You can sign up in advance at registration or simply turn up at the venue.
My name is Isabella – A re-imagining of the famous Bothy Ballad “Bogies Bonnie Belle”. Written and performed by Lucy Beth. – Salmon Bothy
Lucy is an award-winning emerging performer, theatre-maker and lecturer from Inverurie:
“Lucy’s wonderfully expressive performance goes beyond words…Lucy smoothly shifted between moments of love, anger, and humour without ever losing rhythm. The audience laughed warmly, listened attentively, and rewarded the performance with a well-deserved standing ovation”- Review in POST Aberdeen.
Scots Song – hosted by Trad Award Finalist, Natallie Chalmers. – Station Hotel Hall.
Natalie was born and brought up in Fraserburgh, and is a traditional ballad singer and storyteller, who regularly performs and competes in concerts and festivals. Natalie has received many accolades and we excited to welcome her to our Haal. A relaxed and friendly Scots song workshop, open to singers of all levels – no experience required, it’s for anyone who has a joy for singing!
Flute and Whistle – hosted by Malcolm Reavell. – Town Hall Meeting Room.
Malcolm is a well-known performer in the North East, and a founder member of Scottish Culture and Traditions (SC&T) in Aberdeen where he is currently teaching flute. Learn a jig and a strathspey with Aberdeenshire connections. This workshop is for players of flutes and whistles, but other instrument players welcome to attend to learn the tunes. Players of wooden flutes and boehm system flutes and whistles in the key of D are welcome. Participants should be comfortable playing simple tunes at moderate tempo. Teaching will be by ear with written music provided.
Story Telling For Youngsters and the Young at Heart – hosted by Sheena Blackhall and Pauline Cordiner – Scout Hall.
Stories of Scotland’s Mythical Monsters with Sheena Blackhall and Pauline Cordiner
A family storytelling event for children and adults of all ages from 1 – 111!
(FOR THIS EVENT ONLY: £5 admission per family, Under 16’s Free)
Women in Piping – Eala McElhinney will host a presentation / workshop around the theme of Women in Piping. Have a go at getting a tune on a chanter and possibly learn some Canntaireachd. Eala is a very enthusiastic piper, a student at RCS and a member and soloist with a Grade One Band. – Portsoy – Community Church Hall.
Ukulele – Led by Walter Miller – Community Church Small Hall.
Walter currently lives in Aberdeenshire and well known in the area for writing comedic songs on his ukelele. He is a #1 selling author on Amazon with his book “Learn to Play the Ukulele Super Fast” published under his pseudonym Sam Lucas.
Have you always wanted to know how to write a song on your ukulel. Participants need a basic knowledge of simple chords and easy strum patterns. Let Walter take you through the basics and processes he uses to write songs on this fun, immersive instrument, covering ideas, themes, styles and chord progressions. It’s going to be fast, frantic and fun to get your creative juices flowing! (Bring a ukulele, a pen and writing pad, and a bucket full of inspiration!)
THE HAAL SINGING COMPETITION
THE HAAL SINGING COMPETITION for the Wheeler, Watson, Couper Trophy and cash prize of £75, £50, £25. The objective of this competition is to encourage singers, young and old, to familiarise themselves with the wonderful collection of folk songs and ballads, gathered in NE Scotland by the Whitehill (New Deer) Schoolmaster and The Reverend James Bruce Duncan of Lynturk Alford at the start of the 20th century. It also gives us a chance to celebrate one of Portsoy’s most famous sons, Jimmy McBeath (1898-1972). Jimmy was a very fine exponent of many of the songs to be found in The Greig~Duncan Collection.
Entrants are simply required to include one song which is in the Greig-Duncan Folk Song Collection.
Senior Award – Best unaccompanied performance by contestant aged 16 years or older. If less than 3 entrants, no award will be given in that category, however the entrants will still be allowed to perform. The Winners will be given the opportunity to perform during the Sunday Evening Concert.
The Wheeler / FATSB Award
The Wheeler / FATSB Award for outstanding dedication to Traditional Music Studies at Aberdeen Music School, selected by the Head of the MUSIC SCHOOL. The winner receives a £200 Award and a set on stage during the Jimmy McBeath Concert on Friday evening.
The Wendy De Rusett Trophy
The Wendy De Rusett Trophy, awarded in memory of one of the FATSB Founder Members. The Flute/Whistle workshop leader, will select the most enthusiastic participant from those attending the Whistle Workshop on Saturday, in the Town Hall from 12.00. Players of any ability are invited along – please bring a D whistle if you wish to join in.
