Aberdeen based orchestras of fiddles and accordions that practice, perform and preserve traditional Scottish music.

Objectives, policies and organisation

The objectives of the Society are established in its constitution and rules which were last amended on 26 May 2008. The Society is established to form and maintain orchestras for promoting the practice and performance of primarily Scottish Music in order that:

  • the community’s interest in such music shall be encouraged and advanced by way of private and public concerts given by the Society or under its auspices; and
  • the playing of traditional music shall likewise be preserved and encouraged.
How we achieve our objectives
Three orchestras are currently maintained - one for all playing members and two for junior members of different age groups. All rehearse on a weekly basis during school terms and perform primarily in and around Aberdeen, in addition orchestra trips either nationally or internationally may be undertaken where resources and opportunities permit. The concert session runs from the first Monday in September through to the end of May.
 
The Society performs at numerous public and private concerts varying greatly in size during the concert session. The majority of these are a result of long established relationships with various groups including local churches, nursing homes, charities and other organisations. Concerts may be either for entertaining and/or fundraising purposes.
 
In addition the committee works with both Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeen Performing Arts, which runs three of the major arts venues in Aberdeen, to identify opportunities for performances. The committee also organises and promotes the Society's own concerts.
 
An annual competition is held for members to promote and encourage the playing of Scottish music. The Awards Ceremony is held immediately before the AGM.
 
Category
Awarded on 26 May 2008 to
Violin:
12 years and under - Jean Kidd Trophy
13 - 16 years - AS&RS Shield
Senior, Slow Air - AAF Trophy
Senior, March Strathspey & Reel - Les Wheeler Trophy
J Campbell
C Marshall
L McCracken
G Pirie
Accordion: Open age - Kenny Young Quaich
N MacNeil
Violin, accordion or piano: Under 23 - Iain Fraser Award & Trophy
N MacNeil
Ensemble: Open age - Dave Beaton Trophy
C Moore, M Morrison
Original composition: Open age - Caithness Bowl
E Donald
An annual trophy for the best junior all round achievement over the year, determined by the juniors’ conductor is also awarded. This was awarded to J Campbell on 26 May 2008.
 
Applications for new membership are actively encouraged. Five new members joined during the financial period. Annual subscriptions are set by the membership at the AGM.
 
There are five categories of membership of the Society. The current subscription levels are as follows.
 
Category
Annual Subscription
Honorary members
£nil
Life members (who have been members for at least 25 years)
£nil
Ordinary members (discounted by 50% if in receipt of a state pension)
£20
Junior members (members under the age of 16 at start of a session)
£10
Non playing members
£10
 
The committee considers organising a variety of social events throughout the year is integral to the maintenance of the orchestras. They include events that are open to any supporters of the Society and are intended to foster good relationships among orchestra members, their families and friends.
 

Ensuring access to our activities

The committee ensures its activities are generally accessible through the following:
  • receiving only small donations towards our running costs from non-commercial and fundraising concerts;
  • ticket prices for concerts that the Society organises and promotes itself are normally set to ensure that the event is anticipated to at least break-even and that prices are comparable with other similar arts events in the area;
  • membership subscriptions are approved by the playing membership as a whole at the AGM, with reference to our fixed rehearsal costs and available resources, including other funding sources from donations and commercial concert income. From benchmarking of other music groups that are members of Making Music the committee is confident that subscriptions are at a low level and do not restrict access to membership;
  • by being as flexible as possible in accommodating a wide range of playing abilities within the orchestras whilst maintaining appropriate standards of public performance;
  • working with Aberdeen City Council to identify opportunities for free public performances by the orchestras, such as Aberdeen Tartan Day;
  • income from commercial events where the Society is not the promoter and does not control ticket prices helps balance our costs.