Scholarship Report: Annelise’s Lessons with Neil Pearlman
In March of this year, I had the great fortune to receive a scholarship from the NHSMC which would cover six individual hour-long lessons with Neil Pearlman. I have long admired Neil’s playing as well as his innovations in the field of trad/folk piano, so I was beyond excited and thankful to receive this scholarship!
Scholarship Report: Jasper’s Week at Maine Fiddle Camp
After the final workshop, I asked one of the instructors if he had any tips on playing Scottish music specifically. He broke into an upbeat strathspey rhythm with a whole lot of jump in it and said, "Fire." That's what I'm taking with me from Maine Fiddle Camp. Fire in my playing and fire in my overall musical life. I could not have afforded to go to camp without the help of the New Hampshire Scottish Music Club scholarship, and I'm very grateful for that support.
Driving the Tunes
“Peerie” Willie Johnson and energizing the tunes.
NH Scottish Music Club has a Far Reach
The NH Scottish Music Club is not just for those of us who happen to live in New Hampshire, or even New England. Julie Wyrick lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and has these thoughts about NHSMC that she’d like to share.
Collaboration and Professionalism
Gordon Peery, our musical leader, shares his ponderings as the summer draws to a close.
Meet Scholarship Recipient Katie Hawn
Katie Hawn is part of our growing New Jersey contingent. She will be joining us in September to share tunes she learned at this spring’s Ashokan Spring Fling.
June Jams
NH Scottish Music Club members and guests had several opportunities to get together and have fun with Scottish music during the month of June. On June 4 we gathered for our first official “satellite” session, organized by Gordon Peery, in Nelson. Then on June 11 we met for our regular monthly gathering in Concord. Finally, on June 20, Anne Baier, our president, invited members to her home in Bow to jam with Julie Wyrick who was visiting from California.
Meet Julie from the Left Coast
Longtime member Julie Wyrick currently serves on our Scholarship Committee from her home in California.
Bass Hall in Pictures
An enthusiastic packed house welcomed the New Hampshire Scottish Music Club back to Bass Hall for another Tartan Day Concert in Peterborough. With a full 20 piece ensemble and led by Gordon Peery, we played a fine selection of jigs and reels, strathspeys and waltzes, hornpipes and airs, all to the audience's delight. The many rehearsals (special thanks to Anne for hosting and Gordon for his leadership) led to a performance that was both polished and crisp. And the audience's appreciation in return gave everyone a wonderful musical connection as only live music can. Congratulations to All for a memorable day.
Can't wait for the next show. Onward and Upward!
All the Best, Kip
Comfort Zone
For some, playing in a concert is a daunting idea. But often times leaving your comfort zone can bring huge rewards.
Rehearsal Reflections
We’ve worked hard on extra rehearsals and are all grateful for Gordon’s leadership. Thank you also to Anne and Clete Baier for letting us use their beautiful home as a rehearsal venue.
Meet Kim Speidel
Meet one of our newest member, pianist turned fiddler, Kim Speidel.
Recipe for Fun
For a group like the Scottish Music Club we seek to balance setting goals for musical quality in both our rehearsals and public performances with keeping things casual and fun. We encourage our members to put their best musical efforts into our rehearsals and performances this spring, while also encouraging non-members to join us for rehearsals during our regular gatherings to see what we’re about.
What’s in a Note?
…When I was working in marketing, I often heard (and often used) the expression “you only get one first impression.” In a performance (or even a jam) that means that those first notes are so vital, and the first tune or set sets the stage (even if you're not on one) for what’s to come….
Visiting Shetland
Reminiscing about a 1990 trip to Shetland