Music and New Media Development by David Cunningham
Over the last few months, working on music and new media development projects has been very busy, very interesting, and very diverse: everything from answering questions on PRS (formerly the Performing Rights Society) for music licences, which UK dance organisers require when running an event, to working with young musicians in Argyll and encouraging them to think about how to integrate different influences into our music in ways that the young people find engaging. I have also been filming a series of videos at various events. The intention is to develop a substantial catalogue of videos that will enable me to launch a continuous weekly programme on our YouTube channel. I hope you will enjoy them, but want to emphasise that I am looking for active participation from members over the coming months!
Please send me details of any videos you have produced relating to SCD, even if you have posted them on the internet already, and I will do my best to add them to the YouTube channel, which I hope will become a central point for accessing any video footage of country dancing. I am aware that many people now use digital versions of the Society’s music CDs and that many others would like to download and buy tracks from the internet. The first of these tracks are now available on iTunes! This is a great move forward and I hope we will be able to use this sales channel to promote and increase interest in the music we all love. There are one or two international issues in using an external company to deliver this service, so we have been working to develop our media delivery infrastructure to allow the Society to manage most downloads directly. Much of this work will be the backbone of future developments, such as improving access to sheet music, dance instructions and
dance information, and possibly adding extra value to publications by making them interactive, digital publications and even including teaching aids. I am sure, like me, many of you will have been inspired by watching the athletes in the Olympic and Paralympic Games. What impresses most is their high expectation and ‘can succeed’ attitude. The Society operates in a highly competitive environment, and maintaining membership numbers and interest in Scottish country dance and music is challenging. As illustrated above, however, we are continually moving forward and, by working collaboratively together, will certainly make a difference. Finally, a last word to all readers – what services would you like to see available on the website, what kind of digital media productions, any new tools? This is your Society, how do you want to see it develop? Email me at david.cunningham@rscds.org
The Robert Burns World Federation When the Robert Burns World Federation (RBWF) was formally constituted in July 1885, it already represented national and international Burns Clubs, formed to commemorate Robert Burns and his treasure chest of songs, poems and other writing. There are now over 300 clubs, many of which have SCD at their annual Burns Supper. Peter Westwood, Past Editor of the Burns Chronicle, notes with regard to Burns and dancing, ‘Burns was socially popular even as a teenager and country dancing was early on his list of social activities to the extent that he defied the wishes of his father by joining a local country dancing class.’ The RBWF engages in a wide range of activities, from providing information and advice for the Scottish Government’s Year of the Homecoming, to supporting Schools competitions for around 160,000 children each year. The competitions include recitation, solo and choral singing, instrument playing and art, and take place not just in the UK but in North America, Ukraine and Russia, with other countries also interested in participating. Membership of the Federation is open to all; there are quarterly meetings and an Annual Conference. For further information contact the Robert Burns World Federation Dower House, Dean Castle Country Park Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, KA3 1XB tel 01563 572469, email admin@rbwf.org website rbwf.org.uk
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