Welcome
The Adelaide Scottish Fiddle Club was founded in 2002 to encourage an interest in the musical heritage of Scotland, and to provide a supportive environment for the playing of this rich repertoire of music.
More broadly, the aims of the club are:
- To promote an interest in Scottish fiddle music through the tradition of aural learning and sharing of tunes. Music and playing styles are sourced from all parts of Scotland, from other areas of preservation (such as Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada), and from contemporary composers writing music in the Scottish style.
- To provide a forum for players to gain knowledge of the musical heritage as well as playing skills, in order to help preserve and extend the long tradition of Scottish fiddle music. Players of all ages and levels of ability are encouraged to participate.
- To make connections with musicians and other fiddle clubs within Australia and throughout the world, and to provide members with a repertoire of often-played tunes so that they can participate in music sessions at any venue.
- To provide a means for those who are drawn by the rhythms and melodies of Scottish music to share the enjoyment of playing in a group with similar interests.
The Fiddle Club is the vision of Artistic Director Linda Rankin, and each session is guided by her with assistance from renowned Adelaide-based Scottish fiddler Catherine Fraser.
The club welcomes new members, and invites any string players with an interest in playing Scottish music to attend its monthly meetings. Meetings are relaxed, sociable gatherings in a non-threatening atmosphere.
Monthly meetings
The ASFC meets on the first Sunday of the month from 2pm – 5pm and currently has about fifteen members ranging in age from teenagers to ‘over-sixties’. We cater for all levels of playing ability, and Fiddle Club meetings are usually split into separate classes, providing for accomplished players and for those who prefer to take things more slowly.
Most meetings involve learning new tunes by ear - written music is provided for home practice, but ability to read music is not essential - and explore the bowing techniques and musical ornamentation that characterise Scottish music.
We also practise sets of tunes for upcoming performance engagements, and often end up with a jam session where all players are encouraged to join in.
Other activities
Outside of the regular monthly meetings ASFC is involved in performances at festivals and community events, and stages its own annual concert.
The club runs a jam session for fiddle players at the Aldgate Pump Hotel every second Wednesday and organises specialist workshops with visiting instructors.
Individual tuition is also available.
So...
If you feel that you would like to be involved or become a member, do contact us, or talk to any of our members. You are most welcome to sit in at our meetings – we know that once you’re immersed in a lively session with an enthusiastic group of fiddlers your toes will be tapping and you won’t be able to resist joining in.
And don’t forget - the Adelaide Scottish Fiddle Club can provide groups for performance at functions, and we have links with groups of Scottish dancers.
Why not choose a Scottish theme for your next birthday, anniversary or fund-raiser?
