I am writing this post just before the Scokendia project is due to start and I am very excited about the next two weeks! The schedule looks fantastic and seems to really encapsulate the spirit of the Commonwealth Culture programme; there is a great balance between the various concerts and community outreach work. The commissioned pieces are all very interesting and, from what I’ve played of them so far, seem to reflect the various countries of origin.
I can’t wait to meet the other musicians, learn more about life in Kenya and India, and, of course, work on the music! I think that the process of rehearsing together and becoming a musical team is going to be a very powerful and memorable experience, especially in light of our differing musical and social backgrounds. After all, whilst the sporting nations will be competing against each other in the games, the Scokendia project provides an example of the unity, often undervalued, that can come through music.
In Scotland, unfortunately, I think that the power of music, the arts and our culture, although often a source of pride, can at times be underestimated and undervalued. However, we actually have a very rich heritage which could be better used to define our small country. The people of Scotland, and Glasgow in particular, certainly seem very open to embracing the Commonwealth Games and its ethos, so maybe this is a time for change. In any case, it is definitely going to be an incredibly exciting couple of weeks for us all, especially ‘Scokendia-ns’! Speaking of which, I better get my kilt packed…!
Scokendia 