Gordon Gaitherin
Patron: Evelyn Glennie OBE
Newsletter
Issue 6 - October 1998

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The Gordon Gaitherin is a Festival of Music and Culture based on the traditions of the North East of Scotland, and is open to young people from central Aberdeenshire (formerly Gordon District). Since its inception in 1993 with one Easter Gaitherin for school age children, the Gaitherin has grown in popularity to the present day where there is a regular programme of music, song and drama festivals and workshops.

There are two main Gaitherins per year - one at Easter for primary 4 - 7 children, and one in October for secondary school ages. One of the main reasons for the enthusiasm with which young people embrace the Gaitherin, is the contemporary approach to the traditional culture, and the energy and commitment of the tutors and staff. In addition to the main gaitherins, a regular programme of workshops for both young and old is organised.

Each festival or Gaitherin gives young people an important opportunity to actively learn more about the culture and heritage of the North-East of Scotland, with the emphasis being to present it in a modern idiom.

• Easter Gaitherin
• Percussion Workshops
• Band Activities
• October Gaitherin
• Martyn Bennett Concert
• Gordon Forum for the Arts

This proved to be the usual success story with the only downside being the weather. The Friday barbecue had to be indoors due to onset of sleet! New for 1998 was the introduction of the Clarsach (the Scottish Harp) thanks to Ingrid Henderson. Another first was an innovative dance class from Ani Tchakmakdjian. The usual suspects were joined by Nick Gibson on Drums. The tutors were ably assisted by some of the Gaitherin young people - now not so young! - it was great to see such a positive contribution.

We were delighted that Yvonne Mair, our Good Cause Champion, was selected to take part in the Big Ticket show on BBC TV. We were even more delighted when she won! A bus load of Gaitherin supporters went to the filming in London, and footage of the young people, shot at Sir Arthur Grant’s, was shown as part of the programme. This was very helpful in raising the profile of the Gaitherin both locally and nationwide.

A new venture, this was open to older primary and younger secondary children. Bongo McNab and Murray Dawson provided tutoring in a variety of noises! Celtic sounds were woven with African, and, at the close of the workshop, parents were encouraged to have a go!

We had hoped to organise a similar workshop for adults but unfortunately this had to be postponed. It is planned to run this early next year.

The older participants have had a busy year as the ‘band’ goes from strength to strength. A weekend workshop in February was followed by their debut performance supporting New Saxation at Keithhall. Next came a fundraising gig for the Kemnay Young Ladies Football Team. The highlight of the year will be providing the support for the planned Martyn Bennett concert in November.

We are pleased to welcome new tutors this year - Russell Hunter on keyboards and George Ormiston is offering a new instrument - the Wooden Flute. We also have Jenny Clerk, originally from Aberdeen but just back from Australia (Voice) and Greig Allen (Drama). Ani, who tutored Dance at Easter has returned as have Gaitherin stalwarts Bongo (Drums), Louise Mackenzie (Fiddle) and Ross Martin (Guitar).

Some time ago some of the Gaitherin participants went to hear Martyn Bennett in the Lemon Tree. This concert is still being talked about and Martyn clearly made a big impression on the young people. His style of music is a fusion of Celtic traditional and electronic dance rhythms. We are delighted that Martyn has agreed to play in Huntly on 20 November thanks to the efforts of one of our own participants.

Linda Lees Hislop has proved to be a real asset to the work of the Gaitherin. She brings a whole new perspective and her own network of contacts. Linda has been working hard behind the scenes, on a programme to attract major new funding, and generally taking on the heavy burden of all the administration and organisation. You’re doing a great job, Linda!

The Gaitherin is now an official member of the Forum, rubbing shoulders with many fellow travellers - from traditional to classical, from chamber music to choral societies. The interaction should prove to be helpful.

The Gaitherin continues to be supported by Community Education workers and parents who make up the Management Committee. We are sorry to lose John Sangster who has worked hard as chairman and tutors’ representative. We welcome Ann and Garry to the committee and a big thank you to them and to Alison and Norman, and to Deirdre, Wilma, Dave, Bruce and George. Ian Macdonald provides valuable artistic direction.

Fundraising

The National Lottery grant (through the Scottish Arts Council New Directions Fund) supports our Development Worker and we continue to rely on our many sponsors and on fundraising activities to support the Gaitherin.

The Gaitherin teamed up with a number of other local charities in Inverurie and ran a thrift shop. This raised over £600 in a three week period and it is hoped that this might become a more permanent activity.

A coffee morning at Huntly last month was somewhat less successful due perhaps to a poor choice of weekend. However there was a steady trickle of people and this raised £150. We are considering organising these in different locations so look out for one in your area!

There are many sponsors of the Gaitherin but to mention two - we must thank Aberdeenshire Education and Recreation Service and Mr Joe Leonard in Inverurie.

If you require further information on any aspect of the Gordon Gaitherin, please contact gaitherin@tillybin.wintermute.co.uk

Annual General Meeting This will be held at Insch Community Centre on Monday 23 November 1998 at 7 pm. Please come if you can.

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