s memory will also be on offer.
‘Leaving Lerwick Harbour’ – Willie Hunter – Another Shetland Legend.
(Open to all)
Spend your final afternoon of the event learning about another legendary Shetland musician, composer and teacher, the late great Willie Hunter. The only local fiddler to have recorded an album in London’s Abbey Road Studios (pre Beatles) Willie was literally an immense talent and inspiration on the local traditional music scene. Learn about the modest man himself, hear and learn his tunes, meet the people who knew him best, played with him and learned from him, including his accompanists Violet Tulloch (piano) and the equally legendary ‘Peerie’ Willie Johnson (guitar) his prodigies Christopher Stout (fiddle) and Brian Gear (fiddle) A suitable finale to any Shetland Fiddle School.
Piano Accompaniment (20 places)
In Shetland good accompaniment is taken as being equally as important as good fiddle playing, and these workshops will feature some of its finest local exponents.
Violet Tulloch can also command the term ‘legendary’ in Shetland musical circles and indeed well beyond. A recognised master (or is it mistress) of piano accompaniment Violet has backed Tom Anderson, Willie Hunter and Aly Bain to name but a few. She has many TV and radio appearances to her credit and as well as regularly performing live with musicians such as Brian Gear, Judi Nicolson and Gemma Donald, she spends her time keeping this particular tradition alive by passing her skills on to a whole new generation of young traditional musicians through her private teaching programme.
Guitar Accompaniment ~ ‘Master and Apprentice’ (20 Places)
‘Peerie’ Willie Johnson, another giant of Shetland music in terms of reputation if not personal stature. (Peerie means small in Shetland). The grand old man of Shetland music, Willie pioneered the Shetland style of guitar accompaniment through listening to American radio programmes in the 1930’s, especially jazz (his true musical love). Fusing the sound and techniques of players such as Eddie Lang and Django Reinhardt to more traditional styles of music, Willie created an original method of playing that remains distinctly ‘his’ however many try to copy it. Having played and travelled extensively with fiddlers such as Tom Anderson, Willie Hunter (he also features on the Abbey Road recording) and Aly Bain (to name but a few) he has stories and experiences galore to add to his incredible musical talent.
Brian Nicolson is undoubtedly Shetland’s best guitarist of the present generation. He has studied and can apply Willie’s style and techniques better than anyone else. Brian, a member of the renowned group ‘Hom Bru’ is equally proficient and exciting on either acoustic or electric guitar and plays all forms of music including, of course, traditional. Albert Lee, the ‘guitarists guitarist’ termed him “world class”. No more need be said.
With two such immense talents spanning the generations, this particular workshop is a must.
Clarsach (20 places)
Not a traditional Shetland instrument, but one that is growing in popularity and stature in the islands. This informal and introductory workshop will be delivered by Catriona MacKay undoubtedly one of the best young musicians currently working in this field. A member of Shetland’s premier traditional band ‘Fiddlers Bid’. Catriona has also been a finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition. Quality indeed.
The Accordion in Shetland Music (20 Places)
A special informal workshop featuring Shetland’s other traditional instrument - the accordion - now making a comeback through a teaching strategy in Shetland schools. Really just an opportunity to meet up with some of Shetlands finest ‘box’ players, exchange and bash out a few tunes together and try your hand at the instrument if you wish.
CONCERTS
Concerts are an important part of the social fabric of Shetland and, as such, will feature prominently throughout our programme. These will be open to the general public as well as fiddle school ‘students’. All concerts, except the tutors concert, will be followed by a dance. These include:
Tutors Opening Concert ~ A concert featuring many of those tutoring or otherwise involved in the Shetland Fiddle School. It may also feature some of the groups they are part of. A great introduction to the whole event and those involved in it.
Yell Concert ~ A evening of pure traditionalism in the heart of traditional music country. Programme will hopefully feature The Cullivoe Fiddlers, Shetland Fiddlers Society and Shetland Folkdance and storyteller Laurence Tulloch, among others.
Unst Concert ~ By attending this event you can always say you’ve been to a party in the furthest north part of the British Isles. This concert will concentrate on the Unst tradition and will feature Unst Music and Dance Club, Steven Spence and Henry Henderson (a direct descendant of Friedamann Stickle) among others.
Eshaness Concert ~ This concert will focus on the legacy of Dr Tom Anderson in the place of his birth and will feature some of those keeping his music and memory alive today. It will feature Catriona Macdonald and the Heritage Fiddlers among others.
The Last Gasp Session ~ Da final fling of the overall event takes place on the island of Bressay – a five minute ferry trip from Lerwick. If you still have hair this is the night to let it down. This informal concert will feature a whole host of Shetland’s finest traditional and comtemporary musicians. A farewell party and no mistake.
It is a possibility that visiting musicians attending the fiddle school may be asked to take part in these concerts as performers, especially those working in distinctive styles that may be of interest to a wider local audience.
SESSIONS
No discerning traditional musician needs this term explained. Sessions will be an integral part of the Fiddle School and Frenzy programme. They will take place in hot- beds of traditional music promotion such as the Lounge Bar and Da Noost, Lerwick and as far afield as the northern isles. But of course they could happen anywhere at anytime, that’s up to you!!! A chance for everyone, no matter how skilled, to take part and learn from each other, or simply relax and enjoy.
ADDITIONAL ATTRACTIONS AND OPTIONS
Of course it need not be music all the way. While in Shetland you will also have the opportunity to experience many other facets of our local culture and heritage. In addition to (or as an alternative too, if you wish to escape for a while) you will have easy access to, among many other options, local tours, workshops etc connected with the following:
• History / Archaeology and Architecture
• Wildlife
• Scenery
• Walks
• Boat / Bus Trips
• Sightseeing Tours
• Indigenous Crafts
• Storytelling
• Etc etc
Although these are not included in the event programme or ticket price they are all available locally at very attractive prices. A personal programme can be created to meet all needs and budgets. See ‘How to Book’ later in this document.
All in all a true, real-life musical and cultural experience.
STUDENT SPEC.
The Shetland Fiddle School is open to everyone, regardless of age or experience. However, it would perhaps be best suited to those who already have reasonable ability on the instrument and who wish to extend their current skills base. Given the highly interactive content it will also appeal to those who wish to gain an initial insight to, or learn more about, the history and diversity of the Shetland fiddle tradition.
COST
The cost of full participation in the six-day event is £280 per person. (Depending on booking levels, additional spaces on individual workshops may become available. These will be priced on an individual basis and sold on a first come first served basis)
Ticket price includes:
• Welcome Pack
• Opening day events (inc welcome buffet).
• Workshops
• Concerts
• Master Classes
• Beginners / Improvers Classes (also free for family members of fee paying ‘students’)
• Sessions
• Some food (see programme for details)
• Internal transport (buses, ferries) to and from events
• Full information and booking service.
• Departure Pack
It does not include:
• Travel to and from Shetland *
• Accommodation *
• Main meals *
• Additional Transport *
• Additional workshops / sightseeing visits etc *
* Details of these, how to book and full booking service, provided later in this document.
STUDENT PLACES
In order to main the personal approach of this event the total number of students will be limited to 60. Each workshop will be limited to a maximum of 20 places, except the Croft House afternoons (see programme) which will be limited to 10.
We welcome family groups to visit Shetland for the event, even if only one family member is due to take part in the event itself. There will be something on offer for everyone. For instance the beginners / improvers classes are open to family members of participating students free of charge, as are all the traditional sessions, although age limits may apply at certain venues. All concerts and dances will be open to family members on a priority booking basis and all additional workshops, tours etc are available on an individual basis.
TUTORS AND PERFORMERS
The widest range of skilled tutors, musicians etc have been selected to provide you with the broadest all-round knowledge of the Shetland fiddle tradition. This includes both a range of skills, styles and historical knowledge to effectively address the overall aims of the event.
Among the tutors taking part will be:
Christopher Stout (Fiddlers Bid) Catriona Macdonald (solo performer / Blazin Fiddles), Margaret Scollay, Maurice Henderson (Fiddlers Bid), Bernadette Porter, Judi Nicolson, Violet Tulloch, ‘Peerie’Wille Johnson, Steven Spence (Unst) Jenna Reid (Filska) ete etc
Among the local musicians to look out for will be:
The Cullivoe Fiddlers, The Heritage Fiddlers, Unst Music and Dance Club, Shetland Fiddlers Society, Cullivoe Dance Band, Da Fustra Dance Band, Shetland Folkdance, Brian Gear, Violet Tulloch, Catriona Macdonald, North Mavin Fiddle and Accordion Club, High Strings, New Tradition and Fiddle Attraction to name but a few.
A full list of those tutoring and performers at concerts will be available shortly.
VENUES
The venues to host the event have been selected with a friendly atmosphere in mind, not to mention the provision of high quality and interesting surroundings throughout the week-long event. These include:
Lerwick Town Hall ~ Lerwick’s premier historic building and the home of our local ‘government’ Shetland Islands Council. Wonderfully ornate with some of the finest stain glass windows to be seen anywhere, this building is a ‘must see’ for any visitor to Shetland.
Islesburgh Community Centre ~ An imposing building in the centre of Lerwick, again built around the turn of the century, then know as Lerwick Central Public School. It now houses the Islesburgh Trust who provide community facilities and services for all age groups in Lerwick
The Garrison Theatre ~ Lerwick’s only theatre, build around the turn of the century for use as the drill hall for the local military of the era. Now owned and operated by the Islesburgh Trust.
Busta House ~ Located on the outskirts of Brae (around 20+) miles north of Lerwick, the original part of this historic building, now a country house hotel, was constructed in 1588. It stands in a beautifully scenic area and has a very interesting history attached to it, and inevitably a ghost. Famous for its good food. http://www.bustahouse.com
Herrislea House Hotel ~ Located at the north end of the picturesque Tingwall Valley and Tingwall Loch (near to where Shetland’s orginal Viking parliament used to meet) this recently renovated hotel is famous for its quality food and surroundings. http://www.herrislea-house.shetland.co.uk
Unst Heritage Centre ~ A small local museum located in the village of Haroldswick in Unst. The heritage centre will be an ideal venue for the event, where you will be surrounded by the history of Unst through the years. A special exhibition of music related memorabilia is planned to coincide with the event.
The Booth, Hillswick ~ Hosting the Tom Anderson workshop, The Booth was orginally Shetland’s oldest pub (first records go back to 1688, but it may be older still) The building retains much of its original character (stone floor, open fire etc) but it is now a small vegetarian food outlet. Ideal for the cosy approach to support this kind of workshop
Dunrossness Croft House ~ A recently renovated traditional Shetland Croft House located at the southern end of the Shetland mainland, complete with authentic interior and furniture and of course a straw roof. The perfect setting for a trip back in time to see how things used to be and how people used to live in Shetland in (more or less) bygone days.
The Lounge ~ Lerwick’s legendary music pub, famous for its welcoming atmosphere and vibrant traditional sessions.
Da Noost ~ A recent addition to Lerwick’s traditional music circuit, but with an already growing reputation and friendly atmosphere.
TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION
Please note that travel to and from Shetland, accommodation, main meals and additional internal transport to that provided to and from individual events have NOT been included in the event ticket price. This is to allow the individual visitor maximum flexibility and the option of tailoring costs to suit individual requirements.
There are a number of ways to travel to Shetland, which can be tailored to suit all, requirements and budgets. The choice of accommodation is also wide and varied.
By Air:
You can fly from and to all Scotland’s main airports on a daily basis. Early bookings to secure low cost airfares is suggested. Flight duration ~ Approx 1 hour from Aberdeen or 2 hours from Glasgow / Edinburgh, although times vary depending on route.
By Sea:
A daily, high quality car ferry service is operated between Aberdeen and Lerwick and again a range of travel options and prices are available to suit all requirements. The overnight trip takes 12 – 14 hours depending on the day of sailing and can be a pleasant holiday experience in itself, as the vessels have a wide range of amenities. Normal arrival time in Lerwick is 07.30, but you can remain onboard the vessel until 10.00 hours
Accommodation:
Here again the choice of location, facility and service is vast and varied. From top quality hotels to camp sites and everything in between. You can either choose to stay centrally in Lerwick itself or in one of the many rural locations. Alternatively if you would prefer to be housed with a local family for the duration of your visit this can be arranged for you. Any cost would then be a private issue between you and the family involved. This usually only extends to some recompense for food.
Internal Transport:
Car hire, taxis, public transport and an inter-island ferry service are all readily and regularly available throughout the islands, although service and timings can vary from area to area. Internal transport provision HAS been provided as part of the event ticket price, but only between Lerwick and the rural areas hosting specific fiddle school events. Should any participant wish to reside outside Lerwick for the duration of the event they will be required to ’tie-into’ the event service provided, or alternatively you are free to make your own transport arrangements.
Food:
Main meals have NOT been included in the ticket price, again due to the range of options and service available, which can be personally tailored to suit all needs. Some traditional food HAS been included as part of the event programme / ticket price, mainly as part of the daily workshop programme. See programme for details.
HOW TO BOOK
Shetland Fiddle School and Fiddle Frenzy 2004:
The ticket price for the overall event guarantees attendance to at least one workshop per day and ALL associated events such as concerts, visits, sessions etc plus some internal transport (to and from event promotions – full details provided on registration) and a limited amount of food. It does NOT include travel, accommodation, main meals, additional internal transport and the ‘Additional Attractions and Options’ detailed above. See programme for full details.
When booking you should specify which workshops you wish to attend. These are space-limited events so bookings will be taken on a first-come first-served basis. Please note we cannot guarantee the availability of workshops on booking, however if your first choice is oversubscribed alternatives will be offered. It will not be necessary to pre-book for other events such as concerts, sessions etc.
For further details of, and to book for the event, contact Shetland Arts Trust on (01595) 697550 or (01595) 684001 or by e-mail to david.gardner@shetland-arts-trust.co.uk. Payment must be made either prior to arrival or on registration.
Travel, Transport and Additional Events / Attractions
A full information and booking service is available via Shetland Islands Tourism in Lerwick. All travel and accommodation arrangements can be made on your behalf, specifically tailored to you needs and budget. These include:
• Flights or ferry travel
• Accommodation
• Internal transport, including car hire etc (Please not some of this IS included in the event ticket price – see programme for details)
• Additional elements such tours, visits and a wide range of other visitor related events, some of which are recommended as part of this programme and detailed under ‘Additional Attractions and Options in this document.
Alternatively feel free to make you own arrangements from the range of brochures supplied herewith.
Contact Shetland Islands Tourism on (01595) 693434 using ‘Shetland Fiddle School’ as your contact reference.
DISCLAIMER
While the programme is correct at time of going to press, it may be necessary to alter any of the workshops, venues or other events at relatively short notice due to unforeseen circumstances, or events outwith our control If this does occur Shetland Arts Trust undertake to make suitable alternative or additional arrangements or alternatively offer a proportional refund to the participant.
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