The December 11, 2022, Workshop Summary

This workshop introduced some new elements. We decided to assemble in a circle, rather than in stage configuration. The goal was to be able to see and hear each other better. This was a move in the right direction. Afterwards we determined that people did have trouble hearing each other. We’re going to try to tighten the circle a bit, and we can also encourage people to speak up. We’ll also consider how the instruments are placed. This will be a work in progress. 

We also went around the circle to give folks a minute to introduce themselves. This was largely for the benefit of newcomers, but it also gave all of us to refresh names and trivia that we might not have known. Moving forward we'll ask newcomers to say something, and will leave it to the tea break to delve into deeper introductions.

The first musical effort was to play the intro notes to The Stirling Fiddler’s Welcome, which is our standard opening tune. In recent times this has been done as an accordion solo. We felt it was important for everyone to know it, so we went around the room and each person played it. Then we put it all together. One purpose of this exercise was to get people experiencing the tune at the very beginning, rather than post-intro. No decisions have been made, but we may consider starting with everyone doing the intro. It sounds quite energetic. 

We introduced a new arrangement of Ashokan Farewell which included a harmonies for 2nd violin and flute, played only the second time through the tune. This was successful enough that it has now been adopted as what we will do. For those needing the written music:

• Ashokan Farewell New Arrangement, Full Score

• Ashokan Farewell, melody (first violin and other instruments)

• Ashokan Farewell, second violin

• Ashokan Farewell, flute

We worked on the tunes that precede this in the set, (Belle Mere and Bittersweet) and two other sets: 

• Leaving Lerwick Harbor / The Duke of Fife’s Welcome to Deeside / Lady Madelina Sinclair / Da Galley Watch 

• Coilsfield House / Perth Waltz / Barrowburn / Bottom of the Punch Bowl / Scotland the Brave

The primary focus was on starts and transitions. One of the great things that this workshop demonstrated is that people are very receptive to providing and receiving suggestions from each other - sort of a democratic musical leadership. This will be encouraged moving forward. 

Then, the final highlight: Gordon introduced coffee into the Tea break! This was well received, and next month we will need to brew a bit more.