On Wednesday 5 February 2020, the choir will be holding an open rehearsal to give people a taste of what it's like to sing with us. All are welcome and no auditions or prior knowledge of Gaelic is necessary to participate.
Last year, we held a similar open rehearsal held at the MacRobert Centre. We welcomed 10 visitors, as well as reporters from the Stirling Observer, and had a wonderful time meeting so many new people.
Those that took part had the opportunity to learn a short waulking song, Dh'èirich mi moch madainn Chèitein. Waulking songs are perhaps the most easily recognisable songs in the Gaelic tradition. They were traditionally sung by women while waulking tweed and are characterised by their call and answer structure, with a solo voice singing the verse and the rest of the group responding with the chorus. The rhythmic beat helped the women keep time while they worked, beating the newly woven tweed against a table to soften it.
For our second song of the night, we were able to work through a couple verses of Fill-iù Oro Hù O, a really fun and cheery piece. After a short tea break, most of our guests stayed on to hear us rehearse for Fife Music Festival.
All in all, it was a really good evening.
If this sounds like something you might enjoy, you can join us this Wednesday for a song and a nice cup of tea. It's the perfect opportunity to learn some Gaelic through song or, if you prefer, you can just listen. Either way, we'd love to see you at the Logie Kirk Hall from 19:30 to 20:30. If you find that you enjoy your time with us, we'd be glad to have you as a member of the choir. As always, all are welcome.