The Scottish Gaelic Society of Victoria
ar CeÒl
our music
The musical heritage of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland is in large part a Gaelic one. There is a huge body of material from which to choose. For instance, Gaelic songs are very numerous and diverse in nature. There are songs, for instance, which were made specifically to accompany work – waulking the tweed, rowing, milking and so on. There are others whose origins relate to music for dancing - ‘puirt a beul’ or mouth music - and many others such as laments, songs of nostalgia, praise, humorous songs and songs about nature.
The Scottish Gaelic Choir of Victoria
The Scottish Gaelic Choir has an extensive repertoire of traditional Gaelic songs. New songs are constantly introduced so the Choir is able to draw on its wide range for special performances such as ceilidhs and other festive celebrations.
History of the choir
The Scottish Gaelic Choir of Victoria was formed in 1997 by a small group of Gaelic learners with an interest in the traditional songs of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. The learners were all members of the Scottish Gaelic Society of Victoria.
To begin with the choir was nothing more than a group of people with no director, no direction and no experience singing simple Gaelic songs in unison. It was not long before Leigh Wigglesworth joined the choir as its first director, bringing with her many years of experience. It was under her direction that the name ‘The Scottish Gaelic Choir of Victoria’ was formally established and the distinctive Flower of Scotland tartan adopted as the choir’s uniform.
The choir has had many
engagements. Performances have been given at Highland gatherings, the
annual National Celtic Festival in Portarlington, multicultural events,
several Burns concerts, various church congregations, and a number of
other community organizations.
A CD recording of the choir was produced in the SBS recording studios in 1999.
When: Rehearsals are held every Tuesday evening from 7.30 - 9.30 pm
Where: Blackflats Community Centre (former Glen Waverley Primary School)
Corner of Springvale and Waverley Roads, Glen Waverley
Melways Reference: Map 71 C4
Costs: Fees for our choir are $40.00 per quarter. Fees contribute towards the cost of the rehearsal hall hire and a nominal gratuity to our Choir Director.
Non members are required to pay an additional $20.00 for annual membership to the Scottish Gaelic Society of Victoria.
For further information about the choir, please e-mail us by clicking here.
Who sings in the Gaelic choir?
People form all backgrounds, of all ages and from all sections of the community. All that is necessary is a love of music, an interest in things Gaelic, and above all, the ability to have a good time!
Why join the Gaelic choir?
Most people join the choir because they have an interest in the music, but many people from the Gaelic language classes are also in the Scottish Gaelic. Learning Gaelic music helps with learning the language, and vice versa!
Do I have to know how to read music?
You do not need to know how to read music to join the choir. Traditionally, Celtic music is learned by ear, and this is the main way that the choir learns most of its music. In fact, most of the choir members do not read music, but this does not stop us from making music.
For further information about the choir, please e-mail us by clicking here.