A Celebration Of Cellists

Sixty young cellists and bassists from Highland primary and secondary schools gathered in Inverness yesterday (Tuesday 17 November) for a day of workshops, and master-classes and to play en-mass in celebration of the cello.

Beginners, intermediate and advanced players from Caithness, Skye, Sutherland, Lochaber, Ross-shire, Inverness and Nairn all took part.

The event, for children aged 9 to 18, was organised by The Highland Council’s string tutors who led the workshop sessions before the young musicians gathered to perform an informal concert to end the day at the Merkinch Centre.

Strings Instructor Rick Lusher said: "This is the fourth Highland Cello and Bass day we have run and today has been very successful and enjoyable. It is a great opportunity for the young musicians to use the skills they learn in their instrumental lessons, but on a much larger scale.”

It's been a busy term for Highland's Instrumental Instructors who, along with their collective 3000 pupils have been preparing for SQA Performance Examinations and end-of-term concerts.  Members of the Highland Regional Music Groups have also performed to an audience of over 700 at a special showcase event in Aviemore to celebrate 20 years of musical groups in the Highlands.

The Highland Council's Music Development Officer, Norman Bolton said: "Due to the vast area of the Highlands and the travel distances involved, it is not easy for pupils from different schools to get together. Today we've had beginner, intermediate and advanced players from all over the area and it really makes a huge difference especially for the younger students who get inspiration and are encouraged by the more experienced players."