The huge success of Music Trains 05 has prompted Artlink Highland to stage another week of training (27-30 March 2006) in the popular Orff approach to music education as well as related music workshops directed at teachers, childcare workers, musicians, arts workers and carers working with those with additional needs. The training will aim to give new skills to those working in the community, education and care arenas. Some of the workshops are client based and observers are welcome. Workshops will take place in Inverness and Dingwall and no musical experience is necessary for any of the beginner workshops. Quotes from last year include ‘One of the best experiences I ever had! ‘and ‘There is a huge demand for this kind of work, even in an area of sparse population, the quality of the work pulled in people from all kinds of professions’.

The Carl Orff approach to music education covers, music, dance, movement, poetry and rhyme. It is world music based and the ideas can be adapted to any traditional culture and there lies its strength. Variations of form and improvisation on a theme are main features of every song, rhyme and melody. Tutor Doug Goodkin is a world expert in the Carl Orff approach to music education and the demand for him sees his third visit to the Highlands. Gamelan Naga Mas is a community based organisation providing workshops in traditional and new music using a unique set of musical instruments known as the gamelan orchestra. Their set of instruments was brought from Indonesia to Glasgow as part of the year of culture in 1990. The instruments are carefully tuned gongs and chimes, a thrilling world of metallic sounds. The gamelan is used in community, mainstream and therapeutic environments and tutors Jon Keliehor and his team are very experienced. Tutor Dr Raymond MacDonald will give insights into the psychology of music. He will briefly discuss some ideas relating to how music communicates meaning and provides musical identities. An expert in the psychology of music he is also an acclaimed jazz musician and director of the unique ‘Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra’. His workshops will include free improvisation. Again, no experience is necessary.

Artlink Highland has drawn in a few locally renowned musicians to add their skills and talents to Music Trains. Steve Sharpe is an experienced community musician delivering exciting workshops in African drumming in many settings. Popular singer Chrissie Stewart will give a workshop in vocal warm ups and healing lullabies.

Information and applications from: Alpha Munro: 01349 830366, alphamunro@aol.com  and Jelica Gavrilovic: 01456 450264, jelica@artsplayhighland.org.uk