Feis workshops prove a big musical hit

Preparations for the Feis Arainn concert have been under way throughout the week with a series of Gaelic singing and traditional instrument workshops, held in the Arran high school, which culminate in the final concert which is being held today (Friday).

Pupils practised their Gaelic singing with well known and popular Mairi Macinnes who prepared the young singers for the Feis song which is traditionally sung at the end of the concert.

To accompany the singing and drama, tutored by Dougie Beck, seven traditional musical instruments were taught: clarsach, accordion, drums, fiddle, guitar, and the pipes and chanter. Preparing the backdrop for the concert and getting little hands full of paint was tutor Cil Paul who also taught the children Celtic art.

Organiser Aileen McLaughlin and Feis development officer Rowan Paterson oversaw the fun training events now in their 17th year and which are open to children between the ages of eight and18.

Tutors this year were: accordion, Gary Innes; Celtic art, Cil Paul; clarsach, Becky Hill; drama, Dougie Beck; drums, Allan MacDonald; fiddle, Gillian Frame; guitar, Findlay Napier; pipes, chanter and whistle, Lorne MacDougall; singing, Mairi Macinnes. The Feis Arainn concert is held in the community theatre at the high school today (Friday) at 2pm. * See next week’s edition of The Arran Banner for a picture special of the event.

01_B31feis04 Findlay Napier taught the guitar workshops.

01_B31feis01 Pupils and tutors are pictured at the start of the Gaelic workshops.

01_B31feis02 Becky Hill taught the clarsach to a group of nimble fingered children.

01_B31feis03 Gary Innes and his pupils share a laugh in his accordion workshop.