An Inspirational Trip to Scotland for the Coast String Fiddlers
By HEATHER BECKMYER
VANCOUVER - The Coast String Fiddlers (CSF) had a fantastic time on their trip to Scotland last August and were well received in both Aberdeen and Edinburgh.
The chief executive of the Aberdeen International Youth Festival, Stephen Stenning told them, “your group has made an enormous contribution to the Festival and developed quite a following from Insch to Keith.”
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| THE COAST STRING Fiddlers enjoyed a wonderful tour of Scotland last summer where they played numerous venues in Aberdeen and Edinburgh. |
In addition to concerts once or twice a day for 10 days in Aberdeen, the CSF also participated in Splore, a traditional music program, where the group enjoyed jamming with Scottish players and sharing the stage on a couple of occasions.
Some of the venues included Camphill Village, a centre for high functioning handicapped people. Also, the Lemon Tree Club, the village hall at Insch, the Keith Agricultural show, along with Aberdeen Airport and the Aberdeen Art Gallery. They also played a university reception in the beautiful Music Hall and for a cabaret at the university residence.
Among the outdoor events the CSF participated in the opening parade down Union Street on a low-bed float. James, one of the group’s fiddlers, unicycled alongside while playing his fiddle. At another event at the playground of Rocking Horse Nursery, CSF fiddler Ann had some of the pre-school children playing a sixteenth size violin.
In Insch, the CSF shared a concert with the Cie Ph/F/ase dancers from Belgium and made some firm friendships. The lovely people of the small-town of Insch made the group a traditional supper of meat stovies, including the usual pickled beets and oatcakes, with rhubarb or black current crumble for dessert.
One of the highlights was the gala concert at the Music Hall, concluding the Festival. There, NYWP (a smaller group within the CSF) collaborated with Ballet Prague. Through two very energetic dances and a slow duet, the intensity of the dance and music moved people to tears.
Following their time in Aberdeen, the group travelled to Edinburgh where they performed in the National Museum of Scotland for two afternoon concerts. It was here the CSF attracted its biggest audience ever and were rewarded with a return invitation for next year.
When we weren’t performing, the group toured castles, cathedrals and other historical places of interest, and walked on the golden sand of the east coast beaches. Some even swam in the freezing North Sea.
Among the gratifying comments heard by the CSF, one audience member told them, “we thoroughly enjoyed the group's excellent playing and you have now inspired my 12-year old daughter who plays the violin. You made her realize that it can be fun. You have also convinced my nine-year old son, who has just started learning the cello this year, that this is a cool instrument to play!”
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The Coast String Fiddlers Association located in Roberts Creek, B.C, is a non-profit association committed to promoting the understanding and learning of traditional fiddle music through the support of fiddle instruction and related activities. The school and other activities including concerts, workshops and fiddle clubs are organized by volunteers. For more information about the Coast String Fiddlers, visit www.coaststringfiddlers.com, or call (604) 886-4768.
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