Tag Archives: flute

Border Gaitherin 2012 flute and whistle workshops

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This weekend sees the 10th anniversary of the Border Gaitherin at Coldstream and I’ll be running two flute and whistle workshops as part of the festival. One of these is for Absolute Beginners, the other for those developing their music on the instruments. I’ll also be taking part in the Tutor’s Concert on Sunday evening.

The festival runs 1st-3rd June. The workshops take place on Sunday 3rd of June. It’s a small, friendly festival on the Scottish Border with England just a stone’s throw away across the Tweed. Lots to do and see, with workshops and activities for musicians and non-musicians alike.

The Workshops

Beginners
For people new to the whistle or flute, this will provide an opportunity to learn the basics, from how to hold and sound the instrument to first notes, understanding notation and moving on to first tunes.

Developers
For those who have the basics already covered and are moving onto improving their technique and expanding their repertoire, this workshop will cover some different tune types from Scotland and Ireland and look at how phrasing and technique can be used to bring out the best of the tunes, regardless of experience.

I have been going to the Gaitherin at Coldstream for many years, for concerts, sessions and workshops as well as performances and more recently teaching. It’s one of my favourite places to go and I hope to see you there too!

Flute Fling post-workshop events

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After the Flute Fling workshop on Saturday, there are a couple of open traditional music sessions taking place in the Portobello area that people are welcome to join.

Firstly, you might like to head along the seafront to The Dalraida Bar to catch the end of Sean Paul Newman’s afternoon session, which runs until 6pm. Then there is enough time to get something to eat before returning for a session at 9pm for a St Patrick’s Day session organised by local artist/ flute player/ whistler and singer Mike Kinnane.

As if that wasn’t enough, I will be playing with the band for Absolutely Legless, who will be performing spectacular Irish dancing on Sunday afternoon.

All of these events will be free.

Photo of Cauldstane Slap in session at the Dalriada (c) Gordon Turnbull

A week to go to Flute Fling

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Flute Fling is just one week away and space is limited, so make sure you don’t miss out.

This is a chance to learn some new tunes, perfect techniques and have fun playing with other flutes and whistles. There will be some Scottish tunes and as it is St Patrick’s Day, Irish ones too.

We’ll looking at:

  • breathing
  • timing
  • decoration
  • embouchure
  • posture
  • a variety of Irish and Scottish tunes — jigs, reels and more
  • ways of playing together

I’m a great believer in enabling people to participate and share in the music making, so as long as you have the rudiments and can find your way around your instrument, there will be something for you, from improvers aiming consolidate their playing to more experienced musicians looking to step things up.

Flute Fling web site

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Flute Fling is an event for traditional flute and whistle players that will be taking place on March 2012 in Edinburgh.

A chance for flute and whistle players to learn traditional tunes and techniques while playing music together in a relaxed and informal setting. Led by experienced traditional flute player and teacher Gordon Turnbull of Fun Flute Portobello and Scots Music Group. Learning is by ear but music is also provided.

  • Date: Saturday 17th March
    Time: 2-5pm
    Prices: £10/ £8 (conc). Family rates: Adult + 1 child £15; Adult + 2 children £20. Children welcome but must be accompanied by an adult please, maximum 2 children per adult.
    Venue: St James Church Hall, Rosefield Place, Portobello
  • This event is most suitable for improvers and beyond, playing:
    • whistles and low whistles in D
    • simple system flutes
    • Boehm (silver) flutes

Please contact me if you are not sure whether this is for you or not, or if you have any other queries:

  • gordon {at} theflowmusic {dot} co {dot} uk

As the Flute Fling web site begins to gingerly get on its feet like Bambi, be sure to check back as more content and details are added about the Edinburgh event that is just for flutes and whistles playing traditional music.