Congratulations to Angus MacKenzie / Eilean a' Cheòl who has been nominated in Community Project of the Year sponsored by Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2023. Vote for Angus MacKenzie / Eilean a' Cheòl now!. It’s going to be another great night at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on Saturday 2nd December in Dundee’s Caird Hall. Why not join us for a brilliant night of music and awards. Buy a ticket here.
We asked Angus of Angus MacKenzie / Eilean a' Cheòl the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
I have been running this project through Seall with assistance from Feisean nan Gaidheal and in particular Fèis an Earraich as part of Creative Scotland's Culture Collective. The aim of my project was to create social situations for young people to play music especially off the back of covid where this wasn't happening. Skye is such a big geographical area and lots of different communities spread out over a wide area so I used a lot of community spaces, such as halls and cafes all over the island to play and teach. In the summer we put together a 17 piece ceilidh band and toured community halls across the island bringing people of all generations and communites together.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
Personally I have been involved in Scottish music for over twenty years and want to bring some of my experience back to the young musicians of Skye, so that they can enjoy the social experience of playing traditional music, and learning about Gaelic culture.
Any particular career highlights?
In terms of this project, being able to bring together a band of 16 children ranging in age from 10 to 19 and having them play to such high level of performance and professionalism on a proper week long tour around Skye.
What are your plans for the future?
I want to see this project grow to where it becomes the norm and have more and more children become involved with playing their music and all aspects of their culture.
Angus MacKenzie / Eilean a' Cheòl Social Media
Website:
Facebook: @angusmackenzieceol
Twitter: @
Instagram: @
YouTube: @angusmackenzieceol
TikTok: @
The 2023 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards are on the 2nd December 2023! You will be able to watch it live in person (buy a ticket here),Watch it live in the UK at 9pm (GMT) on BBC ALBA and and around the world here. Bands performing on Saturday 2nd December include Peatbog Faeries, Mànran, Karine Polwart and Dave Milligan, Duncan Chisholm Band, Joy Dunlop Band, Aberdeen SC&T Youth and more!
If you would like to support Hands Up for Trad in their work with Scottish trad music and musicians why not become a friend of Hands Up for Trad. In addition to our high profile events like the Scots Trad Music Awards, we also deliver a less well known, education programme for young people from 8yrs right through to young adults at the start of their careers. Read more here.
