Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas

Mark your calendars, folks: Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas are returning to Whidbey Island April 12-14, 2013, for a series of workshops and a concert finale, and you’re invited. Fraser, consummate Scottish fiddler and gregarious inspired artist, will lead fiddlers, cellists, and guitarists in learning a handful of new tunes, and will be supported by Natalie Haas on cello  and Northwest Scottish Fiddlers’ music director Calum MacKinnon, who will provide nurturing support to new fiddlers.

Interested? You should be. Whidbey Island is gorgeous, and the weekend is simply a blast. Click Workshop and Concert – registration and fees for details.  Check out “Just the Facts”, FAQs and the “Daily Happenings” below for more details.

Just the Facts…….

High energy class with the younger crowd!

Who and What:  Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas Scottish Fiddle and Cello Workshop

When:  Friday, April 12, through Sunday, April 14, 2013

Where:  Camp Casey, Whidbey Island, WA http://spu.edu/depts/casey

Basic costs:

Registration: $50 (NW Scottish Fiddle club: $25)

Workshop: $125

Meals and Lodging: $135

Memories: Priceless!

Concert ticket: 1 included with workshop fee!

*See http://www.nwscottishfiddlers.org/register/ for full details!

Applicants must be prepared for fun!

Frequently Asked Questions…

We are thrilled to be involved in this, the fifth Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas workshop on beautiful Whidbey Island!  We thought sharing some of the more frequently heard questions and comments might help you better prepare for this wonderful weekend in April!

Will we get sheet music to help us learn the tunes?  No- there’ll be no sheet music.  All music is taught by ear, in a group setting. The music is being taught as it is taught in the traditional manner.  Bring a recording device (some people brought staff paper and pencils, too!). After the workshop, music will be posted on our website.

I am a beginner fiddle player, will this be too tough for me? Keep in mind we usually learn a slower tune, such as an air, a march, usually a strathspey, a jig or two, and at least one reel.   Although we are not offering private lessons for beginners, we will offer beginner group classes, taught by Calum MacKinnon, for those needing a little more help with the tunes.

What if I am used to learning music by reading it first?  This will be a new experience for you.  We will have Calum MacKinnon on hand to offer help learning the tunes in special break out classes. You’ll also find there will be people picking up their instruments at all times of day, trying to get those tunes right.  Just join in, because you never know where it might take you!

What can I expect the weather to be like?  There won’t be any reason to bring suntan lotion, but we will be warmer than you might expect since we’re so close to the Pacific Ocean!  Temperatures will probably be between the mid 30’s – to mid 50’s. We can hope for sunshine, but most likely it might rain, we could throw some wind in, too! We will send you an updated forecast the week prior to camp so you can make preparations.

What other activities might I be able to participate in besides the workshop?

There’s something for everyone!  You can hike around Ft. Casey and check out the enormous gun placements, and grounds. A lighthouse nearby will also beckon to you. Many folks enjoy hanging out on the beach- the sunsets can be spectacular! There’s a gymnasium for a quick pick up game of hoops.  There’ll be opportunities for late night jamming (until curfew hours), and jamming about any other time of the day when we aren’t in class. You’ll also want to plan on the ceilidh Saturday night- there’ll be Scottish country dancing, a talent show, and more!   Coupeville, is a  quaint little town nearby for picking up things you might have forgotten or if you’re in to shopping.

I’ve sent in my registration but I am wondering if I’ve been accepted…

We will make it our goal to respond to you in less than 10 days. If you haven’t heard from us regarding your registration, remember all primary contacts will be notified via email unless they cannot be reached by that means. Be sure to set your email account so that messages from weekend@nwscottishfiddlers.org will not be intercepted by spam filters.

If I have special concerns about the camp that haven’t been addressed elsewhere on the website, whom can I contact? You can email us at: weekend@nwscottishfiddlers.org or call the registrar at 425-766-9689….