the ceilidh bandidos

My good lady, Fiona, has recently been involved in the organisation of a huge musical project involving many young musicians from all parts of Argyll. Donald Shaw, well known for his work with Capercaille, was commissioned to compose a suite of music to be performed by nearly 100 teenagers. Although based around tunes and songs in the traditional style, with fiddlers, pipers and gaelic singers, the piece also involved classical and brass players.

The kids worked really hard before the performances in Oban and Dunoon with only 3 or 4 days to rehearse. The end result was a wonderful, uplifting musical performance with the kids playing the sometimes complicated arrangements with confidence and skill.

After the Oban performance there was a reception for all the council bigwigs, parents and organisers, and while we hob-nobbed and drank wine (surprisingly fine wine!) the kids had an impromptu ceilidh in the main hall. It was very encouraging to see all these teenagers entertaining themselves in the same way that folk have done for hundreds of years. Our music is in safe hands, maybe our dances are too!

written by bagpie \\ tags: argyll, band, capercaille, ceilidh, ceilidh band, dance, dancing, donald shaw, dunoon, fiona