9th Musselburgh Festival 1983
by Ian Smith
B&F April 1983
Junior Accordion
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Tracey Aitken
12 and Under 16 Traditional Accordion Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) Ian Skinner (Blackridge)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Ian Skinner (Blackridge)
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) May & Margaret Taylor
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) John Bone
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Elizabeth Steven
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) Raymond Laidlaw
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy
1) Neil Copland (Dundee)
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
1) The Oakbank Sound (West Lothian area)
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Colin Dewar (Kingskettle)
CLASSICAL ACCORDION
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) Fiona Kenneth
Under 14 Classical Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) Una Bryson (Strathaven)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee Shield
1) Mark Kenneth
Open Classical Solo – Jimmy Clinkscale Shield
1) Shona Maitland (Prestwick)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) Mark & Fiona Kenneth
Open Classical Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) Richard Ross & Roy Hendrie (Glasgow)
FIDDLE
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Strathspey and Reel Association Cup
1) Alison Smith (Milngavie)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Jean-Anne Callander
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) Bob Edwards
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Scott Sneddon
Musselburgh Committee Says Thanks
by Norrie Williams (Chairman, Festival Committee)
Once again (how time flies) it is my pleasant duty on behalf of the Musselburgh Festival organising Committee to express appreciation to all those who subscribed in any way whatsoever to this year’s event.
First our sincere thanks to the stewards and marshals, those noble souls who this year worked well beyond the call of duty because of shortage of staff in these departments.
To our announcers, accompanist and adjudicators , secretaries who all did sterling work throughout the long day. To both the main Executive and Festival Committees – every single member was present from the word go to do whatever was asked of them, and more.
The Clubs represented by the above band of helpers were Beith, Dundee, Dunfermline, East Kilbride, Fintry, Galston, Lockerbie, Milngavie, Monklands, Newtongrange, Newton St Boswells and Perth.
In addition, much appreciated assistance was given by members of the Glasgow Caledonian S&R Society and by non Club members from Bannockburn and Haddington.
We were also greatly indebted to Jim Johnstone and his Brunton Halls staff who had everything in apple pie order and who met our every need and whim in such a pleasant manner. Nothing was too much trouble.
There is no doubt at all that the Brunton Halls complex, by its very nature, contributes in no small measure to the happy, relaxed atmosphere which characterises Musselburgh. The large crescent-shaped foyer, restaurant hall, bar etc, all under one roof is conducive to socialising.
And talking of the foyer, the joint display of accordions and music by Jimmy Clinkscale and his staff from Melrose and the British College of Accordionists (represented by Alan Hardwicke) added a nice finishing touch to the proceedings. Our thanks to both establishments – your presence was much appreciated.
Incidentally, we also gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the College (Mr Francis Wright and his staff) for setting the test pieces for the six classical sections. Although there was a drop in the classical entries compared with last year, I feel this was no reflection on the choice of music. It is more likely to be because of the Open Sections which were not ‘own choice.’ This would perhaps tend to deter players who have their own particular favourite party piece which they would normally tend to use under these circumstances.
The Committee would welcome a feed back from teachers and competitors on this point, so if any of you have thoughts or views on the subject, please drop a line to the Secretary of the Festival Committee or contact any of the Committee members through their Clubs.
But I digress – to return to the acknowledgements. Many thanks to the Board and church Officer of the local Congregational Church for the use of their hall and other premises. As before, spic and span and very comfortable.
And now to that austere body, the adjudicators with their unenviable task of sorting out performances only a ‘fag’ paper apart. They put in a very long day, finally putting their pens away, with one exception at 6.45pm at the end of the Band competition (a section which had the audience really going – club supporters were obviously out in force!) The exception mentioned was the Association Chairman Jimmy Blue who still had to sort out the five finalists in the play-off at the evening concert, which produced a nail-biting finish with a replay for first place.
Our thanks to all the judges for a job well done and to the Association Secretary Andrew Nairn of West Baldridge Farm who stood in as MC at very short notice and did a most competent job. Alex Little from Dumfries who has always compered this event in the past, has been under doctor’s orders to take things a wee bit easier for a while. We all wish Alex a speedy return to full health and strength.
Once again the standard of refreshments and the courtesy and excellent service by the caterers and bar staff evoked very favourable comment.
Gratitude
On the publicity and communications front we owe a debt of gratitude, firstly to Musselburgh’s local newspapers (to one in particular whose correspondent, luckily for us, is a traditional music addict and knowledgeable with it) and secondly to the various radio stations who really put themselves out to spread the message.
Robin Brock of Radio Forth, John Carmichael at West Sound and, of course, Robbie Shepherd at BBC Radio Scotland. These are the only channels I heard personally, but our thanks to any other stations which gave us a plug.
Happily, Freeland Barbour and Robbie Shepherd were able to attend the Festival this year, supported by a most capable and co-operative team of technicians who recorded material for two ‘TTF’ features. The BBC staff maintained such a low profile that one just didn’t know they were there. True professionals – it was a treat to have your company.
The final accolade must surely go to the two groups of beings for whom the Festival is run and who make it all so worthwhile – the competitors and the audience. The empathy between these two groups has to be experienced to be believed. They generate almost every commendable human emotion in the book. Tp them, thank you one and all for coming along to make this the day it was.
After the concert the icing on the cake was supplied by Fraser McGlynn and his swinging quartet from Tarbert. Who else could get away with a non-stop double encore at the ‘Canadian Barn Dance’ or with playing ‘Miss Monaghan’s Reel’ in the middle of the Boston Two-Step?
Special mention must also be made of the pre-and post-event coverage given to the Festival by the ‘B&F’ and its Editor, Ian Smith – very much appreciated.
And lastly my personal thanks to a very hard-working Committee who suffer all kinds of inconvenience and weather to attend meetings,etc, and to crown it all they have to put up with me! For their sins they are as before – Mrs Joan Blue (Perth Club), Mr EddieMacDonald (Perth and Dundee), Mr and Mrs Bob Scott (Lochgelly), Mr Willie Wilson (Beith) and the Secretary Mrs Sheila Williams of 89 Benbecula, St Leonards, East Kilbride.
If asked what the most pleasing aspects of this Festival were for me personally (I am sure the Committee would share my views) the following immediately spring to mind :
1) increased entry for the Junior Fiddle Section, 11 competitors compared with 8 last year and the standard very high. Keep it up.
2) tremendous entry in the group sections, 10 bands and 10 trios – beyond our wildest dreams – and not a mediocre one amongst them. All highly competent and most entertaining as witness the audience reaction. Just think, the Band section along involved more than 55 different players who had gone to a lot of trouble and in many cases had traveled considerable distances just for the pleasure of having a tune with one another. This is surely what it’s all about. I could be wrong but I feel that the Dundee A&F Club Junior Band must take some of the credit for this upsurge.
3) over-all high standard – not only is the standard at the top of each section being maintained (and, if anything, continuing upwards) but the proportion of players in an given group who fall into the ‘good to very good’ category is rapidly getting larger. A healthy sign. Also gratifying are the efforts being made by the competitors in the Pipe Music sections to capture the authentic idiom of this particular branch of the art which is all about interpretation and expression. Because the heart is involved here, not just the ‘heid’ and the fingers, the correct rendering of this type of music must surely be rated as very important in a Traditional Festival.
The performances we heard showed that this goal is being achieved by several players and many more are knocking at the door. This augurs well for the future of our music. WE can sleep sound.
To end on a sad footnote – Just after the Festival had started we got the news of the death of Dougie Welsh of Denholm – it was like a kick in the stomach. His cheery presence as the Competitor Marshal in the Main Hall had become a must for all players. He was a great enthusiast and is a tremendous loss to the traditional music scene. We all extend our deepest sympathy to his wife and family
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Tracey Aitken
12 and Under 16 Traditional Accordion Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) Ian Skinner (Blackridge)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Ian Skinner (Blackridge)
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) May & Margaret Taylor
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) John Bone
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Elizabeth Steven
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) Raymond Laidlaw
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy
1) Neil Copland (Dundee)
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
1) The Oakbank Sound (West Lothian area)
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Colin Dewar (Kingskettle)
CLASSICAL ACCORDION
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) Fiona Kenneth
Under 14 Classical Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) Una Bryson (Strathaven)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee Shield
1) Mark Kenneth
Open Classical Solo – Jimmy Clinkscale Shield
1) Shona Maitland (Prestwick)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) Mark & Fiona Kenneth
Open Classical Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) Richard Ross & Roy Hendrie (Glasgow)
FIDDLE
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Strathspey and Reel Association Cup
1) Alison Smith (Milngavie)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Jean-Anne Callander
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) Bob Edwards
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Scott Sneddon
Musselburgh Committee Says Thanks
by Norrie Williams (Chairman, Festival Committee)
Once again (how time flies) it is my pleasant duty on behalf of the Musselburgh Festival organising Committee to express appreciation to all those who subscribed in any way whatsoever to this year’s event.
First our sincere thanks to the stewards and marshals, those noble souls who this year worked well beyond the call of duty because of shortage of staff in these departments.
To our announcers, accompanist and adjudicators , secretaries who all did sterling work throughout the long day. To both the main Executive and Festival Committees – every single member was present from the word go to do whatever was asked of them, and more.
The Clubs represented by the above band of helpers were Beith, Dundee, Dunfermline, East Kilbride, Fintry, Galston, Lockerbie, Milngavie, Monklands, Newtongrange, Newton St Boswells and Perth.
In addition, much appreciated assistance was given by members of the Glasgow Caledonian S&R Society and by non Club members from Bannockburn and Haddington.
We were also greatly indebted to Jim Johnstone and his Brunton Halls staff who had everything in apple pie order and who met our every need and whim in such a pleasant manner. Nothing was too much trouble.
There is no doubt at all that the Brunton Halls complex, by its very nature, contributes in no small measure to the happy, relaxed atmosphere which characterises Musselburgh. The large crescent-shaped foyer, restaurant hall, bar etc, all under one roof is conducive to socialising.
And talking of the foyer, the joint display of accordions and music by Jimmy Clinkscale and his staff from Melrose and the British College of Accordionists (represented by Alan Hardwicke) added a nice finishing touch to the proceedings. Our thanks to both establishments – your presence was much appreciated.
Incidentally, we also gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the College (Mr Francis Wright and his staff) for setting the test pieces for the six classical sections. Although there was a drop in the classical entries compared with last year, I feel this was no reflection on the choice of music. It is more likely to be because of the Open Sections which were not ‘own choice.’ This would perhaps tend to deter players who have their own particular favourite party piece which they would normally tend to use under these circumstances.
The Committee would welcome a feed back from teachers and competitors on this point, so if any of you have thoughts or views on the subject, please drop a line to the Secretary of the Festival Committee or contact any of the Committee members through their Clubs.
But I digress – to return to the acknowledgements. Many thanks to the Board and church Officer of the local Congregational Church for the use of their hall and other premises. As before, spic and span and very comfortable.
And now to that austere body, the adjudicators with their unenviable task of sorting out performances only a ‘fag’ paper apart. They put in a very long day, finally putting their pens away, with one exception at 6.45pm at the end of the Band competition (a section which had the audience really going – club supporters were obviously out in force!) The exception mentioned was the Association Chairman Jimmy Blue who still had to sort out the five finalists in the play-off at the evening concert, which produced a nail-biting finish with a replay for first place.
Our thanks to all the judges for a job well done and to the Association Secretary Andrew Nairn of West Baldridge Farm who stood in as MC at very short notice and did a most competent job. Alex Little from Dumfries who has always compered this event in the past, has been under doctor’s orders to take things a wee bit easier for a while. We all wish Alex a speedy return to full health and strength.
Once again the standard of refreshments and the courtesy and excellent service by the caterers and bar staff evoked very favourable comment.
Gratitude
On the publicity and communications front we owe a debt of gratitude, firstly to Musselburgh’s local newspapers (to one in particular whose correspondent, luckily for us, is a traditional music addict and knowledgeable with it) and secondly to the various radio stations who really put themselves out to spread the message.
Robin Brock of Radio Forth, John Carmichael at West Sound and, of course, Robbie Shepherd at BBC Radio Scotland. These are the only channels I heard personally, but our thanks to any other stations which gave us a plug.
Happily, Freeland Barbour and Robbie Shepherd were able to attend the Festival this year, supported by a most capable and co-operative team of technicians who recorded material for two ‘TTF’ features. The BBC staff maintained such a low profile that one just didn’t know they were there. True professionals – it was a treat to have your company.
The final accolade must surely go to the two groups of beings for whom the Festival is run and who make it all so worthwhile – the competitors and the audience. The empathy between these two groups has to be experienced to be believed. They generate almost every commendable human emotion in the book. Tp them, thank you one and all for coming along to make this the day it was.
After the concert the icing on the cake was supplied by Fraser McGlynn and his swinging quartet from Tarbert. Who else could get away with a non-stop double encore at the ‘Canadian Barn Dance’ or with playing ‘Miss Monaghan’s Reel’ in the middle of the Boston Two-Step?
Special mention must also be made of the pre-and post-event coverage given to the Festival by the ‘B&F’ and its Editor, Ian Smith – very much appreciated.
And lastly my personal thanks to a very hard-working Committee who suffer all kinds of inconvenience and weather to attend meetings,etc, and to crown it all they have to put up with me! For their sins they are as before – Mrs Joan Blue (Perth Club), Mr EddieMacDonald (Perth and Dundee), Mr and Mrs Bob Scott (Lochgelly), Mr Willie Wilson (Beith) and the Secretary Mrs Sheila Williams of 89 Benbecula, St Leonards, East Kilbride.
If asked what the most pleasing aspects of this Festival were for me personally (I am sure the Committee would share my views) the following immediately spring to mind :
1) increased entry for the Junior Fiddle Section, 11 competitors compared with 8 last year and the standard very high. Keep it up.
2) tremendous entry in the group sections, 10 bands and 10 trios – beyond our wildest dreams – and not a mediocre one amongst them. All highly competent and most entertaining as witness the audience reaction. Just think, the Band section along involved more than 55 different players who had gone to a lot of trouble and in many cases had traveled considerable distances just for the pleasure of having a tune with one another. This is surely what it’s all about. I could be wrong but I feel that the Dundee A&F Club Junior Band must take some of the credit for this upsurge.
3) over-all high standard – not only is the standard at the top of each section being maintained (and, if anything, continuing upwards) but the proportion of players in an given group who fall into the ‘good to very good’ category is rapidly getting larger. A healthy sign. Also gratifying are the efforts being made by the competitors in the Pipe Music sections to capture the authentic idiom of this particular branch of the art which is all about interpretation and expression. Because the heart is involved here, not just the ‘heid’ and the fingers, the correct rendering of this type of music must surely be rated as very important in a Traditional Festival.
The performances we heard showed that this goal is being achieved by several players and many more are knocking at the door. This augurs well for the future of our music. WE can sleep sound.
To end on a sad footnote – Just after the Festival had started we got the news of the death of Dougie Welsh of Denholm – it was like a kick in the stomach. His cheery presence as the Competitor Marshal in the Main Hall had become a must for all players. He was a great enthusiast and is a tremendous loss to the traditional music scene. We all extend our deepest sympathy to his wife and family