Get ready for Mull Fiddle Week

Mull Music Makers are over the moon to be hosting the island’s second Fiddle Week this August.

The event builds on the success of last year when almost 40 young people came together from Mull, the Highlands and Argyll to take part. The fi ve-day course is open to school-age players from across Argyll and Bute and begins in Salen on Monday August 1.

During the week, youngsters will be immersed in the spirit and energy of traditional music as they learn to play rhythmically in new arrangements composed specially for Mull Fiddle Week by lead tutor Patsy Reid.

‘After the wonderful inaugural summer school of 2021, I’m delighted to be returning to Mull this August to curate the second Mull Fiddle Week,’ said top Scottish fi ddle player and composer Patsy.

She added: ‘One of the things I loved most about last year’s event was the fact all the young players were able to spontaneously perform together at the clock tower in Tobermory with no music stands or sheet music.

‘It’s going to be fun. I can’t wait.’

Workshops will focus on learning to play traditional fi ddle tunes by ear. There will also be creative composition classes exploring traditional melodies, harmony, accompaniment and groove.

More advanced players will explore bowing techniques, articulation and ornamentation relevant to traditional style.

An expert team of tutors, led by Patsy, will travel to Mull and stay for the week.

‘Last year we had a tuba player from Ardnamurchan, a multi-instrumentalist from Skye as well as young promising violin/fi ddle players,’ said Mull Fiddle Week organiser Laura Mandleberg.

Lucy Houston, who took part in 2021’s Mull Fiddle Week, added: ‘This was one of the best weeks of my life. It was so much fun and such an incredible learning experience.’

This year there will be several performance opportunities to help develop performers’ confi dence, including pop-up performances and informal sessions in island venues.

‘We are extremely grateful for funding support from Creative Scotland’s Recovery Fund for Arts Organisations and other grants, including the Scottish Sea Farms’ Heart of the Community Fund,’ added Laura.