It was a dreich morning when two pupils from S4 at Dalry School and their teacher, Mrs Roslyn Henry set out for Carlingwark House, Castle Douglas. They quickly got the programme started as the residents had come down in force ready for the entertainment. All thoughts of pouring rain were soon forgotten as James Wallace took the audience on the’ Road to the Isles’, followed by a trip to the ‘Banks of Inverurie’ , accompanied by soft singing and foot tapping.
Next up was Rory Newbery who delighted the audience with a Bach ‘ Prelude’ played on piano. James then took up his fiddle and played a selection of well-known Scottish tunes including the ‘Skye Boat Song’. Rory once more played piano – this time ‘Fur Elise’ by Beethoven. He has been working on this piece for his music exam which is in February.
James then returned to singing. Three songs this time- ‘Eriskay Love Lilt’, ‘Will Ye No Come Back Again’ and the vibrant ‘The Tartan’ which had everyone joining in. Returning to his violin, he played one last piece,’Over the Rainbow’, which he too is working on for his National 5 exam in February. Finally they played a few requests from the audience before concluding with Auld Lang Syne, featuring James singing accompanied by Rory on piano.
After the concert, there was a lovely vote of thanks from Mrs Margaret Neil and welcome cup of coffee. Both the entertainers and entertained felt the morning had been a wonderful opportunity for young and the not so young to come together for the love and joy of music.
