ABOUT FÈIS SEATTLE
Embrace a living tradition! We bring together a thriving community of Scottish Gaelic language, music, and culture with tradition bearers from Scotland and Cape Breton. Evening cèilidhs, walks on the beach, waulking the tweed, visiting with old friends, and making new ones... It’s the Highland way!
Whether you’re interested in fiddle, harp, whistle, guitar, Gaelic song or language, we have something for everyone.
Covid-19 Requirements as of Sunday, March 13, 2022:
We have been closely monitoring the current situation and rapidly changing requirements. We will be following CDC and State requirements to use best practices to keep our presenters and attendees safe during the Fèis. We will be requiring proof of vaccination from attendees. Documentation should be emailed to feis@slighe.org. If you have a medical exemption, we ask that you provide a copy of the exemption as well as a negative test result taken 24 hours prior to checking in at the Fèis. Anyone may wear a mask at the Fèis if they choose! We will update our requirements as we get nearer to the end of June.
AREAS OF STUDY
Gaelic Language - If you have never studied Gaelic before or have had minimal exposure to the language, sign up as a Beginner. If you have some Gaelic but have trouble getting past “Hi, how are you?” then the Emerging level is a good choice. Try Advanced if you can carry on short conversations in Gaelic, or Immersion for the total Gaelic experience with limited English.
Our very special guests:
From Scotland: Sophie Stephenson, Margaret Nicolson, Angela MacEachen, and from Cape Breton: Catriona Parsons
Gaelic Song – Study a broad range of songs in this class. Singing is such an important part of Gaelic culture that in addition to being offered as a major subject, there will be ample opportunity for all participants to learn and sing together. Come learn some of the most beautiful melodies in the world.
Song Presenters: Mary Ann Kennedy and James Graham
Gaelic Music –Instrument-specific instruction will be provided in fiddle, harp, guitar and whistle. Students should bring their own instruments. If you play a different instrument, you are welcome to attend classes to learn repertoire and traditions. Indicate your level on the registration form. Evenings will include traditional music sessions for instrumentalists.
Music presenters:
Murdo Cameron – Guitar
Andrew MacPherson - Whistle
Alexis MacIsaac - Fiddle
Judith Cummings – Harp
WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
Registration Check-in begins Tuesday, June 21st at 4:00 p.m. in the main lobby of the Inn. Light refreshments will be available. Dinner starts at 6:00pm followed by a welcome cèilidh in the School House building starting at 7:20pm
Each morning, after breakfast, we start the day with 30 minutes of Blas na Gaidhlig (Gaelic for all). Then we break out to our major subject classes. After the lunch break, you will return to the classroom to continue your selected major.
Each day from 3:00 to 4:00pm you have the opportunity to learn something new in a Short Course class. The class listing will be available in your program. Our tutors will each choose a topic of cultural, historical, or musical interest to branch out from our main focus of study.
In true Scottish style, each evening we will have a cèilidh and music session opportunities. Other special events include cèilidh or step dancing, a waulking demonstration, and salmon dinner on Friday night at the beach. Saturday is our final cèilidh featuring our students.
Accommodations and meals will be provided with your registration at Seabeck Conference Center. (Rooms for single and double occupancy with twin beds will be available.) Indicate on the registration form if you prefer a single room. There are a limited number of single rooms and they are in a building with stairs. All rooms include bedding and towels. Students may designate a friend to share a room with. When you register, please let us know the name of this person. If you do not select someone, you will be assigned with a student with similar preferences. For those students with mobility issues, there a limited number of ADA rooms. Please contact us right away at feis@slighe.org to request one of these units.
Age Requirements: Classes at the Fèis are geared toward teenage through adult students. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must register for the Fèis and attend with you. If you are the parent of a pre-teen who you think could participate in adult classes successfully, contact us at feis@slighe.org to discuss proper placement.
Questions? Send questions to feis@slighe.org
Link to Registration on Eventbrite: