A Week to Remember — My Musical Journey at Summer School

This year, I (Antonia McClintock)  was lucky enough to receive a scholarship to attend the Musician’s Course at RSCDS Summer School.

Having never done a musician’s course before, I arrived with no idea what to expect. We were sent the music in advance, which helped, but it didn’t feel real until we gathered in the Old Dining Room for our first session on Monday morning. Playing together as a 25-piece band was thrilling — and a little daunting. Gillian Stevenson and Luke Brady were wonderfully encouraging, reminding us to relax and enjoy the process. We soon began arranging tunes, which I found especially fun. Luke introduced us to the concept of “chasing the woo” — adding texture and chord changes to energise the music and lift the dancers off the floor.

Afternoons were spent in smaller, instrument-specific groups. Us pianists had a session with Luke that was both informative and confidence-boosting. Coming from a dancer’s background, I hadn’t realised how much nuance goes into playing for Scottish Country Dancing — from understanding different types of tunes to adjusting tempo based on how dancers might respond.

Of course, Summer School isn’t just about the classes. On my one free afternoon, I headed to Janetta’s with friends from the dancers’ course, followed by a beach trip and a slightly soggy attempt at the Highland Fling in the sea!

Evenings were packed with dancing. Monday’s Town Hall dance featured a rotating band of all the week 3 musicians — great fun to watch. Wednesday’s ceilidh with Ian Muir was a highlight, especially his marathon Strip the Willow. Friday’s ceilidh was equally lively, with me juggling playing for dancers, singing in the choir, and even joining a group Zumba session. As Di Rooney, our Depute Director, said: “You never know what you’re going to get at the ceilidh!”

And then there was the Party Room — where every night ended (or began). From spontaneous jam sessions to chaotic tap-in/tap-out dances and belting out showtunes, it’s a miracle we had any energy left for morning classes.

Saturday’s dance was the culmination of everything we’d worked toward. Sitting on the Younger Hall stage, watching dancers move in sync with the music we were playing, was unforgettable.

One of the best parts of the week was connecting with musicians I’ve long admired. Playing a set with Luke at the ceilidh, having a tune with George Meikle in the Party Room, and even a surprise visit from Muriel Johnstone — which, as a pianist, was both nerve-wracking and thrilling.

Leaving was the hardest part. Tears were shed. Huge thanks to Gillian (Stevenson, RSCDS Music teacher) and Luke (Brady, RSCDS Music Director)  for their support, to Fiona (Mackie, Summer School director) for leading week 3, and to RSCDS for the scholarship. I had the time of my life — and I can’t wait to play for more dancing in the future.