rhapsody 09
The 2009 event is a celebration of young talent in Argyll and Bute and took place on 28 and 29 October in Oban and Helensburgh respectively. The pupils performed to audiences which included local and national policitians, Council and business executives, representatives of community partners and arts and cultural groups as well as family and friends.
Click here to view 5 minute video of rhapsody 2009
Although the focus is on the work of the young musicians, artists and designers, the final collaboration was the result of our young people working with musicians and artists of international standing.
The two Homecoming Rhapsody showcases involved 120 senior pupils from all of Argyll and Bute’s 10 secondary schools coming together to celebrate Scotland’s unique heritage.
Following three days of residential rehearsals, the performers, artists and designers opened the event with a reprise of Rhapsody, written for the young people of Argyll and Bute by Donald Shaw. The performance involved a mix of gaelic song, pipes, drums, woodwind, brass, accordion, guitar, fiddle and percussion. It was accompanied by projected image representation of ‘our space’ – a photographic collection from 100 pupils across the area’s secondary schools who have worked with international photojournalist Colin McPherson in a series of workshops.
The second half of the event featured a fashion show featuring hats, shoes, jewellery and garments designed and made by Art and Design students from almost all secondaries, on the theme of ‘Scottish Influence Abroad’. The show was accompanied by live music. The hair and makeup for the show was created by pupils from Islay High School, with assistance from a professional hairdresser and make up artists. Each school had selected several pupils as models for the fashion show. The models worked on choreography and performance skills with a professional choreographer and drama consultant.
“Congratulations on a really superb show last night. I cried, I laughed, I was stunned. I felt energised and inspire.”
Headteacher, Argyll and Bute
“Just to say thank you so much for Rhapsody…thankyou for giving the Choir girls the chance to be a part of it. Thank you for giving my daughter the chance to be there and to have been involved in such a fantastic production. The girls all enjoyed their time with you and your team.”
Parent, Argyll & Bute
“Would you mind conveying my congratulations to everyone who was involved, too many to mention by name, the performance was outstanding and the children of Argyll and bute are such a credit to the county and themselves.”
D Philand, Councillor, Argyll and Bute
“Congratulations on putting on such an absolutely fantastic show!! It was top class entertainment and truly inspirational for all our young folk in Argyll & Bute. – a fantastic celebration of talent & what can be achieved!”
Education Officer, Argyll and Bute
Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for Education and Lifelong Learning, Councillor Isobel Strong, said Homecoming Rhapsody was an occasion not to be missed.
“This provides an opportunity for young people from across Argyll and Bute to come together and work with professionals – musicians, sound engineers, stage craft experts, make up artists, hairdressers, dancers and dramatists – and be part of a real show case event,” she added.
“Several of the young people will have done some preparation in advance, but the entire cast will meet each other for the first time just two days before the opening show. It’s going to be a real achievement.
“I know the young people are very excited about the event, and we are all looking forward to seeing the results of all their hard work.”
“These pupils are fantastic ambassadors not just for their schools but for Argyll and Bute as a whole, and I am delighted that they are being given the chance to showcase their talents in this unique way.”
The first step, after months of planning, was a photo shoot in June to capture the essence of the concept of Homecoming Rhapsody 09: Our Culture in Argyll, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.
CAST hired photographer Alan Dimmick, dancer Jayne Middleton and hairdresser/cosmetologist Nikki Currie to work with a pupil from Argyll and Bute for a day.
This resulting iconic photograph features the pupil modelling a dress designed to fit the Homecoming themes.