The Newsletter of the Callanish School of Celtic Arts
Dear Students and Parents,
Welcome back after a hopefully wonderful and restful holiday season. Congrats to all the students on a job well done at the Winter Solstice Cèilidh last month. The winter semester proves to be a very busy time for the School with the Winter Fling at the end of January and February marking the start of our Nursing Home shows. Any gigs listed in the newsletter are open to all students to come and perform at once your instructor has indicated that you are ready. With so much coming up, I hope that everyone will become involved.
Mòran Taing,
Maggie Carchrie
New Tuition Policy
There has been a growing problem of tuition being late. Effective immediately, anyone who is late with their payment and has not made arrangements with Maggie will pay a $10 late fee.
Natalie MacMaster Concert Canceled
Due to lack of interest, the School trip to see Natalie MacMaster has been canceled. Please let Maggie know if you would like your money reimbursed or applied towards lessons.
Callanish Winter Fling Update
Now is the time for the school to get into full swing with the Callanish Winter Fling. Here is a breakdown of what’s ahead:
Jobs: There will be plenty of jobs needing to be filled during the weekend. For new parents, the biggest way you can help is by picking a time on Saturday to man the Callanish Table. The parents of more experienced dancers will be busy with their kids competing, so we really need all of you! You would be in charge of selling our fundraising items along with selling drinks and goodies.
Bake Sale: Please bring a goodie to sell, bagged in 50¢ amounts. We made almost $100 last year which tremendously helped to defray costs!
T-Shirts/Pullovers: We will be selling Winter Fling T-Shirt for $15 and Pullovers for $30. Please show your school spirit by purchasing a shirt and wearing it that weekend. This is another fundraiser to help defray costs. Maggie will be bringing the shirts into lessons as soon as they arrive.
Trophy/Medal Donations: We are still looking for sponsors of Trophies and medals. Trophies are $40 and Medals are $25 per set. They may be donated in the name of a loved one, Clan, business or just from you!
Raffle: As at any true Scottish event, we will be holding a raffle. Items are still needed, Scottish or not. Please consider donating your “weird” Christmas presents or asking a local merchant for a donation. I have copies of the HLSS tax exempt status if you would like a copy when approaching stores. We could also use food donations/restaurant gift certificates to feed the judge!
Bagpipe Lesson Schedule
Bagpipe lessons with Donald Lindsay of Albany, NY will be held on the following dates this year:
January 9-10
February 27-28
March 26-27
April 23-24
May 7-8
Colum Cille will continue to meet from 3-5 pm on Saturday afternoons. Private lessons should now be scheduled with Donald directly, by e-mailing him at: invrmark@albany.net.
February is Chocolate Month
Our annual chocolate sale will be held in February. Each student will be given at least one case of Hebert’s Chocolate to sell (we’re trying out a new company this year with better flavors!). There are 40 bars per box and they sell for $1 each. This sale brings in over $1,000 annually and is an easy fundraiser. Please return all money and/or chocolate to your instructor by the first class in March. Remember, $20 per box will go directly into your account for either costumes or our trip to Cape Breton.
DELCO Mid-Winter Highland Dance Workshop
The Callanish Highland Dancers will be traveling once again to Philadelphia, PA for the DELCO workshop from February 20-22, 2004. Well-known instructors from Scotland and Canada will be there teaching for the weekend. All Beginner to Premier dancers age 8 and older are encouraged to attend. Maggie and others will be driving kids down and chaperoning the weekend. The cost for the workshop is $60 and the cost for the hotel and gas is approximately $100 each, less if more dancers attend. Children will have to bring money for food. The entourage will be leaving from Maggie’s house at 9 AM on Friday, February 20 and returning either late on Sunday night or on Monday afternoon (depending on the consensus of the group). Please fill out the DELCO registration sheet, available from Maggie, and return by January 19.
Congrats!
Congratulations to the following students on their recent accomplishments in the Celtic Arts:
Morgan Pell & Nathan Dyer: For receiving a $150 Scholarship each from the Highland Light Scottish Society.
Have a Question?
Maggie now has scheduled office hours to answer your questions and to hear
your concerns:
Mondays 10 AM – 3 PM
Thursdays 10 AM – 2 PM
The new school phone number is: (508) 833-4828.
Upcoming Events
| 24 January | HLSS Burns Supper, Cape Codder Hotel, 7 pm (Intermediate Dancers and Scholarship Winners Only) |
| 30 January–1 February | Callanish Winter Fling, Cape Cod Community College |
| 14 February | Harborpoint Nursing Home, Centerville (Arrive 2 PM for a 2:30 Show) |
| 17 February | Thirwood Place Assisted Living, Yarmouth (Arrive 5:30 for 6 pm Show) |
| 20–22 February | DELCO Workshop, King of Prussia, PA |
| 6 March | CCCC Multicultural Fair, 10 am–4 pm |
| 7 March | Cape Regency Nursing Home, C’Ville (Arrive 2 pm for 2:30 Show) |
| 13 March | Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade with Colum Cille Pipe Band (Time TBA) |
| 14 March | Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner (Fundraiser) Bookstore and Restaurant, Wellfleet, MA |
| 20 March | Celtic Thunder Concert (Rù-Rà & Lissa), Carleton Hall, Dennis, 7 pm |
| 21 March | Hyannis Skilled Care Center, Hyannis (Arrive 2 pm for 2:30 Show) |
| 25 March | PEO Woman’s Luncheon, Hyannis |
| 27 April | Orleans Woman’s Club, 1:30 PM |
Need more info on festivals? See the official Highland Games web site at: www.maclachlans.org/games.html