Community
Over the years SMG has run a number of community projects. In addition to this, SMG students have been encouraged to take their music out into the community, which they have done in a variety of ways. Several groups began life within SMG and have since become successful independent projects, and other groups have linked up with us to offer more music opportunities.
SMG PROJECTS
CAFE CEILIDH
Café Ceilidh is a friendly day-time traditional music, song, poem and story session, held in the Storytelling Court at The Scottish Storytelling Centre from 2-3.30pm. Singers and musicians from SMG who would like to perform are most welcome as are non SMG folk! Bring a turn and join in! If you would prefer to listen you are very welcome too. This is a real confidence builder for those who are new to performing to an audience, and fun for those who are more experienced. Free!
Tuesday 3rd October
Tuesday 28th November
Tuesday 23rd January 2024 – celebrating Robert Burns
Tuesday 5th March – celebrating St Patrick’s Day
Tuesday 7th May – Edinburgh TradFest
Tuesday 18th June
INSPIRE
Between 2010 and 2018, SMG ran several Inspire projects which worked in partnership with a variety of homeless and mental health charities to give people who needed greater support the opportunity to take part in music. Inspire ran in a variety of ways, including groups within partner projects, one-to-one sessions and the Inspire Choir. Inspire had over 8000 attendances, and people supported to create their own music and perform in the community. To find out more, visit the Inspire resources page.
AFFILLIATED GROUPS WHO RAISE FUNDS FOR SMG
CEILIDH CALEERIE
Ceilidh Caleerie, grew out of SMG’s Wednesday night playing for dancing class, and they regularly play for community and charity ceilidhs (for a small donation to Ceilidh Caleerie funds). Ceilidh Caleerie’s policy is to play at events for good causes which couldn’t otherwise hold a ceilidh rather than competing with professional bands, but they do offer a full ceilidh complete with calling, and have their own PA system. Contact the band through their website: ceilidhcaleeriedanceband.wordpress.com
NIGEL’S ALL STARS
Nigel’s Allstars are members of a Scots Music Group mixed instrument class led by Nigel Gatherer. A number of students in the class decided that they wanted to share the pleasure they took from playing Scots traditional music by taking their tunes and songs out of the classroom and in 2010 the band was born.
Nigel’s Allstars play in day care centres, hospitals and for isolated groups in the community. The band members themselves benefit hugely from the connections they make throughout the city and from the happiness their playing brings.
Proceeds are donated to Scots Music Group.
WIDER SMG FAMILY
Sangstream
Fiddle
Festival
Scots Moothie
Group
String Circle
Workshops
Linten
Adie
Edinburgh Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra
Auld Spice
Ceilidh Band