About Scratchy Noises

some scratchy noises members

Scratchy Noises is a ceilidh band with a difference.  The group formed in 2010 and our first ‘gig’ involved playing the same 3 tunes round at the Men’s 10k in Glasgow – great for a run as the audience only heard a snippet as they ran past!

Our purpose is to let us beginner/improvers practice playing together and have fun.

We do ‘gigs’ which are very raw as the ethos is if you can play the tune really well you are probably too good for Scratchy Noises.

Our  group aims to be inclusive for beginner/improver players of any instrument.

Our ‘set’ comprises simple tunes with some of the notes played correctly by some of the band whilst the rest of us are assured of safety in numbers.

It’s all for fun – if we have a laugh and you have a laugh we have achieved our aim.

The group meets regularly on Monday nights.

When GFW is on (see workshop info on http://www.glasgowfiddle.org.uk/) we meet in Glasgow Kelvin College, Haghill Road.  7.30-9.20pm.

People who wish to attend practice a Glasgow Kelvin College but are not members of GFW must purchase a basic membership to GFW for £28 (which can be paid per ‘term’ at £7 each term).  GFW require this for insurance purposes.  For this you get to join in the tutor slow session 7-7.30pm before the practice and get involved in other GFW events.  However you can come along to your first meeting without worrying about this to see if the group is for you before you commit.

On other Monday’s we meet at other venues please see home page for up to date info on forthcoming practices.  Usually 7-9pm – no restrictions – everyone welcome – just turn up.

We take £3 head which when meeting at Glasgow Kelvin College go to GFW for room hire.   Any profits from other practice sessions  after paying room hire go towards group resources such as subsidised tuition and music books.

The evening usually progresses in the form of a slow session going round the room and letting each person choose a tune or set to practice. Tunes are restricted to a limited list – see link on right hand side of page.  New tunes are added gradually  – with notice to others – or from our workshops.

We don’t prescribe learning by ear or reading from music – come along and do what you feel comfortable with – new tunes are generally advertised a few weeks before we give them a go so it is your choice to learn it ahead by whatever method you like – or just give it a go on the night – we don’t expect a high standard – just for folk to give it a go and enjoy.

All instruments and everyone welcome if you don’t mind not playing fast!

We frequently run workshops and practice sessions on other days and usually these are open to everyone.  The content varies and might involve learning new tunes at a moderate speed, or a workshop on a specific aspect e.g. playing together as a band or a specific genre of music.  Each workshop will be described and you are welcome to ask  questions.

We don’t run workshops specifically for advanced players or to try and play super fast but everyone is welcome to play with us if they are happy to work at our slower speed.

Please contact the committee (see link on right hand side of page) or  comment using the comment buttons on this blog if you want further information.