Meet the Band

My 'cello lay in deep storage for decades until I picked it up again a
few years ago. Shortly afterwards I discovered the Mixed Instrument
class at SCAT which opened a whole new world of traditional music the
freedom to choose how I wanted to play. Dark Island has inspired me to
take this further as well as teaching me that the whole is greater than
the sum of its parts.

Originally from Edinburgh, Jenny has lived in Aberdeen for more than
half her life. She played classical violin as a child and a
teenager, lapsing for quite a long period during her University days
and during early motherhood. Encouragement (aka bullying) from a
good friend resulted in her attending several SCaT (Fiddle and
Mixed instrument) classes, leading to a conversion to traditional
music and the opening up of a whole new world!

Originally from Hull, Humberside, Ann-Marie grew up with
the teachings of classical. It wasn't until she moved to
Mintlaw aged 11 that Traditional Scottish Music was introduced
to her. Through her teens classical music was primarily her
teachings but outwith studies she entered many local
competitions and played Traditional Scottish music. Motherhood
caused a long but natural break but over-hearing Dark Island
practice prompted her to get back and pick up her fiddle
again. Ann-Marie has been a member of Dark Island since 2003.

I took up the flute as an adult at the instigation of my husband who went
out and bought me a flute to get me started. It's also his "fault" that I took
up the whistle in order to have a chance of keeping up with him playing
traditional tunes on his fiddle. Wanting to play with other musicians is a
great motivator and joining Dark Island is one of the most ambitious things
I've done musically. My playing was not really up to speed when I was
invited to join, but I'm getting there now and the effort has been worth it!

Caroline is a native Aberdonian. She played classical guitar at school, and
about 6 years ago decided that she needed a new musical challenge. She
enrolled for a fiddle class with SCaT (Scottish Culture and Traditions), ditched
the dots (learning mainly by ear), and has never looked back thanks to some
great and inspiring tutors. She currently also plays with Gaorsach Rapper and
Step and the Aberdeen Shetland Fiddlers.

Welcome to the Dark Island Trust Web Site