News / Trad musicians’ fruitful trip
FOUR young Shetland musicians have returned to the isles with a plethora of silverware and medals following a successful trip to Falkirk to take part in the National Association of Accordion & Fiddle Clubs’ annual competition.
Saturday’s competition began with the Scottish under-12 fiddle solo, where Emily Laurenson, 10, from Bigton achieved an admirable second placing.
More good news for Shetland followed later in the morning when 14-year-old Mike Laurenson, also from Bigton, scooped first place in the open accordion championship solo and also won the James Patterson memorial trophy for showing outstanding musical potential.
Later in the day it was time for both Jodie Smith (14), from BIgton, and Anya Johnston (13), from Lerwick, to take part in the under-16 fiddle competitions. In a hard-fought march, strathspey and reel section, Anya gained second place with Jodie following close behind in third.
In the under-16 fiddle slow air section, Anya gained first place – collecting the Dougie Welsh memorial trophy for her achievement.
In the junior duet section, and for the second time since competing in the event, Jodie and Anya came in first – gaining the Angus Howie memorial trophy.
Finally in the trio section and competing as the group Fjanna, with Mike on accordion, Anya on piano and Jodie on fiddle, the group gained third place for their efforts.
To round off a great day’s efforts, the winners were also recorded for the BBC’s Take the Floor programme in addition to an earlier appearance on STV Glasgow.
Credit must also go to local tutors Eunice Henderson, Violet Tulloch, Peter Wood and Michael Phillip.
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