Perth All Scotland Accordion & Fiddle Championships
30th October 2010
by Bill Wilkie
B&F October 2010
The Perth Championship Competitions will be run this year under the banner of the Perth and District Accordion and Fiddle Club, and will be held in The Salutation Hotel’s two large function rooms, plus nearby additional halls.
A mutual agreement was made by Bill Wilkie and the Committee of the Club, to hand over the running of this prestigious event, to ensure its long term future.
Bill first created this Festival back in 1950, and has presented it successfully for the last 60 years, but now feels that it needs a good working Committee, made up of experience and youth, to cater for the new generation of today’s musicians.
A Festival Committee is being formed which will include the principal members of the Perth A&F Club plus proposed members, Michael Philip, Simon Howie, James Lindsay, Jim Cleland, Peter Bruce and Bill Coburn.
With this wealth of experience available, the organisation and running of this most important Festival is guaranteed for many years to come. The competing format will continue as before, but with some alterations to streamline various sections.
The new Committee will strive to attract new competitors to add to our existing regular entrants, particularly in the Scottish sections, where the coveted trophies are up for grabs each year, with the winners announced as the official Scottish Champions.
Details of the Friday night ceilidh, the competitions, and After Festival Dance, all held in The Salutation Hotel, will be announced in due course.
Due to work commitments, Bill Wilkie will not be presenting a celebrity concert this year, but is planning future concerts, which will be staged as and when appropriate. Again these will be announced in advance.
For any further information contact Bill Coburn.
Letter in the June Issue of the B&F
I refer to the article published in the May issue of the B&F which intimated that the Perth and District A&F Club would be running the Perth All Scotland Accordion and Fiddle Championships to be held on 30th October 2010.
I wish to place on record that this premature article was forwarded to you for publication without any contribution or authorisation from the Committee of the Perth Club.
Following an approach by the current organisers of the Championships, it was initially anticipated that the Club Committee could adopt responsibility for running this event. However, during the initial meeting it emerged that in order to maintain the current structure of the Perth Club, and to ensure that the Club's financial resources were not compromised at any time in the future, it became necessary for the members of the Committee to reconsider their support towards the organisation of this event. At a subsequent Committee meeting, it was therefore decided to withdraw the involvement of the Club from the organisation and running of this event.
We understand that the event will continue to be organised by a Festival Committee, former from well-known local musicians who were initially approached by the Perth Club to assist with the preparations for the event. We therefore wish them every success in organising this prestigious event, and trust that all who have been involved over the years will continue to ensure that the Championships develop and prosper for many years to come.
Yours sincerely
Duncan Cameron
Hon Secretary
Perth & District A&F Club
Perth All Scotland Accordion & Fiddle Festival
by Audrey Fenton
60 Years of History
As you may be aware, Bill Wilkie, the founder of the Perth All Scotland Accordion and fiddle Festival and Festival organiser since 1950, has this year stepped down from running the Festival. Bill’s name has become synonymous with the Festival and his achievements in creating and sustaining the reputation of the Festival over the past 60 years have been outstanding. In 1994 he was awarded the MBE for services to the Festival.
It was with interest therefore that we tracked down Peter Bruce, Chairman of the new organising Committee, to see how preparations were progressing for the 61st Festival to be held on Saturday 30th October.
New Committee
“It was with some trepidation that we took on the role of organizers,” admitted Peter. “All we had to start with were a date, the historic trophies handed over by Bill and the reputation of the Festival. It was a bit tricky initially getting things off the ground but after a few phone calls I managed to pull together a small committee of enthusiasts who, like me, are passionate about the future of the Festival. We wanted to preserve the stature of the Festival as much as possible and were delighted to secure Stagecoach as our main sponsors. Their support together with funding from the Guildry Incorporation of Perth and The Thomson Charitable Trust has allowed the Festival to proceed on a scale befitting its reputation.”
Competitions Unchanged
The new Committee has drawn up a Constitution which makes it very clear that competitions are very much the core of the Festival. Very little has changed in this area from previous years with the same classes, titles and trophies to be competed for. Even the familiar faces of the stewards, scribes and helpers will be the same – if a year older! Peter explained, “The competitions are what the Festival is mainly about and they have an historic pedigree which is unrivalled so we haven’t tampered with them. In recent years entry numbers have declined but it would be a great shame if this legacy was lost and I urge everyone to support the competitions. This year we have an impressive list of adjudicators, all of whom are respected and admired as musicians, particularly by the younger generation. These are Alasdair MacCuish, Duncan Black, Gordon shand and Wayne Robertson for accordions and Claire Telford for fiddles. We hope that this will be seen as a step forward, bringing fresh ideas and opinions to the interpretation of the music.”
No Variety Concert
A highlight of previous Festivals was Bill Wilkie’s Variety Concert which was always a sell-out. Although Bill intends to organize a similar concert at a later date, there will be no variety show this year to coincide with the Festival. Another side effect of this decision is that it is not viable to hold the Concert in the Perth Concert Hall without the concert revenue.
Replaced by Social and Performance Events
However, the organizers are keen that the Festival be recognised as an opportunity to hear some of the nation’s best accordionists and fiddlers performing live and as a meeting place to socialize with fellow enthusiasts. Peter recalls, “When I was a young competitor watching famous players such as Ian Powrie or Marcosignori perform was something special and inspired me to work hard at my instrument. Then when I was a bit older the Festival used to be a great occasion to meet all the musicians and have a dram or a wee tune with them. There was a great buzz about the place. So while the new format Festival may miss the gravitas of the Concert Hall venue we intend that it will more than make up for this by incorporating performance and social events which will ensure that attendees enjoy the musical extravaganza in every other way. We have chosen The Salutation Hotel as the main centre for the Festival, not only because it has a long standing association with accordion and fiddle events, but it provides a more intimate atmosphere. We want to get that buzz back again. We have also lined up some of the country’s best accordion and fiddle musicians to inspire and entertain us.”
The programme of social and performance events start on the Friday night with a ceilidh dance featuring Graeme Mitchell and his Broadcasting Band. Supper is included in the ticket price and there will be the usual Raffle with great prizes to be won.
No great Festival would be complete without a music session n in the bar. From lunchtime on the Saturday the Salutation Hotel bar will be thrown open for an informal gathering (entry free) and all musicians are welcome to participate. Graeme Mitchell and his Band will act as the house band to keep the music flowing. Graeme will be your MC and will of course do his best to see that any willing players get the chance to perform.
If however you just want to chat with fellow enthusiasts then The Greyfriars Bar (opposite the Salutation) will welcome you with background music provided by Ian Cameron on accordion.
Climax Grand Finale Concert
The competitions will come to a climax in the afternoon with the Band Competition followed by the finals of the morning’s ‘Senior Traditional Accordion Solo’ for the coveted title of Senior Scottish champion and the Jimmy Shand shield, first presented in 1950. This will be immediately followed at 4.30 by the Grand Finale Concert featuring 90 minutes of great music, played by Scotland’s foremost musicians……Robert Black (accordion) accompanied by Scott Gordon, Claire Telford (violin) and Michael Philip and his Broadcasting Band. Entry to the Concert is included in Competition Day Ticket. During the concert the results of the Senior Scottish Championship will be announced.
This leaves attendees time to have a meal and freshen up before the dance organised by Perth and District Accordion and Fiddle Club featuring Neil MacEachern and his band.
Hall of Fame
In summing up Peter said, “In planning the Festival our intention has been to preserve the integrity of the event and in any changes we have made, forced or otherwise, we have tried to re-kindle some of the atmosphere of the occasion.
However, we owe a great gratitude to all of those who have supported the Festival over the past 60 years and in recognition we have decided to introduce a Festival Hall of Fame. This will be a group of individuals who have contributed in no small way to the success of, not only Accordion and Fiddle playing in general but, specifically the Perth Festival. This contribution may have been in the form of competing, organizing, adjudicating, or perhaps just supporting the event over the years. In this first year 10 eminent musicians have been granted lifetime membership of the Festival Hall of Fame in recognition of their contribution to the standing and reputation of the Festival. They will be announced on the day and we hope as many as possible will be able to join us and mingle with contestants and attendees.”
Your Input
“We hope everyone has a great day at the Festival but we are open to any input so if you have any suggestions on how to make it even better next year please pass on your ideas to any Committee member. What is important is that the Festival continues to thrive.”
“Finally on behalf of the organizing Committee – Simon Howie, Audrey Fenton, Bill Coburn, Jim Lindsay and Michael Philip – I would like to invite you all to the Festival and thank you in anticipation for your support.”
For further information on the Festival go to www.perthaccordionfestival.co.uk or contact Audrey Fenton
A mutual agreement was made by Bill Wilkie and the Committee of the Club, to hand over the running of this prestigious event, to ensure its long term future.
Bill first created this Festival back in 1950, and has presented it successfully for the last 60 years, but now feels that it needs a good working Committee, made up of experience and youth, to cater for the new generation of today’s musicians.
A Festival Committee is being formed which will include the principal members of the Perth A&F Club plus proposed members, Michael Philip, Simon Howie, James Lindsay, Jim Cleland, Peter Bruce and Bill Coburn.
With this wealth of experience available, the organisation and running of this most important Festival is guaranteed for many years to come. The competing format will continue as before, but with some alterations to streamline various sections.
The new Committee will strive to attract new competitors to add to our existing regular entrants, particularly in the Scottish sections, where the coveted trophies are up for grabs each year, with the winners announced as the official Scottish Champions.
Details of the Friday night ceilidh, the competitions, and After Festival Dance, all held in The Salutation Hotel, will be announced in due course.
Due to work commitments, Bill Wilkie will not be presenting a celebrity concert this year, but is planning future concerts, which will be staged as and when appropriate. Again these will be announced in advance.
For any further information contact Bill Coburn.
Letter in the June Issue of the B&F
I refer to the article published in the May issue of the B&F which intimated that the Perth and District A&F Club would be running the Perth All Scotland Accordion and Fiddle Championships to be held on 30th October 2010.
I wish to place on record that this premature article was forwarded to you for publication without any contribution or authorisation from the Committee of the Perth Club.
Following an approach by the current organisers of the Championships, it was initially anticipated that the Club Committee could adopt responsibility for running this event. However, during the initial meeting it emerged that in order to maintain the current structure of the Perth Club, and to ensure that the Club's financial resources were not compromised at any time in the future, it became necessary for the members of the Committee to reconsider their support towards the organisation of this event. At a subsequent Committee meeting, it was therefore decided to withdraw the involvement of the Club from the organisation and running of this event.
We understand that the event will continue to be organised by a Festival Committee, former from well-known local musicians who were initially approached by the Perth Club to assist with the preparations for the event. We therefore wish them every success in organising this prestigious event, and trust that all who have been involved over the years will continue to ensure that the Championships develop and prosper for many years to come.
Yours sincerely
Duncan Cameron
Hon Secretary
Perth & District A&F Club
Perth All Scotland Accordion & Fiddle Festival
by Audrey Fenton
60 Years of History
As you may be aware, Bill Wilkie, the founder of the Perth All Scotland Accordion and fiddle Festival and Festival organiser since 1950, has this year stepped down from running the Festival. Bill’s name has become synonymous with the Festival and his achievements in creating and sustaining the reputation of the Festival over the past 60 years have been outstanding. In 1994 he was awarded the MBE for services to the Festival.
It was with interest therefore that we tracked down Peter Bruce, Chairman of the new organising Committee, to see how preparations were progressing for the 61st Festival to be held on Saturday 30th October.
New Committee
“It was with some trepidation that we took on the role of organizers,” admitted Peter. “All we had to start with were a date, the historic trophies handed over by Bill and the reputation of the Festival. It was a bit tricky initially getting things off the ground but after a few phone calls I managed to pull together a small committee of enthusiasts who, like me, are passionate about the future of the Festival. We wanted to preserve the stature of the Festival as much as possible and were delighted to secure Stagecoach as our main sponsors. Their support together with funding from the Guildry Incorporation of Perth and The Thomson Charitable Trust has allowed the Festival to proceed on a scale befitting its reputation.”
Competitions Unchanged
The new Committee has drawn up a Constitution which makes it very clear that competitions are very much the core of the Festival. Very little has changed in this area from previous years with the same classes, titles and trophies to be competed for. Even the familiar faces of the stewards, scribes and helpers will be the same – if a year older! Peter explained, “The competitions are what the Festival is mainly about and they have an historic pedigree which is unrivalled so we haven’t tampered with them. In recent years entry numbers have declined but it would be a great shame if this legacy was lost and I urge everyone to support the competitions. This year we have an impressive list of adjudicators, all of whom are respected and admired as musicians, particularly by the younger generation. These are Alasdair MacCuish, Duncan Black, Gordon shand and Wayne Robertson for accordions and Claire Telford for fiddles. We hope that this will be seen as a step forward, bringing fresh ideas and opinions to the interpretation of the music.”
No Variety Concert
A highlight of previous Festivals was Bill Wilkie’s Variety Concert which was always a sell-out. Although Bill intends to organize a similar concert at a later date, there will be no variety show this year to coincide with the Festival. Another side effect of this decision is that it is not viable to hold the Concert in the Perth Concert Hall without the concert revenue.
Replaced by Social and Performance Events
However, the organizers are keen that the Festival be recognised as an opportunity to hear some of the nation’s best accordionists and fiddlers performing live and as a meeting place to socialize with fellow enthusiasts. Peter recalls, “When I was a young competitor watching famous players such as Ian Powrie or Marcosignori perform was something special and inspired me to work hard at my instrument. Then when I was a bit older the Festival used to be a great occasion to meet all the musicians and have a dram or a wee tune with them. There was a great buzz about the place. So while the new format Festival may miss the gravitas of the Concert Hall venue we intend that it will more than make up for this by incorporating performance and social events which will ensure that attendees enjoy the musical extravaganza in every other way. We have chosen The Salutation Hotel as the main centre for the Festival, not only because it has a long standing association with accordion and fiddle events, but it provides a more intimate atmosphere. We want to get that buzz back again. We have also lined up some of the country’s best accordion and fiddle musicians to inspire and entertain us.”
The programme of social and performance events start on the Friday night with a ceilidh dance featuring Graeme Mitchell and his Broadcasting Band. Supper is included in the ticket price and there will be the usual Raffle with great prizes to be won.
No great Festival would be complete without a music session n in the bar. From lunchtime on the Saturday the Salutation Hotel bar will be thrown open for an informal gathering (entry free) and all musicians are welcome to participate. Graeme Mitchell and his Band will act as the house band to keep the music flowing. Graeme will be your MC and will of course do his best to see that any willing players get the chance to perform.
If however you just want to chat with fellow enthusiasts then The Greyfriars Bar (opposite the Salutation) will welcome you with background music provided by Ian Cameron on accordion.
Climax Grand Finale Concert
The competitions will come to a climax in the afternoon with the Band Competition followed by the finals of the morning’s ‘Senior Traditional Accordion Solo’ for the coveted title of Senior Scottish champion and the Jimmy Shand shield, first presented in 1950. This will be immediately followed at 4.30 by the Grand Finale Concert featuring 90 minutes of great music, played by Scotland’s foremost musicians……Robert Black (accordion) accompanied by Scott Gordon, Claire Telford (violin) and Michael Philip and his Broadcasting Band. Entry to the Concert is included in Competition Day Ticket. During the concert the results of the Senior Scottish Championship will be announced.
This leaves attendees time to have a meal and freshen up before the dance organised by Perth and District Accordion and Fiddle Club featuring Neil MacEachern and his band.
Hall of Fame
In summing up Peter said, “In planning the Festival our intention has been to preserve the integrity of the event and in any changes we have made, forced or otherwise, we have tried to re-kindle some of the atmosphere of the occasion.
However, we owe a great gratitude to all of those who have supported the Festival over the past 60 years and in recognition we have decided to introduce a Festival Hall of Fame. This will be a group of individuals who have contributed in no small way to the success of, not only Accordion and Fiddle playing in general but, specifically the Perth Festival. This contribution may have been in the form of competing, organizing, adjudicating, or perhaps just supporting the event over the years. In this first year 10 eminent musicians have been granted lifetime membership of the Festival Hall of Fame in recognition of their contribution to the standing and reputation of the Festival. They will be announced on the day and we hope as many as possible will be able to join us and mingle with contestants and attendees.”
Your Input
“We hope everyone has a great day at the Festival but we are open to any input so if you have any suggestions on how to make it even better next year please pass on your ideas to any Committee member. What is important is that the Festival continues to thrive.”
“Finally on behalf of the organizing Committee – Simon Howie, Audrey Fenton, Bill Coburn, Jim Lindsay and Michael Philip – I would like to invite you all to the Festival and thank you in anticipation for your support.”
For further information on the Festival go to www.perthaccordionfestival.co.uk or contact Audrey Fenton