Markethill fiddle Orchestra strike a chord in Georgia

The Markethill Ulster-Scots Fiddle Orchestra recently returned from a highly successful tour of LaGrange Georgia in the United States. 

  The Orchestra, who are part of Mid-Armagh Community Network, spent a total of 14 days in Georgia where they conducted a number of school workshops and performed at various concert venues throughout LaGrange.

  They performed a wide variety of cultural music, both Ulster-Scots and Bluegrass, which received an excellent response at every venue. The group consists of 18 fiddlers, four accordion players, one percussionist, a piper and an Ulster-Scots poet. And all stayed with host families in La Grange throughout their trip.

  As well as the concerts and workshops that the Orchestra took part in,they also made an appearance on a television show performing for an audience of more than 400,000 as well as appearing on the front page of the LaGrange Daily News for seven days in a row.

  For Orchestra director Keith Lyttle, it was a welcome return journey as he has performed with his family in LaGrange before.  But for many of the Orchestra members, this was their first time in the United States.

  "I'm glad that these people got to see what our culture is like, and it should encourage more people to come visit Northern Ireland and see what it's like," says 19-year-old Denise Crozier, who plays the bagpipes and
keyboard.

  Her 16-year-old sister, Naomi, plays the fiddle in the Orchestra. Their parents also play instruments.

  "I just hope they remember us and liked what we played," Naomi  adds.

  The Orchestra also got the opportunity to watch a Southern gospel music workshop provided by the LaGrange College music department.
 
  When the group were not performing, they took time to visit the Little White House, Callaway Gardens, Warm Springs and Six Flags amusement park.

  Keith Lyttle explains:  "The highlight of the trip for everyone was forging friendships with the host families, friendships that will continue long after the trip.  This would not have been possible if the link between Craigavon and LaGrange was not so strong."

  MACN wish to thank Craigavon Sister City International for the grant aid awarded and also Lewis Porter for all his help and advice in the days leading up to the trip.