CELTIC ARTS FOUNDATION member news FALL 2019

stories and anecdotes that are such an important part of What’s a Winter School Anyway? this rich musical heritage and tradition. You can’t really practically compare one type of musician’s passion to someone else’s playing a different instrument or style of music, but this much From the Executive Director is certainly clear: people playing are very On the heels of a packed and enthusiastic! To help channel that enthusiasm, the successful summer with our 25th Celtic Arts Foundation offers a variety of instructional Skagit Valley Highland Games, we’re musical workshops throughout the year—the largest looking forward to a wonderful of which is called the “Celtic Arts Winter School.” Held lineup of talented performers at the each February at a retreat on the Kitsap Peninsula in Littlefield Celtic Center this Fall! Since Seabeck, WA, the CAF Winter School consists of two CAF membership has grown more separate 5-day sessions. One session focuses on Scottish Skye K. Richendrfer than 20% this year, sellouts will be a Highland Bagpipes and Scottish-style drumming, and more common occurrence at the Center—so get those the other session focuses on traditional Celtic musical tickets early and often! We’re especially excited for the much-anticipated release of our “Westering Home” Masters of Scottish Arts CD/DVD project—scheduled to be available on November 3rd at our Traditional Scottish Breakfast fundraiser! Always a popular gathering with your favorite breakfast meats, eggs, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms (if you are lucky enough to be near the front of the line!) and those amazing fresh- baked scones! It looks like a very special secret guest instruments including Scottish Smallpipes & Reelpipes, performer may be joining us as well—you won’t want to and guitar. miss this one! What’s highly unusual about this program is the instructors, as the approximate 20 individuals constitute the most award-winning assemble of these types of How will YOU be remembered? musicians to be found anywhere in the world at one 100 years from now, you can still be time! So it’s really no surprise that eager students come supporting the Celtic Arts Foundation! from far beyond the Pacific NW region—they travel from throughout North America for the chance to study with these masters. Regular attendees hail from places CAF Board of Directors & Staff like Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ontario and other points David Ryberg, President (Mount Vernon) around this continent. For the past few years, the award Patty Dunn, Vice President (Anacortes) for longest travel to attend goes to a woman from New Jan Gould, Treasurer (Seattle) Zealand who has become one of our regular pipers. Tyrone Heade, Secretary (Seattle) Students who attend certainly immerse themselves Marilyn McLean, Director (Bellingham) in the music, whether it be pipes or drums, or fiddles Walter Briggs, Director (Olalla) and guitars, to hone their skills. The magic of Winter Bill Babb, Director (Camano Island) School is about more than that, however: it’s a place to gauge improvement, gain motivation, expand James Monroe, Director (Mount Vernon) repertoire, and channel the passion for this music and Skye K. Richendrfer, Founder & Executive Director culture. Our team of instructors are tireless, often Lindsay Van Houten, Program & Event Manager participating in informal music sessions at night, sharing Roberta Bjorling, Admin/Program Assistant

Celtic Arts Foundation • PO Box 1342 • Mount Vernon, WA 98273 • 360-416-4934 • CelticArts.org Scottish Country Dancing Returns! This Fall at the LCC Le Vent du Nord Concert Sunday, September 8th, 7:00-9:00PM The award winning and highly acclaimed band is a leading force in ’s progressive folk movement and an iconic name in their traditional music revival. Autumn Smallpipes & Fiddles Workshop Smallpipes: October 4th - 6th, 10:00AM-3:00PM Fiddles: October 5th, 10:00AM-3:00PM A wonderful opportunity for musicians to study with exceptional teachers in small group settings. Scottish Country Dancing’s summer hiatus is Fred Morrison Concert officially over! Join us on Saturday, September Saturday, October 5th, 7:00-9:00PM 14th from 10:00AM-12:00PM to kick off the new A living legend of bagpipes! Fred is one of the world’s season of dance. All ages and experience levels are most acclaimed pipers, known for his innovative sound welcome to attend. and technical virtuoso. A must-see performance! The history of Scottish Country Dance goes back to “story” and ritual dances from remote areas and Daimh Concert Saturday, October 12th, 7:00-9:00PM craftsmen’s guilds. In 1524, Mary of Guise brought Gaelic super-group and unchallenged champions of her own influences from France, including many straight in the eye Highland music. Their contemporary seen today. take on trad music has excited audiences worldwide. Classes at the Littlefield Celtic Center are general, multi-level sessions with some step Daimh Workshop practice and teaching. The first portion focuses on Sunday, October 13th, 10:00-11:30AM practice for beginners, followed by general social Offerings in guitar, whistle, accordion, and . Study dancing, and concluding with a portion for more with members of Daimh in a small class setting! All experienced dancers. levels welcome to attend. The goals of Scottish Country Dance are “fun, MacToberfest Scotch Ale Competition fitness, friendship.” Everyone is welcome, and Saturday, October 26th, 5:30-8:00PM many find great enjoyment from the social aspect Regional breweries compete for your vote! The winner and . Feel free to attend solo or with will have their brew featured as the official Scotch Ale at others. next summer’s Skagit Valley Highland Games! No special clothing is needed, although Traditional Scottish Breakfast instructors recommend loose and comfortable Sunday, November 3rd, 12:00-3:00PM garments. Women often wear skirts, but it’s not This fun and delicious event is a favorite among a requirement for participation. Soft-soled shoes members! This year’s Breakfast features the world allow you to move around the dance floor with premiere of our MSA CD project, “Westering Home.” ease and point your toe, but don’t let shoes Tickets will be on sale soon. prevent you from giving SCD a try! Scottish Country Dance Sessions are taught Your membership at work... by CAF member Elizabeth Miller of Seattle, WA, a This fall, your membership will save you: welcoming and encouraging teacher. Jack Herring, also a CAF member, assists in organizing the • 20% off tickets for Le Vent Du Nord and Daimh sessions. • $5 off each ticket for the Fred Morrison Concert and For more information about what to expect, MacToberfest please feel free to reach out to us by phone or • Invitation to our members-only Traditional Scottish Breakfast email (360-416-4934 or [email protected]). We hope you’ll join us on the 14th for a morning of Keep in touch. Connect with us on Country Dance! Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Celtic Arts Foundation • PO Box 1342 • Mount Vernon, WA 98273 • 360-416-4934 • CelticArts.org