Curtain goes up for music students in special showcase

Curtain up is at 7.30pm and the talented musicians, who have been studying for a BA (Hons) Applied Music Degree will perform a range of pieces from the tradtional to the contemporary inspired by the communities and cultural landscape where they live and work.

This innovative degree course encourages students to enjoy and actively pursue a variety of performing, recording and teaching experiences, whilst developing networks nationally and internationally.

The concert will chart some of these journeys and introduce new names to the stage.

The showcase is part the final residency for fourth year students who will be graduating with honours degrees in the BA Applied Music in the summer.

As well as taking part in the concert the residency also allowed students the opportunity to engage in a variety of workshops delivered by expert local musicians and artists, including psalm singing with Calum Martin, with a series of step dance classes, a song-writing workshop with contemporary musician Willie Campbell of Astrid, Artist and Representation with Pete Fletcher.

Programme Leader Anna-Wendy Stevenson explains: “We are delighted to bring our students to Stornoway – residencies are the opportunity for students to collaborate with each other and also to explore the culture of a different geographical region in Scotland.

“Each year students travel to four residencies as part of this degree programme and the Hebrides are a culturally rich and beautiful location – bursting with talent to share.”

Previous residencies have been held in Shetland, Inverness, Glasgow, Benbecula and each has a focus project.

The Stornoway residency will end with a visit to Callanish which will be the field trip set to inspire for a series of new compositions which will be performed at the next residency in Inverness September 2016.

Anna-Wendy Stevenson, continued: “Applied Music is about learning how to develop and apply, be entrepreneurial and develop a career in Music and music related industry.

“It values community and educational engagement, the development of practical skills and initiative required to work effectively.

“Many of our students are operating in informal and formal music education contexts whilst studying for this degree, so their practice is enhanced and their degree study is relevant and meaningful.”

Still new to the educational landscape, this degree has pushed boundaries in many respects including engagement and collaboration with other universities in Australia and Sweden in a real time online pass the parcel composition project as part of a Virtual residency.

Tickets are priced from £8 to £10 for more ticket information contact An Lanntair on: 01851 708 480.