The photographs were taken at the 1997 concert.

The Jim McGill School introduced a wide variety of instrument tuition to the Causeway Coast, including, Fiddle, Whistle, Flute, Bodhran, Banjo, Mandolin, & Concertina and the photographs give an idea of the range of instruments taught, and the number of students involved.

 

There were always well over one hundred musicians, singers and dancers performing at these events, which gave the students a chance to show off their newly acquired skills.

During the year, they also had the opportunity to play at the weekly junior sessions which began in 1994, & ran for ten years.

Many also performed at the monthly Nursing Home concerts which the school organised around all the local nursing homes & the local MS ward during the '90s.

 

Each year I invited a couple of guest musicians along to inspire the students. This year it was local hero Catherine McLean and her then boyfriend, now husband, Michael Sands.

 

Jayne Bonnar, went on to play with Sean McGuire's Fiddle Orchestra. In 2003, Michelle released a CD for charity, of some of her favourite songs. Many went on to play in large concerts & at Folk Festivals, both here & in Scotland. Two other singers, Danielle Brown & Stephanie Hill, went on to star in local Musical Productions. Hopefully, they will all treasure their music, all the more for their early enjoyable experiences at the 'Jim McGill' Concerts, Sessions & Lessons.

 

If you live locally, why not try and spot someone you know.