April 2010

The April meeting of our club was opened by our Chairman Duncan Gordon, who welcomed everyone. He paid a tribute to the late Archie Mackillop from Harris, who died suddenly in March of this year. He then congratulated Anne-Louise Stewart, Gillian Johnson and Graham Maclennan, who represented our club by competing at the National Accordion and Fiddle Festival in Polmont.                                                                                    

Duncan then introduced our guest artistes to the audience, David Bowen and Ceol youngsters. David started off with a nice set of 2/4 marches, followed by Dena from Arnol who played five tunes. Calum from Breasclete played the Fairy Dance reel. Isabelle Bain from Back was next, playing four tunes. Gordon, who is eight years old, from Breasclete, played the bass while David played the melody. Laura Anne from Leurbost played two tunes. Krisell Macdonald was next, playing a set of jigs, followed by Fiona Mackay, who played a set of jigs and a waltz set. Anne-Louise Stewart also played a set of jigs, followed by the competition set she played at Polmont.                                                                                                                                                           

Alex John Morrison took to the stage at this point and paid a lovely tribute to the late Archie Mackillop. Archie was a great musician, a great friend, and will be a great loss to the club and all who knew him. Archie loved pipe music especially, and we are delighted to have a recording of him on our new CD On behalf of the club, we send condolences to his family.                                                                                                                               

Our local players then took to the stage, playing accordion were: Ishbel and her boys, Soapy and Donnie and Emma, then Emma, Alex John Morrison and Duncan Gordon, Nicola Morrison, accompanied by Violet Morrison on keyboard.                                                                 

The second half started with David Bowen accompanying Gillian and Alison on fiddle, followed by Graham Maclennan on accordion who played a set of jigs. Next was Emily Macdonald from Dingwall who played that lovely tune Glenstriven, Donnie was next playing two set then Shona Mackay who played a waltz set and  a set of 6/8marches.David, Anne-Louise and Emily then entertained us with Shetland reels, waltzes, jigs and 6/8 marches. David invited Graham, Ishbel, Duncan, Donnie and Angus to join them, and they all gave an excellent performance. For some of the youngsters tonight, this was their first time performing on a stage, also some of had only been learning for six months, but they all rose to the challenge, gave a brilliant performance and all credit to their tutor David Bowen. Hope to see you all back soon.                                   

Thanks to our local players for their support tonight. Next month, our guest artiste will be Michael Macmillan.                                                                                                                                     

Chrisella Macdonald.