Caithness choir gets funding for two scholarships
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A CAITHNESS choir has secured funding to give two local primary pupils a scholarship for a year. The Tutti Choir – set up by North Highland College music lecturer, Kara Gray – was awarded the money by the Daniel McLean Memorial Fund which was formed to help young and retired musicians. The two pupils who will benefit are Charlie Sutherland-Holmes from Thurso and Ruby Evetts from Halkirk.
Kara is delighted with the funding and said: "We’re so grateful to The Daniel McLean Memorial Fund. It’s a fantastic opportunity for young musicians and retired musicians to get some extra funds for their projects. Our students will use this to help them enhance their abilities while giving pleasure to local audiences."
Fund representative, Heather Maclean, said: "Our fund is set up to continue the work of Daniel McLean, a very special Glaswegian who moved to Caithness and studied as an adult at North Highland College. He was also committed to singing, including a spell with the Wick Choral Society, and he believed passionately that talent should be nurtured, whatever the age. So, we’re delighted to offer our support to the Tutti Choir."
Charlie and Ruby were presented with their choir uniforms by Heather and another fund representative, Pat Groves. Afterwards, the two ladies stayed to enjoy a few songs performed by the choir.
The Tutti Choir holds classes on a Monday night during term time at the Halkirk Youth Club. There is a kid’s session from 4:30pm – 5:30pm and an adults session from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. The groups perform regularly at Pentland View Nursing home and are taking part at the Belladrum music festival next month. They also performed at last week's Caithness Music Festival.
Further details can be obtained on the Kara Gray Vocal Teaching facebook page and information on the Daniel McLean Memorial Fund can be found at Welcome to The Daniel McLean Fund For Retired Students.
The fund sets aside a sum of £1,000 each year for allocation to one or more recipients for a year. The money can be used for the payment of fees, for the purchase of necessary equipment, required travel, books and other items.
