Community / Youth music festival off to a rousing start
THE MAREEL auditorium was full to bursting on Monday morning, with hundreds of bairns excited to be displaying their talents.
After a gentle Hush Little Baby from Hamnavoe, the pace increased with memorable tunes from Bell’s Brae performing Peat and Diesel, and Scalloway offering 500 miles and the Can Can for a celebratory round off for the class. Scalloway then graced the audience with their ukele ensemble.
Exuberant and joyful choirs filled the stage with songs in all styles from reflective melodies to a toe-tapping Shoo-be doo-ah!
At lunchtime, the museum reverberated to the sound of African drumming where Joy Duncan led a workshop for more than 20 students.
The afternoon programme began with woodwind solos and duets – a lovely range of music from flutes, clarinets and saxophones. The young players adapted to the stage and to playing in groups with admirable self-assurance.
Later junior young musicians showcased what talent is developing in primary schools, from soulful singing straight from the movies, superb sound-track saxophone, delicate piano playing and skilful strings.
The evening is set to showcase the first round of the senior young musician competition.
The festival continues on Tuesday with accordion, brass, string, vocal and woodwind classes and more choirs. All are welcome throughout the festival.
Programmes are available from Mareel and on the festival website here.
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