Lambeg Drum for Lisneal College - Londonderry

Whilst other talk.............



I began a fife & lambeg drum project in Lisneal College Londonderry some time ago, the school and I were promised equipment to keep the project moving forward, sadly and predictably we were let down, as were many other fife and lambeg drum projects - we won't go there!

Anyway, not one to let the grass grow under my /our feet my good friend Darren Gibson (teacher at Lisneal) made alternative plans. We contacted the UK City of Culture office and spoke to Marty, who agreed with our plan - 1 painted lambeg drum, 6 fifes, drum canes, drum stand, neck strap and other bits n pieces that makes a good project, in fact something quite similar to the Boys' Model Project that was so very successful a couple of years ago in Belfast!

The Lisneal drum has now been made and is presently at the artists workshop ready to begin the painting. Darren Gibson has designed the painting in its entirety, using some familiar images of Londonderry and dare I say an excellent design.So Brian Jamison, the artist, will begin the painting on Tuesday or Wednesday of this week and if all goes to plan the drum painting will be completed by May Day.

Darren Gibson and I have a few plans for the project to progress at a later date, sadly however no photo's of the drum as yet, that said I will post something in a while to keep you updated.

Lisneal has continued to promote and develop Ulster Scots projects in the school, they have developed a Burns Night supper now in its second year.

The school has also been working with Georgina Kee the local Highland dance tutor to promote dance in school. All this has come from an embryonic fife and lambeg drum class in the school run by Darren Gibson..... long may this good work continue!!


So, great days ahead at Lisneal


Promoting the fife and lambeg drum through education!

HMA