Fèis an Tairbeirt celebrated the re-launch of its tune book,Ceòl Earra-Ghàidheil with a large enthusiastic audience at The Gather in Tarbert.
The recent event was full of wonderful performances from many talented musicians.
The afternoon kicked off with a brilliant set of tunes from the Fèis an Tairbeirt Treòir pupils who have been learning online, with only occasional in-person tuition.
This was followed by music from Niamh MacKaveney, Calum McIlroy and Ryan McGlynn. The Loch Fyne Ceilidh Rehearsal Band continued the party with toe-tapping tunes.
“We were delighted to have Kintyre musicians Anne Leith and Les Oman with us, who performed an interesting and entertaining set from the Willie Mitchell songbook. Some of these songs can be found in our tune book,” said a spokesperson for Fèis an Tairbeirt.
Tune books are available from Earragael, Harbour Street, Tarbert, for £10. The new tune book, Ceòl Earra-Ghàidheil, features information and stories on the songs and tunes, along with chords and chord charts and special thanks go to Ailie Robertson who researched, arranged in some cases and collated tunes and songs.
The collection of tunes and songs brings together traditional repertoire from Argyll for use at Fèisean, drawing from a rich variety of manuscripts, collections and recordings.
“I hope it will provide tutors with a valuable resource for teaching traditional music,” said Ailie. “The tunes are not instrument specific and hopefully the keys used will be comfortable for most instrumentalists. Songs and tunes are traditional except where marked.”
Fèis an Tairbeirt thanked Calum McIlroy for adding chords and Kintyre author and historian Angus Martin, along with piping historian Iain Duncan, originally from Campbeltown, who generously edited and sent on additional history and stories surrounding the songs and tunes.
Fèis an Tairbeirt thank Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust for the funding which allowed the event to take place and the re-launch of the tune books.
“Thank you to all the wonderful musicians who played on Saturday and to their families for the continued support, the tutors, Janet West for filming, everyone who came along and the Gather in Tarbert where we hosted the event,” said the spokesperson.
“Another special thank you goes to all our committee members for their hard work throughout the year organising these events.
“The pupils’ performances at the weekend showed us that traditional music is still well and truly alive within Argyll.”