Community Programme Takes Music to Thousands of Pupils
Thousands of school pupils across the Highland region are learning more about music and their culture as a programme of learning and education is delivered during the Blas Festival.
The Highland Council is the main funder of Blas, which is now the fastest growing festival in the UK (4th-12th September) and a highlight of the national Homecoming Scotland’s celebrations in 2009. The council’s Leisure and Learning, in partnership with schools and communities, have arranged a variety of workshops and classes that will see Blas performers teaching pupils about singing, musicianship and Gaelic.
There will also be special concerts, step dancing classes and live literature sessions with storytellers.
Arts Links Officer for The Highland Council, Lynn Johnson, said: “In 2008 the Blas Festival wanted to encourage and develop the level of participation from children, young people and the wider community by creating an education element to the Blas programme. Thirty seven schools hosted Blas Schools and Community programme events and twelve hosted mini-concerts by Blas performers. It worked very well with 3774 children and young people taking part, plus 75 adults.
“We received excellent feedback from teachers and pupils and the collaborative approach to creating and delivering the programme is what made it so successful. There were contributions from Cultural Co-ordinators, School Staff, Artistes, Fèisean nan Gàidheal staff, and the Blas Management Team.
“This year’s education programme includes mini concerts in schools from Blas artistes again and we are providing a range of opportunities for children, young people and the wider community to participate in a range of cultural events. Much of the education programme is centred around schools and youth groups but some activities are also open to the wider public.”
Festival Director Donna MacRae said: “This is yet another unique element of the Blas Festival. There cannot be many festivals with such widespread reach into their communities. Highland Council is to be commended for its determination in helping us to have such an important cultural impact across the whole Highland region.”
Councillor Michael Foxley, Leader of The Highland Council administration said: “This education programme underlines our commitment to language, culture and ensuring communities right across the region get to enjoy the benefits of the Blas Festival. It also means that people of all ages have access to learning and entertainment opportunities. The music workshops and mini-concerts for thousands of school pupils will help us to grow the stars of future Blas festivals.”
One of the festival’s key supporters is EventScotland, the national events agency. Paul Bush, Chief Operating Officer, said: “The Regional Events Programme was put in place to give events such as Blas a platform for growth, development and innovation. The 2009 programme, with so many events in a wide number of venues, ensures that Blas is an excellent showcase for Scottish culture and gives visitors and tourists to the area a taste of the Scottish Highlands.”
Featured artists during Blas will include top musical talent such as Dougie MacLean, Phil Cunningham and Aly Bain, Blazin’ Fiddles, The Barra MacNeils, and Karen Matheson.
The full programme and information about tickets is available from the website http://www.blas-festival.com/