Fiddle free at Strachur

Mike Vass, Lochgoilhead Fiddle Workshop’s new tutor and Young Traditional Musician of the Year Finalist, will be hosting a free adult Come and Try Traditional Fiddle session in Strachur Memorial on Wednesday 8^th September from 6.30om-8.30pm.

Since Fiddle Folk/Lochgoilhead Fiddle Workshop started, more than 400 children and adults have enjoyed a free Come and Try session at one of their 30 free events. Come and Trys have been held in fiddle, mandolin, tin whistle, guitar and step-dance, and many of the participants have found themselves to be charmed, delighted and motivated to take up a new interest. The next session will be another chance for adult budding fiddlers – or just those who want to give it a go.

There is no need to worry if you have never played an instrument before. There are no concerns if you do not read music. You do not even need to feel that you are musical. The Workshop will even lend you a fiddle for the session and afterwards if you decide to join in this year’s classes.

All you need is the preparedness to enjoy yourself. Age is no barrier either – the oldest living member was over 70 when he first played a note eight years ago (and he has been 70 and holding ever since).

If you decide to join, LFW helps set up car shares for members travelling from the same area – currently members come from all over the Cowal peninsula and from Lochgilphead.

Some people are naturally reticent about trying something new and different, but the objective is the same whether you want to carry on afterwards or not – to give you a night to remember. Traditional fiddling is all about making music with friends and in the community.  It’s always enjoyable and comments that Lochgoilhead Fiddle Workshop has received after previous sessions testify to that:

• ‘Absolutely fantastic. Really great fun and has given me a real taste for playing the fiddle – I was very sorry when the session came to an end. Thank you.’
• ’Really good fun. Wish I lived here, so I could learn how to play straight away at the next workshop.’
• ‘Excellent fun. I am encouraged to pursue it.’

Booking early is essential

Although the sessions are free, the Workshop does ask that those interested book a place asap, as numbers are limited, and they aim to provide the appropriate number of fiddles.

To book your place and your fiddle, contact LFW Secretary, Anne Goudie:

• by phone: 01301 703408
• by email: anne.goudie@virgin.net

If you are interested in trying the fiddle but cannot make that date, do get in touch so LFW can keep you informed about other possibilities.

Mark Morpurgo, Folk and Traditional Music Editor