Tursachan

The Newsletter of the Callanish School of Celtic Arts

Dear Students and Parents,

Can you believe the summer is almost over? Dancers have been working hard and dancing well despite the awful heat we had on most dance days in July. The fall dance schedule will be announced within the next few weeks and tuition is due by September 1st. A make-up lesson for the summer term will be held on Monday, September 9th at the WBCB. The fall semester will begin the following week. If anyone is interested in hosting a back-to-school party, please let me know!

Mòran Taing,

Maggie Carchrie

Summer Make-Up Lessons

Make-up lessons for the summer term will be held on Monday, September 9th. Maggie will have a list of eligible dancers on August 26th. All other dancers may attend by paying for the lesson.

4:00-4:45 Scottish Dance I
5:00-6:00 Scottish Dance III and Intermediates

Parents’ Meeting Scheduled

There will be a parents’ meeting and pot-luck supper on Monday, September 9th at the WBCB following the make-up lessons. At this meeting, we will begin to make concrete plans about our trip to Scotland in April, 2004. It is mandatory that anyone planning to take this trip attend. Please bring something to share for the pot-luck. Maggie will bring the drinks, paper goods and utensils.

Summer Fundraising Report

So far this summer, we were able to raise $237.75 at the car wash (before expenses) and almost $100 in craft sales at various functions. Each dancer should have been given an itemization of monies earned so far for their Scotland trip. Please let Maggie know if you did not receive such a slip. Our next fundraiser is selling Callanish hats which are due to arrive mid-month!

Gaelic Lessons Slated

Thomas Leigh will be teaching an 8-week course in Scottish Gaelic at the Sandwich Community School on Monday nights from 7-9 PM, beginning September 9th. Maggie will have catalogs available in class for anyone interested in signing up.

Celtic Fiddle Lessons Slated

Beginning in September, fiddle lessons will be offered for the first time through the Callanish School. Lissa Schneckenburger, New England Conservatory of Music graduate and winner of numerous Scottish music awards, will be offering private and group lessons at Maggie’s house in Sandwich on Tuesdays. Lessons are for children and adults, beginner to advanced level. A six-week session is planned for the following dates: Sept. 24; Oct. 8, 22; Nov. 5, 19; Dec. 3

Please see Maggie for more details if interested.

Cape Breton Music Group Coming to Yarmouth

On Monday, August 19th, Cape Breton sensation Beòlach will be performing at the Yarmouth Senior Center, Forest Road, South Yarmouth. This group of traditional musicians are awesome and are a must see! Tickets are $12.50 in advance or $15 at the door. The concert begins at 7:30 PM with a traditional Cape Breton dance to follow. Please see Maggie or Nancy Walker if you are interested in purchasing tickets.

Callanish School to Help with Community Service Project

Elder Services of Cape Cod, and the Cape & Islands Senior Service Corps (Maggie’s Mom’s work) are sponsoring a Unity in the Spirit of America commemorative event in memory of Brian Sweeney, a resident of Cape Cod who died on Flight 175 when it crashed into the World Trade Center on September 11. The Points of Light Foundation is encouraging community groups all around the country to participate in these events. Elder Service’s project is a baby shower for the Council of Churches Baby Center in Hyannis. The Baby Center distributes diapers, clothing and other baby necessities to low-income parents, starting at 7 months of pregnancy until the child is 2 years old. Please consider donating one of the items on the accompanying flyer or even a monetary donation. Maggie will be collecting things in class until August 14th and purchasing items from monies given. This is a great way that Callanish School can give back to the community and help commemorate a local resident.

Hats Off!

Congratulations to the following dancers who earned medals and Trophies at recent competitions:

Upcoming Events

17 Aug Maine Highland Games, 9-5
19 Aug Beòlach concert, 7:30 pm, Yarmouth Senior Center
24 Aug Queechee VT Highland Games, 9-5
24 Aug Hanlon Family Birthday, 11:30 AM
Flax Pond, South Yarmouth (12-1 show)
24 Aug Long Island Highland Games, 9-5
30 Aug - 1 Sept Capital District Highland Games, 9-5
9 Sept Parents' Meeting, WBCB, 6:45 PM
Pot-luck supper
14-15 Sept New Hampshire Highland Games
5 Oct Goshen, CT Highland Games, 9-5
13 Oct Scotland, CT Scottish Festival, 9-5
11-12 Jan 2nd Annual Callanish Winter Fling

Need more info on festivals? See the official Highland Games web site at: www.maclachlans.org/games.html