Applications now open | Applications close Sunday 5th May 2024

Our Fèis Week is an opportunity for individuals to come together and develop skills in the Gaelic arts – song, dance, traditional music and more.

Overview

Subjects

Gallery

Pricing

FAQs

Apply

Overview

P4-S6 pupils

Tuesday 16th - Friday 19th July 2024

10.00-16.00 each day

Johnstone High School

Join us this summer for 4 days of exciting music and arts workshops. Our Fèis Week is aimed at beginners and offers classes led by some of Scotland’s best traditional musicians and tutors. Tuition is designed to be accessible, fun, and professional, providing young people with an engaging and inspiring experience of Gaelic language and culture. Participants can choose from a variety of workshops, each led by experienced, professional musicians skilled in working with young people.

Throughout the week, participants work with their tutors and others in the class to prepare for our finale concert. In addition to musical activities, each day includes engaging Gaelic language games and activities, including our annual Fèis song – a crowd-pleaser that brings all participants together for a memorable performance.

When registering, participants choose three workshop preferences plus one reserve choice. ‘1st choice’ workshops focus on beginners and culminate in a special presentation at the finale concert. While we aim to accommodate all preferences, some participants may be offered their reserve choice to ensure age and skill-appropriate tuition and maximise learning and enjoyment for everyone.

All our tutors are experienced, professional musicians, dedicated to nurturing young talent. We’re supported by a team of supervisors and volunteers who ensure the smooth running of our events, with a commitment to child protection and safety. Our staff are all members of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme administered by Disclosure Scotland.

Come join us for a week of music, culture, and fun – it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!

Please note: Participants in our Main Fèis classes must have completed Primary 4. Pupils transitioning to Primary 4 (from Primary 3) are not eligible for these workshops.

Subjects

Discover all the subjects available during our Fèis Week, led by skilled tutors excited to share their expertise and experience. Click on any subject title below to learn more about the class and its tutor.

Accordion

[Non-beginners class available in 3rd choice]

What to Expect

Join our Accordion class and uncover the secrets of this unique instrument! You’ll explore the different parts of the accordion, like the keys, bellows, and basses, learning how they all work together to create beautiful music. Throughout the week, you’ll have fun learning a tune or two, and by trying out all the parts, you’ll get a feel for how everything fits together. It’s a hands-on experience that’s perfect for beginners, offering a taste of the joy of playing the accordion!

Tutor: John Somerville

John Somerville, originally from the Highlands of Scotland, is one of a new breed of exciting and dynamic accordion players to recently emerge from the vibrant Scottish music scene. With a diverse range of influences including West Highland and Gaelic music, as well as modern forms like techno and dance music, John brings a fresh perspective to traditional tunes. He’s known for his performances, compositions, and collaborations with musicians worldwide.
Art

What to Expect

Let your creativity soar in our Art class! Immerse yourself in a week of arts and crafts where you’ll have the opportunity to create your own artwork and learn some Gaelic along the way. From painting to sculpting, unleash your imagination and express yourself in vibrant colours and shapes. It’s a journey of self-discovery and creativity that will leave you inspired!

Tutor: Choirstaidh Iona NicArtair

Choirstaidh Iona NicArtair, a Gàidhlig-speaking artist and content creator based in Glasgow, Scotland, brings a rich blend of cultural heritage and artistic expertise to her work. With a background in painting and printmaking from the Glasgow School of Art, Choirstaidh’s passion for art extends beyond creation to facilitating art and wellbeing workshops for children and adults. Drawing on her experiences in the Gaelic media world, Choirstaidh brings a unique perspective to her art, fostering creativity and connection in every project.
Chanter

[1st and 2nd choice only]

What to Expect

Experience the stirring sounds of Scotland’s most famous instruments in our Chanter / Pipes class! Learn about the different parts of the chanter and bagpipes, and discover how to make melodies on the chanter. Collaborate with your classmates as you play together and delve into the rich heritage of Scottish piping. It’s a musical journey that will leave you proud to be part of Scotland’s musical legacy!

Tutor: Chris Gray

Chris Gray brings a wealth of experience and passion to our Chanter and Whistle classes. As one of Scotland’s most sought-after multi-instrumentalists, Chris’s versatility shines through in his teaching. With a background deeply rooted in traditional music, he infuses his classes with a love for the rich heritage of Scottish music. Chris’s expertise extends beyond teaching, as he is also a renowned composer and arranger, with his work reaching audiences worldwide. Whether it’s guiding beginners through their first notes or helping intermediate players refine their technique, Chris is dedicated to nurturing the talent of his students in both Chanter and Whistle classes. Get ready to embark on a musical journey with Chris as your guide.
Circus Skills

What to Expect

Step into the spotlight and explore the world of Circus Skills! Get ready to move and groove as you try your hand at hula hoops, plate-spinning, juggling, and much more in this exciting and active class. Collaborate with your classmates as you experience the wonder of the Gaelic circus together. It’s a thrilling opportunity to learn something new, showcase your talents and get your body moving!

Tutor: Kit Rodman-Orr

Kit Rodman-Orr, a performer, director, and facilitator, is a passionate advocate for the transformative power of circus arts. With a background in Physical Theatre and Circus Arts, Kit specialises in silks and enjoys working with young people, sharing the joy of circus through both English and Scottish Gaelic. From captivating performances to engaging workshops, Kit brings energy and enthusiasm to every circus endeavour, inspiring others to discover the magic of the big top.
Clarsach

What to Expect

Discover the enchanting sounds of the clarsach in our Clarsach class! Learn about the different parts of this beautiful instrument, from its body to its strings, and master a tune or two across the week. With the guidance of our tutor, you’ll have the chance to try out all the different parts together, creating melodies and brilliant sounds. It’s a magical journey through the music of Scotland that will leave you captivated!

Tutor: Neil Wood

Neil Wood, a Clàrsach (Scottish Traditional Harp) player from Glasgow, is dedicated to preserving and promoting the traditions of the Clàrsach in Scotland. With a background in traditional music education and performance, Neil’s journey from student to teacher reflects his passion for sharing the beauty and history of Scottish harp music. Through his involvement with the Fèis movement and community music education projects, Neil inspires the next generation of Clàrsach players while exploring innovative approaches to traditional Scottish music.
Dance

What to Expect

Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to move in our Dancing class! Explore different styles of Scottish dancing, from ceilidh to step and highland dancing, as you learn about the different rhythms and movements of Scottish music. Discover how each dance style is tied to the music and and join in the fun as you step, skip, and twirl your way through the week!

Tutor: Claire Frances MacNeil

Claire Frances MacNeil, a Gaelic singer, tutor, and fiddle player, embodies the vibrant musical culture of the Scottish Highlands. With roots in Tangasdale in Barra and Fort William, Claire Frances has immersed herself in Gaelic language and music from a young age, honing her skills as a performer and educator. From teaching at Fèisean to acting in Gaelic drama for BBC Alba, Claire Frances brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role as a dance instructor, inspiring others to connect with the rich heritage of Scottish music and culture.
Drumming

What to Expect

Get ready to feel the rhythm in our Drumming class! You’ll dive into the heartbeat of traditional music as you experience different rhythms using traditional drums like djembe drums and percussion instruments. Discover the importance of drumming in traditional music and feel the joy of playing along with other instruments. It’s a vibrant and energetic experience that will have you tapping your feet and moving to the beat!

Tutor: Stevie Fivey

Stevie Fivey, a leading Scottish percussion teacher and performer, is renowned for his dynamic and versatile approach to drumming. With a background in Grade 1 competition level drumming and extensive experience touring throughout the UK and Europe, Stevie brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to his role as a drumming instructor. From teaching at major Scottish youth festivals to performing for prestigious venues and events, Stevie’s passion for percussion shines through in every beat.
Fiddle

[Non-beginners class available in 3rd choice]

What to Expect

Dive into the world of the fiddle with our beginner-friendly class! You’ll discover the parts of the fiddle, from the strings to the bow, and learn how to make music with them. Across the week, you’ll pick up a tune or two, getting a feel for the instrument and its sounds. Alongside learning to play, you’ll also hear stories about the fiddle’s history and the music it’s used for. It’s a fantastic opportunity for you to try something new and have fun making music together!

Tutor: Isla Callister

Isla Callister, a Manx musician and Gaelic speaker, infuses her fiddle playing with the rich culture of the Isle of Man. Raised on the island’s music and language, Isla has developed a unique sound that blends tradition with innovation. Her performances resonate with authenticity and heartfelt storytelling, reflecting her passion for bringing Manx music to wider audiences.
Filmmaking

What to Expect

Lights, camera, action! Join our Filmmaking class and be part of creating movie magic! Work collaboratively with your classmates to produce a short film, learning about the equipment and techniques used in filmmaking along the way. Let your creativity shine as you bring stories to life on screen, and who knows, your masterpiece might just become a star on our YouTube channel for all to enjoy!

Tutor: TBC
Guitar

[Non-beginners class available in 3rd choice]

What to Expect

Strum your way into the world of guitar playing! In our Guitar class, you’ll learn about the different parts of the guitar and how they come together to create music. Whether you’re working on melodies or accompaniment (chords), you’ll explore how they fit in with other instruments in traditional music. Collaborate with your classmates to learn something new together and feel the thrill of making music as a team!

Tutor: Ron Jappy

Ron Jappy, a graduate of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama, is a multi-talented musician renowned for his skills on guitar, fiddle, piano, and as a producer. Hailing from the coastal village of Findochty in the North East of Scotland, Ron’s journey from local performances to stages worldwide has shaped his versatile approach to music. With a passion for performing and teaching, Ron continues to inspire and influence fellow musicians with his creativity and expressiveness.
Music Production *NEW*

What to Expect

Step behind the scenes and explore the world of Music Production! Dive into the tech and production side of traditional music as you discover equipment for recording and producing. Work collaboratively with your classmates to capture sounds from across the Fèis Week and create an exciting track that brings the music to life. It’s a creative and immersive experience that will unleash your inner producer!

Tutor: Mark Neal

Mark Neal, a seasoned musician, music producer, and acoustician, brings over 25 years of experience in the music industry to his work. With expertise in acoustic/electric guitar, singing, music production, sound engineering, and musical acoustics, Mark’s versatile skills span both studio and live settings. Whether performing with Scottish traditional duo ‘Eilidh Steel & Mark Neal’ or providing acoustic consultancy services through Eh Acoustics, Mark’s dedication to music excellence is evident in every project he undertakes.
Singing

What to Expect

Join voices with other young singers in our Singing class! Throughout the week, you’ll learn new songs, focusing on lyrics, harmony, and learning some Gaelic. Don’t worry if you’re new to Gaelic – our tutors will make it easy and enjoyable to learn. Come ready to lift your voice and harmonise with others in a celebration of song!

Tutor: Joy Dunlop

Joy Dunlop, one of today’s foremost Scottish Gaelic singers, combines exquisite vocals with a deep connection to Scotland’s musical traditions. Raised in the village of Connel on the west coast of Scotland, Joy’s upbringing immersed her in the rich musical heritage of Argyll. With accolades including the Royal National Mòd Gold Medal and critical acclaim for her debut album ‘Dùsgadh (Awakening)’, Joy’s performances resonate with authenticity and elegance. A passionate ambassador for Gaelic language and culture, Joy’s work as a vocalist, presenter, dancer, journalist, and educator embodies the spirit of Scotland’s vibrant musical tradition.
Whistle

[3rd choice only]

What to Expect

Explore the sweet melodies of the whistle in our Whistle class! Learn about the different parts of the whistle and how to create beautiful tunes. With the guidance of our instructors, you’ll master a tune or two across the week and have the chance to try out all the different parts together. It’s a delightful journey through the music of Scotland that will have you whistling with joy!

Tutor: Chris Gray

Chris Gray brings a wealth of experience and passion to our Chanter and Whistle classes. As one of Scotland’s most sought-after multi-instrumentalists, Chris’s versatility shines through in his teaching. With a background deeply rooted in traditional music, he infuses his classes with a love for the rich heritage of Scottish music. Chris’s expertise extends beyond teaching, as he is also a renowned composer and arranger, with his work reaching audiences worldwide. Whether it’s guiding beginners through their first notes or helping intermediate players refine their technique, Chris is dedicated to nurturing the talent of his students in both Chanter and Whistle classes. Get ready to embark on a musical journey with Chris as your guide.

Gallery

You can view our full gallery of images from last year on Facebook here: Fèis Week 2023

Pricing

Price for 4 days tuition + Fèis t-shirt = £110

1st additional sibling = £100
2nd additional sibling = £90
3rd additional sibling = £80

We work hard to keep access open to all young people and are fortunate to secure public funding to support our events. Places at our events are subsidised with the true cost of each place being much higher.

Payment is required at the time of booking. Payment can be made in full or using our deposit scheme. If you choose to pay with our deposit scheme, 25% will be taken at the time of booking with the remaining balance due 1 month before the event. Deposit payments are non-refundable. Additionally, all payments become non-refundable after the close of applications on Sunday 5th May 2024. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to these policies.

A limited number of funded places are available for those who are in receipt of a clothing grant (proof of confirmation required). Tick the relevant box on our application form to make an application to this scheme.

FAQs

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Apply

Applications now open. Applications close Sunday 15th May 2024.

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