the harp village 2010

There's still time to apply to the most unique harp happening in Scotland!

Saturday Sept 11 – Sunday Sept 12, 2010

Workshops and events in venues all round Cromarty on the Black Isle

Please download from here Application form and Workshop Descriptions

 

 

Saturday September 11 at 8.30pm
The Harpers’ Concert
All of the harp tutors perform solo and together in the Stables, Cromarty. This concert will be a fantastic opportunity to hear them perform.. Songs, tunes and great craic from some of the best harp players around - Corrina Hewat, Mary Macmaster, Laoise Kelly, Heather Yule and Tristan le Govic!
Concert Tickets includes a free mug of hot chocolate or a glass of wine
£10 / £8 concession / £3 for children under 16

 

Tutors for the weekend include:

Corrina Hewat

Nominated Instrumentalist of the Year 2004 at the Scottish MusicAwards, Corrina tours extensively, combining traditional music with contemporary attitude. She co-directs The Unusual Suspects, a 22-piece Scottish big band, along with David Milligan, The Scotman's "top twenty gigs of all time!" and tours solo and with a stunning vocal trio Grace, Hewat, Polwart. "give fresh definition to the word ballsy" A versatile and exciting performer and guest tutor at RSAMD and Newcastle traditional degree courses, she has packed a lot into her 16 years of professional work. She also runs action-packed harmony vocal workshops across the country.

Laoise Kelly

Originally from Mayo, now a resident of Donegal, Laoise Kelly’s music is every bit as lively as a fiddler’s. She is a traditional Irish harper and has toured extensively with the effervescent group 'Bumblebees'. Laoise has a solo album 'Just Harp' and has performed along with Poet Laureate Seamus Heaney on the ancient hill of Tara, to raise awareness of the current destruction of the Tara landscape. In November 2009 she represented Ireland at the World Harp Festival in Paraguay.

Tristan le Govic

Born in Brittany, Tristan Le Govic was only seven years old when he started learning the Celtic harp at the Ploemeur Conservatoire of Traditional Music.
During his studies he gained numerous prizes and nominations that emphasize the recognition of a talented and accomplished musician. Performing on international stages, critics pronounce him as one of the leading Celtic harpers. His concerts are described as being a moment of intense emotion. He is an enchanter.

Heather Yule

Traditional Scottish folktales and traveller’s tales form the basis of Heather Yule's repertoire. A fine musician, her storytelling is often accompanied by magic from the clarsach (Celtic harp) often reflecting the mood of the tale or as an illustration of a scene, from humorous jigs of the wee folk to moving laments for a lost love. A lively and vivacious storyteller, Heather enjoys telling stories to children of all ages and adults. She began as a very young child, when, at eight years old, her mother took her on recording trips to hear master storytellers, such as Stanley Robertson, Duncan Williamson, John Stewart, Willie MacPhee and Betsy Whyte.

Mary Macmaster

Best known for her pioneering work with the metal-strung clarsach and the fantastic Camac electro-harp, Mary Macmaster is also a fine singer of Gaelic and English language songs. During the last twenty years she has toured throughout the world with Sileas and The Poozies. At home she has collaborated live and in the studio with many wonderful musicians. Her most recent project is with Donald Hay, a brilliant percussionist. Both appeared on Sting’s latest album “If on a Winter’s Night” and Mary also performed on the tour of the live show.

 

WHAT LEVEL OF HARP PLAYER ARE YOU?

 

COMPLETE BEGINNER - You have no experience of playing harp at all.
BEGINNER - You have had relatively few lessons, you may require help with basic technique.
ELEMENTARY - You can already perform simple tunes, require further help in consolidating basic technique and wish to work slowly and carefully.
INTERMEDIATE - You already have good technique and can work at a moderate pace.
ADVANCED - Your technique is good and you wish to stretch yourself.

WIRE-STRUNG AND GUT-STRUNG HARPS WILL BE WELCOME IN ALL CLASSES. LEVELS ARE A GUIDE, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ASK IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION REGARDING ABILITY OR WHICH CLASS YOU SHOULD BE IN.

 

TIMETABLE OF WORKSHOPS

COMPLETE BEGINNERS
Come & Try Harp with HEATHER YULE

For all of you out there, who have always wanted to have a go on a harp, come and try with Heather Yule. We will have some harps for people to have a go!
Saturday September 11 from 10am – 12noon in the West Church

 

MIXED ABILITIES
HEATHER YULE – Storytelling

This class is designed for those who may have some previous experience in accompanying the spoken word or in storytelling. This will be a very lively participatory class with a focus on developing, and successfully weaving together, accompaniment and storytelling skills. You are welcome to bring a story or poem that you wish to work on or a favourite tune or chord pattern!
Sunday September 12 from 2pm – 4pm in the East Church

HEATHER YULE – Harp and the Spoken Word

For the last 15 years Heather has enjoyed exploring the combination of storytelling and harp. In this Workshop she will demonstrate the many ways the harp can blend with the spoken word, from both the traditional and contemporary perspectives, to entertain and delight the listener – yet another facet of this versatile instrument!
Sunday September 12 from 10am – 12 noon in the Gamestore at the Stables

BRETON DANCE WORKSHOP – For everyone!
TRISTAN LE GOVIC - Let’s jump in the dancers’ circle to live a unique experience in a warm atmosphere and full of energy! During this workshop we will learn the main traditional dances from Brittany (An dro, Hanter dro…) and explore the diversity of their rhythm and swing. Easy and accessible to all, participants will learn in a step by step progression. Non-harp players welcome too!
Saturday September 11 from 4.30pm outdoors – weather permitting!

CORRINA HEWAT – First Steps in Playing Chords
This will be a ‘starting to learn chords’ class, which will help you in accompanying singing, or starting out in arranging tunes. We will work on different shapes you can play with both hands, and what you can do to make things more interesting, in terms of rhythm and technique. Notes will be given to take away.
Saturday September 11 from 2pm – 4pm in the East Hall

MARY MACMASTER – Scottish Tunes for Beginners
You will learn Scottish tunes which demonstrate different types of melody, mood and style. This workshop will give you the opportunity to learn some Scottish airs, dance tunes and accompaniments arranged to suit players at beginners’ level. The course will be taught by ear with music given out at the end of the lesson.
Sunday September 12 from 10am – 12noon in the East Hall

TRISTAN LE GOVIC –Easy Tunes for Beginners
Simple melodies will be introduced with basic left hand harmonies in different styles. Basic technique will be worked on. Music will be available for those who are readers but most work will be taught by ear.
Sunday September 12 from 2pm – 4pm in the East Hall

ELEMENTARY
LAOISE – Irish Harp Tunes
This class is intended for elementary players who have an interest in looking at traditional Irish music on the harp. Along with learning a number of traditional tunes by ear; we will look at ornamental possibilities and some basic ideas for accompaniments. Technique is a big subject for those starting the harp so time will be spent explaining how to execute ornaments and phrasing in the best way through understanding the techniques behind it.
Saturday September 11 from 2pm – 4pm in the Stables

CORRINA HEWAT – Accompanying and Arranging
This will be a class for all of you who would like to accompanying singing or start out in arranging tunes. We will work on different shapes of chords you can play with both hands, and what you can do to make your accompaniment more interesting, in terms of rhythm and technique while also looking at what chords are and how you can get your fingers round them. Notes will be given to take away.
Sunday September 12 from 10am – 12noon in the Stables

MARY MACMASTER –Tunes from the Scottish Repertoire
You will learn Scottish tunes which demonstrate different types of melody, mood and style. You will cover varied decorating techniques and learn to be confident with basic harmony and variation. This workshop will give you the opportunity to learn some Scottish airs, dance tunes and accompaniments arranged to suit players at elementary level. The course will be taught by ear with music given out at the end of the lesson.
Sunday September 12 from 2pm – 4pm in the Stables

TRISTAN LE GOVIC – The Tunes of Brittany
Slow airs, dance tunes, marches … the Breton traditional music repertoire is full of beautiful pieces suitable to be performed on the harp. In this class we will study at elementary level, different styles, modes and rhythms of the main traditional repertoire. After learning a tune we will see how to arrange it and add variations and ornamentations.
Saturday September 11 from 10am – 12noon in the Stables

INTERMEDIATE
LAOISE – Irish Traditional Dance Music
Playing traditional Irish dance music on the harp can sometimes be difficult; this music is usually composed and played on other instruments such as pipes, fiddles or flutes and these are completely different to a harp in almost every way. This class will be looking at the issues involved in adapting this music to the harp, concentrating on ornamentation, rhythm and most importantly, on preserving the original essence of the music in the process. All harps – metal and gut strung are welcome.
Sunday September 12 from 10am – 12noon in the Victoria Hall

CORRINA – Accompanying and Arranging
This class is for all of you who would like to accompany singing or start out in arranging tunes. We will work on different shapes of chords you can play with both hands, and what you can do to make your accompaniment more interesting, in terms of rhythm and technique. The ability to sing is not required but if you’d like to bring a song you’re very welcome. Notes will be given to take away.
Sunday September 12 from 2pm – 4pm in the Victoria Hall

MARY – Metal-strung Clarsach
Mary will teach a selection of old and new mainly Scottish tunes, chosen to exemplify and luxuriate in the golden ringing of the metal strings, with simple accompaniment and some damping.
Saturday September 11 from 10am – 12noon in the Victoria Hall

TRISTAN – Arranging Breton Harp Tunes
Slow airs, dance tunes, marches … the Breton traditional music repertoire is full of beautiful pieces suitable to be performed on the harp. In this class we will study different styles, modes and rhythms of the main traditional repertoire. After learning a tune we will see how to arrange it and add variations and ornamentations.
Saturday September 11 from 2pm – 4pm in the Victoria Hall

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED
LAOISE – Traditional Irish Dance Music
Playing traditional Irish dance music on the harp can sometimes be difficult; this music is usually composed and played on other instruments such as pipes, fiddles or flutes and these are completely different to a harp in almost every way. This class will be looking at the issues involved in adapting this music to the harp, concentrating on ornamentation, rhythm and most importantly, on preserving the original essence of the music in the process. All harps – metal and gut strung are welcome.
Sunday September 12 from 2pm – 4pm in the West Church

CORRINA – Developing Your Own Style
How do you make your music your own? This workshop will give you the opportunity to learn how to adapt and make your own music on the harp. You will start the process of getting what is in your head through to your fingers and then put it on the harp.
Saturday September 11 from 10am – 12noon in St Regulas

MARY – Gaelic Song on the Harp
Mary will teach a variety of simple Gaelic songs and explore the possibilities of harp accompaniment with either metal strung or nylon/gut strung or electro harp plus the Gaelic waulking song arrangement which enchanted Sting. Words, melody, and phonetics will be handed out and you are welcome to record the sessions if you wish. Bidh e spòrsail! (It will be fun!).
Saturday September 11 from 2pm – 4pm in St Regulas

TRISTAN – Breton Harp Music
Slow airs, dance tunes, marches … the Breton traditional music repertoire is full of beautiful pieces suitable to be performed on the harp. In this class we will study different styles, modes and rhythms of the main traditional repertoire. After learning a tune we will see how to arrange it and add variations and ornamentations.
Sunday September 12 from 10am – 12noon in the East Church

Workshops
Workshops £12 each

Weekend Ticket £50

This is a full weekend ticket for the Harp Village which includes a concert ticket for the participant and 4 workshops (2 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday) and the Breton Dance event.
 

 

Print off your form and send it to us to make sure of your place in this unique event. Please make cheques payable to Cromarty Arts Trust and post with your form to:
The Cromarty Arts Trust
Ardyne, 19 Bank Street, Cromarty, The Black Isle IV11 8YE

For any more information please contact:
Caroline Hewat on 01381 600354 or 01349 877434
Or email us info@cromartyartstrust.org.uk 
 

Extra Event

BLACK ISLE WORDS FESTIVAL AFTERNOON CONCERT IN EAST HALL with Heather Yule and Mairi Hedderwick
Saturday September 11

More info here