posted by Louise Kirby, YMI Coordinator, Schools & Learning

Calum McIntyre, a Fèis Rois professional musician, worked with Southmuir Primary P4-7 on a traditional music and song project over a period of 5 weeks.  Classes explored traditional songs and learnt about the language as well as the stories behind the songs.  The aim of these projects is to increase young people’s awareness of music and culture across Scotland, the UK and the world and to give young people more opportunities to take part in enjoyable and quality music making.

Teacher quotes – The project is immersive and gets the children involved in all parts of the music making process.  Calum had a lovely rapport with the children and he was able to make sure everyone was included in the activities. He managed the children really well and supported those who needed it. The children enjoyed being there.  I would rate the opportunity 5/5 because it allowed our children to be creative and experience music in a fun way.

Pupil quotes – I understood the culture as it was explained in the song.  We made our own instruments out of recycled stuff. It was lots of fun.

6 schools across Angus received Fèis Rois projects (Strathmore, Isla, Borrowfield, Southesk, Southmuir and Tannadice).  They were delivered by a range of Fèis Rois professional facilitators Calum McIntyre, Maeve MacKinnon, Will Marshall and Sally Simpson.

This project was funded by Youth Music Initiative.  Photo credit Christian Gamauf