“At the approach of May, the people assembled and chose some respectable individuals of their number – very grave and reverend citizens perhaps – to act the parts of Robin Hood and Little John, of the Lord of Disobedience or the Abbot of Unreason, and make sports and jocosities of them.” [1] Over the past … Continued
Residency Opportunity in Banff, October-November 2016. Deadline 6 July. Application Deadline: July 06, 2016 Overview This residency program is for up to four Scottish artists in any discipline (including but not limited to visual and performing arts, music, photography, film, new media and writing) who wish to explore any aspect of Banff’s unique environment, … Continued
Singer, actress and MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards nominee Gerda Stevenson treats us to a a unique evening of poetry and song as part of this year’s TradFest, accompanied by musicians Seylan Baxter, Rob Macneacail and Kyrre Slind. Here she talks about her influences and recent album, Night Touches Day, songs from which she’ll … Continued
The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) is keen to bring Scottish Country Dancing back into classrooms and youth groups. We have produced materials tailored specifically for teachers and for schools’ accreditation and CPD. The popular ‘Jigs & Reels’ aimed at teachers of primary children is now supplemented by ‘Dance Trad’ for secondary school age … Continued
For me, step dancing is essentially about connections: between dancers and musicians, places and communities, generations of friends and family, and of course, the connection of the steps themselves, strung like beads along the rhythmic thread of music. I love step dance because it allows me to express the joy I feel when I hear … Continued
Beginners Luthiery Course at Process Studios, Edinburgh This is a rolling course, a small group of participants are working through the process of making their own violin – participants are welcome to join at any time. Course dates and times Monday evenings 6:30 to 9:00 April 18th to June 20th Course content Working with chisels, saws … Continued
Gaelic singer Alasdair Whyte and electronic musician Ross Whyte join forces for a selection of new arrangements of traditional Gaelic songs and original compositions, accompanied by projected images. Performing at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on Thu 5 May, their combination of ambient soundscape, abstract visuals and traditional vocals promises a unique aural and visual experience. … Continued
Scottish harpist and composer Fiona Rutherford has released a set of new harp books illustrated by Catriona Wallace: The Scottish Harp: New Times & Tunes Vol.1 – a new edition of eclectic original compositions for intermediate -advanced level. (£15) First published 2009. This edition 2016. The Scottish Harp: New Times & Tunes Vol 2 – … Continued
The TradFest programme is full of fantastic events to tickle your traditional tastes. For those unsure where to start, here’s a few picks from some of the TRACS team on events that are at the top of their to-do lists. Daniel Abercrombie – Programme and Events Manager, Scottish Storytelling Centre I’m excited for the opening … Continued
An updated list of holiday and weekend ‘school’ opportunities happening over the summer, October and at weekends is available here If you have an opportunity you wish to promote please contact Ellie at membership@traditionalmusicforum.org
TRACS (Traditional Arts & Culture Scotland, SCIO SC043009) is a co-operative network which champions our shared traditions of music, song, storytelling, dance, crafts, customs and local languages. TRACS brings together the Traditional Music Forum (SCIO SC042867), the Scottish Storytelling Forum (SCIO SC052330) and the Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland (SCIO SC045085). Together we celebrate the local distinctiveness of Scotland’s places: our intangible cultural heritage. TRACS and the Forums have their registered office at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR.
