Congratulations to Ian Ruari Finlayson who has been nominated in Music Tutor of the Year sponsored by Creative Scotland Youth Music Initiative in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2019. Vote here! Vote now!
We asked Ian Ruari Finlayson of Skye Youth Pipe Band the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
I started playing the chanter at the age of 8 and progressed onto the bagpipes at age 10 getting lessons from Iain MacFadyen in Kyle primary school. I left school and went straight into the Queen’s own Highlanders Pipe Band getting instruction from Pipe Major Alasdair Gillies. I have been teaching for the last 13 years on the Isle of Skye teaching children from the age of 8 to 18. The Skye youth Pipe Band has a piping and drumming programme instructing children to all levels for competing or just playing a tune down the street and playing at lots of different engagements. We practice every week after school and also do weekend workshops.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
I have been brought up in a family that has a keen interest in traditional music. This gave me the interest in learning the bagpipes.
Any particular career highlights?
Having pupils going away and getting accepted for the Royal Conservatoire gives you a great buzz. It’s great to see some of the students making it and playing in there own bands especially when you get to see them on television.
Playing the pipes for the Queen when I was 15 was a great experience. I have played at the Edinburgh Tattoo.
The best experience I have ever had was having the opportunity to play with the Spirit of Scotland Pipe Band in grade 1 at the World Pipe Band championships. This band was made up of the worlds best pipers.
What are your plans for the future?
Continuing passing all the knowledge I have to all the up and coming pipers. Develop the Pipe Band and give all children the opportunity that I have had.
Read more about Skye Youth Pipe Band
http://skyeyouthpipeband.com
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If you wish to attend the final ceremony, tickets are are priced £25 (+ Booking Fee), and Concessions are available. To book please call Aberdeen Music Hall Box Office on 01224 641122, or visit: https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/all-shows/the-mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards/2734. Bands performing on Saturday 7th December include Skerryvore, Session A9, Benedict Morris (BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award Winner 2019), Heisk, Aberdeenshire Youth Band, Sian, Robyn Stapleton, Mairi Campbell and the Pendulum Band, Susan MacFadyen Scottish Dance Band and more to be announced. There will also be a late night ceilidh after the Awards till 1am.
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