This term we have been delivering free after-school clubs across Scotland for children aged 8-10 years, with recruitment workshops in primary schools. Dolina Munro has been working with children in Wester Ross, in north-west Scotland throughout the month of May. With an emphasis on fun, collaboration and musicianship skills, this free project has been welcomed by young singers in the area from primary 1 to 3.
Pupils from Lochcarron, Applecross and Shieldaig primary schools have taken part in weekly music workshops and a popular after-school singing club. Singing games and songs have been enjoyed in English and Gaelic, giving some of the local children an opportunity to use both languages.
Gaelic Medium teacher Kirsty Elder highlights some of the benefits:
“Dolina and the Wee Sing workshop has been a great experience for the class. The children are really enthusiastic about the sessions and song is such as great way for them to build confidence. The Gaelic songs are especially beneficial for the children to use their Gaelic in a new, fun context.”
In addition to the benefits of using indigenous language, NYCOS Wee Sing has been an inviting platform for children to engage with song, learning musicianship skills such as matching pitches and keeping a beat as they learn.
Class teacher Kim Maclennan notes:
“The Wee Sing has been a great success with my class. They love the songs and are singing away as they go back to class.”
See photos from Wee Sing Wester Ross below and some of the stunning landscape captured by Dolina Munro.
This work has been made possible in collaboration with High Life Highland and with support from Youth Music Initiative Access to Music Making.