Common Ground Scotland
August 2nd - August 7th, 2009
The Summer Schools programme for 2008 is now complete and we are currently planning for 2009. Dates for 2009 are confirmed and we are working with our tutors to confirm programme details for 2009. The format of each week is likely to be similar in 2009 to the weeks just completed. Although the information below relates mainly to 2008, please treat it as an indicative programme for next year.
“Common Ground is about a dream. Not a day dream or a night dream, but a vision, and that dream is so practical and so relevant that it has this magnetic quality to attract us to fulfill it.” Dr. Ira G. Zepp, Jr.
"For my own part, I have been to many Summer Schools and Festivals but have never come away so fulfilled and uplifted by the totality of the experience quite like this one achieved. Tired? Yes! Exhilarated? Without a doubt!" - Willie Slavin
“After one week of whistle classes I can’t believe how much I have improved. Although there were people in the class much better than me, I was able to relax and learn at my own pace – I think I’ve done pretty well!” – Susie Heywood
“Blues night was brilliant! It’s great to see artists who’ve only just met performing together like that. I think that’s part of what makes Common Ground so unique” – Derek Chattelle
Some pictures from the Summer Schools taken by Pete Heywood are available on flickr.com Flickr is a website for photographers. The link will take you to a 'Set' taken by Pete Heywood. You will also find 'sets' of other weeks and other folk related photos of Pete's flickr site. Link to Common Ground 2008 photos on Flickr
This link will take you to some photos from Common Ground 2007. Click here for Common Ground Week, 2007 pictures
Common Ground Scotland is a Summer School for The Traditional Arts. It is much more than a series of workshops, or masterclasses, or concerts, or dances, or festival - although it will be all of these and more. Tutors, performers and participants will come from both sides of the Atlantic, giving people the opportunity to learn about their cultures both on their home ground and as visitors from a related tradition - the best of Scottish fiddle music alongside the fiddle Music of Ireland being just one example.
Some people will see Common Ground as a festival, though it will be more relaxed and less pressured than the normal hectic routine of a festival. Others may see it as a real learning opportunity or a source of inspiration for the long winter nights of practice on their instrument. Some may see it as a great holiday with plenty of interesting things on the menu. Others will see it as a place to make friendships that span national and cultural divides. However you view it, it will be an opportunity to meet people with similar interests and to share a wonderful week where music and the arts will be the 'Common Ground'.
Each day is filled with a variety of workshops, masterclasses, jamming sessions, performances and social activities. The structure provides a flexibility which allows participants to pick and choose what they want to learn. From beginners whistle to a masterclass in guitar, there is something for everyone of all ages and levels of experience. Underpinning the whole arts experience is an ethos which encourages discussion and dialogue on issues relevant to our art and our culture. Common Ground is unique, and we encourage you to come and see for yourself what we have to offer.
Registration is on Sunday afternoon. In the evening there will be a 'Welcome Concert' and a chance to get to know your tutors and familiarise yourself with the venue and facilities.
Classes start at 9.15 on Monday morning and finish on Friday just before lunch. There will be a busy programme of evening activities and various social activities throughout the week
Common Ground Weekend
In previous years we have had a relaxing 'festival weekend' at the end of the Common Ground workshop week. More information on Common Ground Festival Weekend |
