Gardenstown Community Hub reopens with Clarsach Society's north east harp retreat
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As the world re-opens once more, Gardenstown Community Hub will be re-commencing its programme of regular activities at the Little Schoolie.
To start matters off, the Little Schoolie will to be hosting the Harp Retreat of the North East branch of Clarsach Society.
This takes place over the weekend of March 18-20, and brings around 20 harpists of all levels from the local area and beyond, together with their families, to the village.
As befits the historical aspects of Gamrie’s Little Schoolie, elementary and intermediate harp pupils will receive tuition there within the two wonderful old classrooms.
In addition to being taught by two world-class clarsach players and tutors, the pupils will enjoy the great acoustics within the Schoolie and the inspirational scenery of Gamrie Bay visible from its front door.
It is a perfect venue for such an event.
The Clarsach Society will also hold a Saturday morning session at the village's Heritage Centre on the harbour side for absolute beginners.
The two tutors on this course are Wendy Stewart and Irene Watt.
Both are experienced tutors who enjoy working with groups and passing on the traditions of this beautiful and evocative instrument.
Harp player Wendy is also a singer, composer and performer who has toured the world spreading her knowledge, understanding and love of the harp and Scottish traditional music.
She is also the convenor of the Dumfries and Galloway Branch of the Clarsach Society.
Fellow harp player Irene is an ethnomusicologist, singer and performer.
She is a choir director of two local choirs and a native of Gardenstown as well as convenor of the North East Branch of the Clarsach Society.
Commenting Irene said: “Being a native of Gardenstown, I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge of tunes and songs from this beautiful coastline.
"There has been a lot of work in preparation.
"The weekend retreat is already fully booked so we are all very excited, and the Little Schoolie is ideal.”
For further information, you can visit the website: www.clarsachsociety.co.uk or e-mail: nesclarsach@gmail.com.
To volunteer to assist activities at the Little Schoolie and become involved in events, you can email: gardenstowncommunityhub1@gmail.com
