Ulster Scots Showcase Events

Two primary schools that Keith, Kerry and I work in, are planning showcase events in the coming week.

1/ Castle Gardens Primary School in Newtownards are planning an Ulster Scots Concert in the school on Thursday 20th March 2010 at 730pm - the event will take around an hour and will commence with Keith Lyttle and Matthew Warwick playing some traditional Ulster Scots Music to set the scene for the evening - the school choirs, senior & junior will take to the stage and perform a few songs, next up are children giving their experiences of Loughries Ulster Scots Summer School - held each year at Castle Gardens School, this will be followed is my whistle players and Keith Lyttle's Fiddlers. We have selected 7 tunes for the children to play and we are looking forward to the performance. Kerry Jordan's dancers and on next for some Ulster Scots dance - Matthew Warwick, brief historical talk with local poet Wilbert Magill receipting some poetry, this will be followed by a short drama performed by the drama section. The evening will conclude will communal singing - with a light supper provided later by the PTA.

2/ Portavogie Primary School are preparing for a school / community concert in the school on Thursday 27th May 2010 at 730pm. I am not too sure of the line up for the evening however my role is to prepare the children for 2 x performances - tin whistle group will perform 6 tunes and the lambeg drumming section 9 children will perform drum solo's (this will be fun and noisy) if I get more details I will post them later.

I have the Castle Gardens showcase plan as I was given a running order this afternoon, when I arrived for my practice with the children.

These showcase events are a vital tool when promoting the work that we as peripatetic music and dance tutors do for the Ulster Scots Agency - in schools. It is also a great opportunity for the parents, family and friends to see their children perform - perhaps for the first time - on stage!

A lot of praise must be given to the hard working teachers who put their children and their needs first - as this will always have a positive impact for the schools.

Reports to follow

HMA