Tursachan

The Newsletter of the Callanish School of Celtic Arts

Dear Students and Parents,

It’s hard to believe that March is already here and that we’re busy once again with all those St. Patrick’s Day gigs. Did you know that St. Patrick was actually from Scotland? The dancers survived the DELCO dance workshop despite being snowed-in for two days in Philadelphia. Please read this newsletter carefully as there is a lot of pertinent information about upcoming events.

Mòran Taing,

Maggie Carchrie

Lissa Announces New CD

Our very own fiddle instructor, Lissa Schneckenburger, has released another CD, this time with her group “Spin”. CDs are available for $10 through Maggie or Lissa or can be purchased through her web site at www.lissafiddle.com. Check out her web site for upcoming performances around Massachusetts!

February was Chocolate Month

Thanks to all the families who sold chocolate last month. If you have not returned your money or left over chocolate, please do so ASAP. Any parents wishing to sell chocolate at other points during the year, please let Maggie know and she will get you some.

New Fiddle Session

The next fiddle session will begin on Tuesday, April 8th. Please have your tuition to Maggie by your last lesson in March to ensure your spot!

Beginning Chanter Lessons

On Friday, April 11th, the first monthly chanter lesson with Donald Lindsay will be held from 5:00-6:00 PM at Maggie’s house in Sandwich. The cost of attending is $12. Please register with Maggie before the 11th.

Adult Step Dance Class Slated

Beginning on Monday, March 3rd, a new adult Cape Breton Step dance class will be held from 7-8 PM on a bi-weekly basis. The cost for the 8 classes is $90.

Gaelic Lessons Slated

Beginning this month, Thomas Leigh will start-up a new Gaelic I class at the Sandwich Community School. The class will meet from 6:00-7:30 PM beginning on Monday, March 10th.

Gaelic & Scots Singing Class

A new children’s singing class has begun on Thursdays, from 4:30-5 PM just before the Intermediate Highland Class at the YCC. The cost is $5 per week and is payable by the month. Children will be required to purchase three song books for $12.

Swords

As many of you know, there is a growing shortage of school swords. With the increasing number of students there aren’t enough swords for everyone to check out. Therefore, I am asking that anyone who deems it financially possible to purchase a sword on their own. Swords may be bought through Highland X-Press for $75 plus shipping. They should be the swords with the medal blade and brass handle. Please see Maggie if you have any questions.

Meeting for Scotland 2004

Now that everyone’s deposit has been paid, it’s time to get planning our trip! A meeting of all trip goers will be held on Sunday, March 30th at 2 PM at Maggie’s house. Important information will be discussed such as getting passports, where people would like to go and how and when we’re all going to get to Scotland! If you aren’t in attendance, important decisions will be made without you, so PLEASE do your best to come. The next deposit of $500 per person is due by July 1st.

Gala Concert Planned

On Friday, September 12th the Callanish School will be putting on a Gala Concert to raise funds for our trip to Scotland next year. The concert will be held at 7:30 PM at Cape Cod Community College. Ticket prices will be $15/$10. Each family planning on going to Scotland will be required to sell 10 tickets to friends and family. Select dancers will be invited to perform along with nationally known groups “Sheiling” (Donald Lindsay’s band), Lissa Schneckenburger’s trio, and “Rù-Rà” (Maggie’s band). Less experienced dancers will serve as the ushers for the evening. The Colum Cille Pipe Band will also be opening and closing the show. There will be lots of jobs for Callanish Families and a formal meeting will be held to discuss details sometime in the spring.

Please Note:

You must arrive on time to all gigs. Tardiness effects the entire School and sometimes other groups as well. Dancers who forget costume parts will not be allowed to perform, so use your check lists! Swords should always be brought to shows as Maggie does not bring extra swords with her and sometimes isn’t even at the gig!

Hats Off!

Congratulations to the following students who received a $150 Scholarship for lessons from the Highland Light Scottish Society:

Upcoming Events

1 March 4C’s Multicultural Festival TBA
9 March Cape Regency Nursing Home, Centerville 2:30 PM Show (arrive 2 PM)
15 March Newport, RI St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Arrive 10:30 for an 11 AM start. More details TBA.
16 March Harbor Point Nursing Home, Centerville
2:30 PM Show (arrive 2 PM)
5 April National Tartan Day, HLSS Event at Wixon Middle School, S. Dennis
12 April Manchester, NH Indoor Highland Dance Competition
13 April Mayflower Place, Yarmouthport, MA
2:30 Show (Arrive 2 pm)
27 April St. Andrews Society of MA Spring Event – Quincy Historical Society, Quincy, MA
3 PM (arrive 2:30 pm)
3 May National Dance Week (Cape Cod Mall)
2:30 Show (Arrive 2 pm– tentative time)
4 May Hyannis Skilled Care Center (Formally Lewis Bay Nursing Home)
2:30 Show (Arrive 2 pm)
17 May RI Highland Games, Westerly, RI
1 June Woodbrier Nursing Home, Falmouth, MA
2:30 Show (Arrive 2 pm)
7 June Southern NH Highland Games Greenfield, NH
15 June School Trip to Zooquarium, W. Yarmouth, MA
2:00 pm
4 July Town of Barnstable 4th of July Parade, Hyannis, MA
19 July Glasgowlands Highland Games, Westfield, MA

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