What
is the Gaitherin?
The Gordon Gaitherin seeks to foster an interest and participation
in the musical and cultural heritage of the North East of Scotland. This
is done by organising events for children and young people to actively
learn more about the culture and heritage of the North East through music
and drama.
STOP PRESS - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING IS ON 21 NOVEMBER 1996.
What has been happening?
This past year has been a busy time for the Gaitherin. We have had
two events this year. One at Easter for primary school children (up to
around 11 years old) and another in October for older children. These were
very popular and much fun was had by all.
The Rhynie Man
The picture of the Rhynie Man was produced by the young people
at the October Gaitherin. It is clear that the Rhynie Man was an early
golfer who has just missed that vital putt!
Funding
The Gaitherin could not operate without the staff from Community Education
but professional tuition costs real money and we are indebted to a number
of companies and organisations who have generously sponsored the Gaitherin.
The Easter Gaitherin (1 - 4 April 1996)
This year's main Gaitherin held in Kemnay was probably the best yet,
with nearly 100 Primary School Children attending. The Tutors leading the
Workshops for the week were:- Fiddle - Louise Mackenzie and Jean Anne Callander;
Keyboards - Mairi Tait and Bruce Donaldson; Tin Whistle - Alex Green; Pipes
- Ali Bremner; Pipe Band Drumming - Brendan Hadden; Guitar - Gerry Robinson;
Drama - John Sangster and Voice - Iain MacDonald.
We
were also privileged to be given use of a fiddle during the week, which
was made in 1750, and whose owner may have been Gavin Greig, a famous song
collector of the North East of Scotland. The week also had some leisure
time, and included Storytelling with Stanley Robertson, Ceilidh Dancing,
the tie-dying of T-shirts, stencilling, kite making and outdoor games.The
Concert at the end of the week raised £227.26 for the Dunblane
Appeal.
The October Gaitherin (14 - 17 October 1996)
Due to the ever increasing popularity of the Gaitherin, the pressure
of numbers meant that, for the first time, we had a separate gaitherin
this year for the older children. Less days meant a more intensive programme
but there was still time for fun and games and a memorable game of football!
There were also two trips including a chance to hear the highly talented
Martin Bennett.
The
Tutors were: Brian Elrick (Chanter), John Sangster (Drama), “Bongo” McNab
(Drums), Louise Mackenzie (Fiddle), Jim Hunter (Guitar), Alex Green (Tin
Whistle), Iain Macdonald (Voice) and Trish Gill who combined sounds and
talents into the "Band".
Support
The Gaitherin continues to be actively supported by the local authority
Community Education staff with the help of parents and friends. The Gaitherin
Management Committee, which is drawn from parents and Community Education
workers, meets regularly to plan Gaitherin events and fund raising. A big
thank you to both Maggie Totterdell and Fiona McLean for all their work
during their time on the Committee. Perhaps you would like to help in this
way - if so please let us know.
Feedback
Some of the comments on the Gaitherin from the children were...“...informal...relaxed...nice
atmosphere ...relaxes you in time for school!...too short...a holiday ...”When
asked they all said they wanted to come back again!
Drumming
A number of the children enjoyed learning traditional drumming this
year. For those that would like to do more - the Kintore Pipe Band is running
drum classes on Thursday evenings in Kintore. Contact Jack
Fullerton.
World
Wide Web
The Internet is much in the news at the moment and the Gaitherin is
up there in “cyberspace” with all the rest! If you can access the web then
find us on http://www.wintermute.co.uk/users/tillybin/gaitherin [but I
guess you have already!!]
There has been quite an interest in our web pages especially from like minds in Canada and the USA.
Annual General Meeting
This year’s meeting will be at 7.30 pm on Thursday 21 November at the
Ythan Centre, Station Road, Ellon.
Contacts
Andy Duff (Management Committee)
Deirdre Macdonald (Community Education)
please contact us by e-mail at gaitherin@tillybin.wintermute.co.uk
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