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Clairschach Song Writing Group

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Launch of second album at St Clair Resource Centre

Friday 23 May at 1.30 pm.2008

The World Is In My Heart

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Clairschach, which was formed in 1998 are not simply a choir but quite a unique group in that they write and sing their own songs.

Song writing helps members express their ideas and develop communication skills, confidence and assertiveness. Themes are chosen by members and songs can be humorous or they may tackle difficult issues such as bullying and prejudice.

Clairschach enjoy performing and over the years have become well known at the Path Tavern, Poems and Pints Nights, organised by Fife Fringe. Several of their songs have been published in the Fife Fringe Publications. The group also sing regularly at local clubs and community centres. Their creativity and talent have raised awareness of their own potential and also helped to change public attitude towards people with learning difficulties. Recent concerts have taken place at Stenton Community Centre and Appin House.

Some of their greatest achievements include performing at Celtic Connections in Glasgow in 2001. They also won second place for their song 'Feeling' in the Jack Stewart Memorial Song Writing Competition run by Kirkcaldy Folk Club, which was open to folk musicians from all over Fife.

In 2003 the group chose twelve songs from their repertoire and recorded them onto CD with the help of Don Mitchell and his students from Music and Audio Technology Centre at Glenrothes College. This was a great achievement for the group and an experience they enjoyed and are proud of.

The group are now experimenting with the use of various instruments to reflect what is said in their songs and for their own accompaniment. They are currently working on new songs about experiences some group members have had and are working on the re-arrangement of some of their older songs.

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