Residency Activities Please note that residency fees may vary.
Lecture/Demonstration Songs of Gaelic Scotland Audience: General Audience Number of participants: No maximum with amplification, without amplification a maximum of 30 Length: 1 hour Requirements: Chairs for participants and 4 band members Water for performers
An illustrated talk on the songs of Gaelic Scotland, with a specific focus on the songs from the Outer Hebrides. With sung examples, Julie will give an overview of some different types of song within the Gaelic tradition, including the rhythmically interesting 'puirt-a-beul' or 'mouth music' and also the work song tradition, which will include a description of the 'waulking' - the traditional process of preparing tweed. Julie will also discuss other songs - songs of clans, war, conflict, love, loss and emigration. There will also be reference to the rich early bardic tradition, shared heritage and links to Ireland and a description of her Artist Residency with Tobar an Dualchais/Kist O’ Riches online Archive project.
This talk will be relaxed, delivered either from the stage or in another appropriate space before the show, and Julie is open to questions on her own repertoire of songs and further discussion on the archive project. Please note that each illustrated Julie’s talk will be tailored to audience size and will take any musical experience (and age of audience) into account.
Award winning Highland and Irish musicians Éamon Doorley, Duncan Chisholm and Tony Byrne will also be available as part of this discussion and would be happy to take questions on their own individual specialties.
Playing the Skyline and Spell Songs Audience: General Audience, and students of World History, Music, Music History. Number of participants: No maximum with amplification, without amplification a maximum of 30 Length: 45min Requirements: One (1) Chair, Bottled Water
A discussion of how music, story and poetry can strengthen people’s sense of connection with, or at times separation from, the landscape. An exploration of the relationship between people and their environment and an account various projects Julie has been involved in; the ambitious and beautiful ‘Lost Words: Spell Songs’ project plus the BBC Radio 4 commission, ‘Playing the Skyline’, plus a personal journey of cultural-mapping.
**please note Julie is happy to consider shaping a performance or lecture to include elements of both lectures above if given advance notice.
8/19
Workshop
Gaelic Song Workshop Audience: Music Students Number of participants: Up to 10 Length: 45 minutes Requirements: Chairs for participants and 2 band members Water for performers and participants
A workshop aimed at students of music, Julie will lead those attending through a brief introduction to Gaelic song (with sung examples), with reference to style, content and specific melodic features. Julie will discuss musical traditions within the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, both current and historic. Following this will be a Gaelic song workshop, where students will learn some basic Gaelic plus one or two short pieces (for example a traditional Highland lullaby or some 'puirt-a-beul' or 'mouth music').
This workshop will be delivered in an appropriate space near or in the venue before the show, and is open to a maximum of 10 students. At the end of the workshop, Julie is open to questions on her own repertoire of songs and further discussion on the song and music traditions in Gaelic Scotland.
8/19