Inshes Library and Fèis a’ Bhaile team up for community piano project
High Life Highland and Fèis a’ Bhaile have joined forces to launch an exciting project which aims to bring music into the heart of the local community and develop the library as a creative and nurturing space.
Earlier this year, Inshes Library secured funding from The Highland Council Ward Discretionary Fund for the creative project, a major part of which was the purchase of an electric piano, which now sits in the library and is free for all to play – with headphones available so as not to disturb readers.
Next Thursday (12th December) members of the public are invited along to Inshes Library to enjoy some Christmassy tunes on the piano, provided by Fèis a’ Bhaile tutor, Liza Mulholland and there will be games, puzzles as well as mince pies and hot drinks.
Earlier this year, Inshes Library secured funding from The Highland Council Ward Discretionary Fund for the creative project, a major part of which was the purchase of an electric piano, which now sits in the library and is free for all to play – with headphones available so as not to disturb readers.
Meg Davidson, Network Librarian for High Life Highland said: “We wanted to hold a fun event to let everyone know that the piano is here. I hear so often people say they wished they had had the opportunity to learn music, so we wanted to show that everyone is welcome to come and play.”
Nicola Simpson, Senior Development Officer for Fèisean nan Gàidheal said: “Fèisean nan Gàidheal is delighted to be supporting Fèis a’ Bhaile in this project. The community piano offers a great opportunity for musicians in the local community, who may not have their own instrument, to play for pleasure and it gives those already learning somewhere to practice.
Meg added: “We provide internet access in the library to address inequality so it felt instinctive to offer piano access to those who otherwise may have nowhere else to play.”
Inshes library and Fèis a’ Bhaile are currently examining how to put on a keyboard club to give children in P4-7 the opportunity to attend taster piano lessons for free.
“Nicola commented: “Fèis a’ Bhaile have a wealth of experience in running traditional music activities for young people in the Inverness area and this project opens up an exciting opportunity for even more young people to access top quality tuition and develop their musical skills.
The event at Inshes Library is on Thursday 12th December is from 5.30pm-7.30pm.
All up to date information relating to the project can be found on the library’s Facebook page or email [email protected]
