Young people create their own music

Fèis Rois have been running an exciting new music and sound recording project with the DIGIT group and this week the young people launched a CD

DIGIT, which stands for Dornoch, Invergordon, Golspie, In Transition, brings together young people from St Duthus School in Tain, Golspie High School, Invergordon Academy and Dornoch Academy to take part in various activities to help develop confidence and build social and life skills.

The workshops are delivered weekly at Invergordon Academy by traditional musicians, Dave Martin and Ruairaidh Campbell.

Ruairaidh said: “It’s great to see the pupils getting really involved and enthusiastic about music. Dave and I are having a great time working with them and we are enjoying their company.”

There are 10 pupils in the group and 4 staff, all of whom are actively involved in each aspect of the project. The pupils have already written lyrics and composed two pieces of original music, using various musical instruments and voice. The pupils have been recording their compositions during the workshops as well as learning about sound engineering.

One of the pupils taking part said: “I’m really  enjoying the project so far. It’s the first time I’ve played these instruments and I am having fun learning them. It’s also fun just to meet new people and make new friends. I’ve enjoyed working with Dave and Ruairaidh, they are cool and awesome.”

Roseann Christie from Invergordon Academy said: “The DIGIT group brings young people from different schools together to give them experiences that will help enhance their confidence and self esteem.  As these young people have additional support needs it is also important that they develop transferable life skills which will help them in the future.  Most of the young people have never done anything like this before so it’s a new, exciting experience for the whole group and they are thoroughly enjoying working with Feis Rois .  Young people sometimes   find it difficult to move on from school so it is essential we give them a range of positive learning and social experiences to allow them to develop confidence when they encounter and take on  new challenges in the future.”