Huntly Violin Summer School - exciting new venture for 2009

Ever wanted to learn the violin? The Huntly Violin Summer School offers you the opportunity. All ages and abilities - no previous experience required. Trombones and singing also on offer...!

July 2009 sees Huntly add another string to its bow with the first ever Huntly Violin Summer School. 

The aim of the school is to give all participants an exciting and enjoyable introduction to the violin. We want everyone to have fun at making music.  We have two side-shoots to the week - choir and trombone - for anyone wanting to have a go.   

The school runs from Monday to Friday 6th July–Friday 10th July, with three sessions each day. A short concert will take place on Saturday July, at 11am, for all participants to share with friends and family what they have been doing. Ability to read music is not necessary for any of the classes.

The inaugural Huntly Violin Summer School is promoted by local music society, Music Centeral, in collaboration with local and professional musicians. Funding for the school has been obtained from Enterprise Music Scotland and the Scottish Arts Council.

Venue
All sessions take place in the Linden Centre, Castle Road, Huntly, Aberdeenshire, AB54 8HU.

Classes on Offer
9.30-10.00am: ‘Open Ears’  for nursery and Primary 1 and 2 children, and accompanying adult.  Half an hour of listening to the stories that music of all kinds can  tell, with singing, and participation  for all.

10.30–1pm: Sessions  for  children  aged  4-16.
There are two groups. B for beginners, AB for almost beginners. If a child is an experienced violinist, but wants to join in, they are welcome. All the sessions will be in groups of about 10 and will be a mixture of playing the violin, listening to music, singing and a few surprise activities. The small size of the group will allow for individual attention, but there will be no individual lessons. The sessions will include a 15-minute break. You may wish to give your child a snack for during the break. There is also a snack bar at the Linden Centre.  Please arrive promptly if you are going to collect your child at 1.00pm.  If you are unavoidably delayed please let us know by phoning Summer School Admin on 07966 452742. 

If your child has an instrument they should bring it with them.  Violins come in different sizes – a smaller violin make it easier for a child to learn the instrument.  If your child doesn’t have access to an instrument, or has a full size violin, it would be best to hire an appropriate sized instrument.  We are planning to have a range of instruments that we are hoping to provide free of charge.

6-7pm  Tuesday and Thursday - Adult (or tall children over 13)
Try a Trombone  Time 
Ever fancied a blow on a trombone?  This is your chance.! Trombones supplied.  (limited number)

6-7pm  Monday, Wednesday, Friday  
Easdale Choir   
The Easdale Choir was set up for people with no training in choir singing, or any singing at all, last year. After many successful, and fun, performances we would like to invite any other shy voices to join us.  These sessions are for any new voices who want a fun, pressure-free go at singing folk, classical  and  contemporary music together. All present Easdale choir members are of course welcome too!

7-8pm  Adult beginner violin group class.
All welcome, whatever experience (or lack of it!) We will have a certain number of violins to hire at a modest cost (no more than £20 for the week)

Tutors
There are 3 tutors on the course - Emily White, Pam Johnston and Morag Johnston. All are experienced in teaching the classical violin and traditional fiddle. Pam was a member of the Shetland Fiddlers for many years, has played with Wounded Knee, and has taught music to adult groups and instrumental lessons to children. Morag has eight years experience at violin teaching,  is currently teaching in Glasgow, and is a member of the String Quartet. Emily is familiar to pupils of Gordon Primary School as she held regular music sessions in the school when she was Musician in Residence for Deveron Arts in 2008. She studied music at The Royal Academy of Music, London, and plays both violin and trombone.

Costs
The Huntly Summer School Violin that starts at 10.30am – 1pm costs just £25.00 for the week, payable in advance. Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and on receipt of a completed application form to the Huntly Summer School.
This can be emailed to huntlyviolin@hotmail.co.uk, or sent to Huntly Summer School, 15 Deveron Street, Huntly, Aberdeenshire AB54 8BY.  Telephone Emily White on 07961068687 for any queries.

Instrument hire will be £20.00 for the week. If we are successful in fundraising, we may be able to offer a subsidised rate.

Easdale Choir, Try a Trombone, Adult Beginner Violin Group and Open Ears are £3.00 per session. Although the most satisfaction may be got from attending all available classes, it is not mandatory. For those wanting to have use of a summer school trombone or violin it is advisable to contact us first, so we have an idea of numbers.  All participants are invited to perform at the concert 11am, on Saturday 11th July.

Contacts
huntlyviolin@hotmail.com
Emily White (Summer School director) 07961 068687
Pam Johnston  (traditional Fiddle tutor) 01466 793808
Brian Nisbet (Summer School Administrator) 07966 452742    
Mike Whittal (Music Centeral) 01466 780611