They have had a busy 25th anniversary year at Fèis Rois with lots of performances, special projects and events, including publishing a new Fèis Rois book.

New Fèis Rois Gaelic Language and Tune Book: As part of their 25th anniversary celebration, Fèis Rois has published a new book with two distinct sections. You can read more and buy a copy online for £15 from www.feisrois.org.

The first half of the book aims to support tutors, participants and anyone else who is interested in learning the Gaelic language. This part of the book contains the following:

• General Gaelic language phrases Fèis Rois hope will be useful in everyday conversation, particularly at Fèis events;
• Specific Gaelic language phrases that are relevant to learning and teaching the many different instruments and subjects on offer at a Fèis;
• An accompanying 70-minute CD

The second half of the book is a music resource. It includes:

• A selection of more than 30 songs and tunes from the Gaelic tradition that will provide a shared repertoire amongst Fèis tutors and participants;
• As 2011 is their Silver Jubilee, Fèis Rois are also delighted to include 10 tunes that celebrate the very special people who have contributed to the success of Fèis Rois over the past 25 years. These include compositions by Duncan MacGillivray, Norman Gillies, Mairearad Green, John Somerville, Blair Douglas, Lauren MacColl, Corrina Hewat, James Ross and Val Bryan.
• An accompanying CD of each of the tunes being played through slowly for those who are more comfortable learning by ear than with sheet music.

The book also includes lots of photos and images of Fèis Rois through the years.

FEIS ROIS IS 25 DVD!

On 11th November 2011, Fèis Rois held a very special concert in Eden Court Theatre. The first half of the concert featured 11 young musicians performing alongside tradition bearers, Aonghas Grant, Rona Lightfoot, Kenna Campbell, John Carmichael and Fergie MacDonald.

The second half of the concert features 25 people who, between them, represent the 25 years of Fèis Rois. They include: Corrina Hewat, Rachel Newton, Fraya Thomsen, Louise Mackenzie, Ronan Martin, Gillian Stevenson, Olivia Ross, Lauren MacColl, Mairearad Green, John Somerville, Mike Bryan, Barry Reid, Ruairaidh Campbell, Colin McLean, Angus Binnie and young people currently attending Fèis Rois workshops.

This 2-hour concert is available to buy on DVD for the cost of £10 plus £2 postage and packaging. Pre-order your copy by dropping an e-mail to fios@feisrois.org. The DVD will be available in January.

NEW WORKSHOP PROGRAMME FOR ADULTS

Starting on Wednesday 18 January 2012 and initially running for 10 weeks… A SLOW JAM at Tulloch Castle Hotel, Dingwall from 8 – 10pm. Led by Bob Massie, an informal opportunity for adult learners to get together to share and learn songs and tunes. All instruments and ability levels welcome. Free, No need to book!

Starting on Thursday 19 January 2012 and running for 10 weeks… A range of fiddle classes with Gillian Stevenson (Rhythm n Reel) to suit all levels of experience at Dingwall Community Centre.

• Complete Beginners 6.30pm – 7.15pm £60 for the term
• Improvers 7.30pm – 8.30pm £70 for the term
• Intermediate + 8.30pm – 9.30pm £70 for the term

Book online at www.feisrois.org

Starting on Monday 13th February and running for 7 weeks… New workshops led by Val Bryan at the Macphail Centre, Ullapool

• Complete Beginners Guitar 6.30pm – 7.30pm £49 for the term*
• Beginning to Play Together 7.45pm – 8.45pm £49 for the term*

– all instruments and abilities welcome *£90 for both classes

Book online at www.feisrois.org

WEEKLY CLASSES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

The programme of weekly classes for Lochcarron, Ullapool, Avoch and Evanton resume week beginning 16th January 2012.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY in 2012

• 24 – 26 February – Fèis Rois nan Oileanach Gàidhlig (Student Fèis)
• 2 – 6 April – Fèis Rois Oigridh (The Junior Fèis for pupils in P5-7)
• 4 – 7 May – Fèis Rois Inbhich (The Adult Fèis)
• 8 – 12 October – Fèis Rois nan Deugairean (The Senior Fèis for pupils from S1-6)

Source: Fèis Rois
Web: www.feisrois.org