Strathaven Choral Society
Founded in 1972 by David Knox (1943-1991)

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Family Music Afternoons

Strathaven Choral Society ran a series of Family Music Afternoons over 12 Sundays from 1998 to 2000 in South and North Lanarkshire. Through sponsorship, these Family Music Afternoons were provided at no cost to those attending.

The programme was:-

2.00 - 2.45 - The Adults took part in some light-hearted vocal warm-ups and rehearsed their part in the "windows" piece while children participated in a "draw that tune" session with small prizes for the most imaginative efforts or those which come closest to the intention of the composer.

2.45 - 3.30 - The children warmed up and rehearsed the "windows" piece while the adults had a session on musical imagery which attempted to overcome the "I can't listen to that sort of music" attitude. This included a mini-quiz again with small prizes.

3.30 - 3.45 - Break for refreshments.

3.45 - 4.15 - The family groups got together to manufacture percussion instruments for use in the final performance - the chance for some imaginative use of household junk!

4.15 - 5.00 - The afternoon concluded with a full rehearsal of the "windows" piece and a final performance.

The "windows" piece was specially composed for these Family Music Afternoons by the Dundee based composer, Nigel Don.

The Family Music Afternoons were financed with money from BT/NFMS Innovations Award, The Scottish Arts Council National Lottery Fund, North Lanarkshire Council and South Lanarkshire Council.

The Family Music Afternoons were held in Bellshill (February 1998), Biggar (March 1998), Hamilton (September 1998), Cumbernauld (October 1998), Airdrie (February 1999), East Kilbride (February 1999), Cambuslang (September 1999), Motherwell (October 1999), Wishaw (February 2000), Lanark (March 2000), Coatbridge (September 2000) and Strathaven (October 2000)