2007 Awardee: Coline Scobie

I would just like to say thank you immensely for your award … I am overwhelmed .. and cannot express my gratitude enough.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2007
AGE AT AWARD: 16
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Edinburgh-born Colin was brought up in Peebles in the Scottish Borders. He won an assisted place at St Mary’s Music School, Edinburgh, where he studies violin, viola and composition. Since the age of ten Colin has been set on a career in classical music performance. Towards that end, his ambition is to study music at one of the London music conservatoires.

Colin led the NYOS Strings in their 2007 Spring concert and performs with the RSAMD Orchestra, the Salomon Chamber Orchestra and the Yetholm Sinfonia. He is leader of the Borders Chamber Orchestra and has co-led the Peebles Orchestra. He also leads both the orchestra and the top quartet in St Mary’s Music School. In earlier years, he performed with Scotland’s Children’s and Youth Orchestras. Colin recently held his first solo recital in Cumbria.

Colin currently plays on a borrowed violin. He is considered to be an exceptionally gifted young violinist both technically and musically and one of the most able violinists in the School.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award enabled Colin to buy a quality violin to take into his studies and performing career.

Since the Award

Colin writes that having a new violin and bow has changed his career and life. He successfully auditioned for the Royal College of Music studying with Donna-Lee Croft. He played in many college ensembles and co-led the string ensemble. He sat as leader in a number of student-run orchestras and set up and conducts an orchestra in Ealing Abbey. Colin writes, “I feel that most of this would not have been possible if I had not been able to purchase my new violin; it has also improved vastly over the year and is sounding fantastic.”

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I would just like to say thank you immensely for your award … I am overwhelmed .. and cannot express my gratitude enough.

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2007 Awardee: Craig Creelman

I would like to thank the trustees for their consideration and would like to tell you how much this award will help me.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2007
AGE AT AWARD: 22
ARTFORMS:
 
 
 

Biography

Hailing from Port Glasgow, Craig first started studying dance at Anniesland College. His talent quickly shone through when his choreographed piece ‘Three’s a Crowd’ won gold in both the UK Skills Challenge and Craftex UK. He performed in Barcelona at the International Dance Grand Prix with the successful hip hop troupe which won the gold medal. In his last year at Anniesland, he won the Chairman’s Award, given to the most outstanding student of the year.

Since a young child Craig has wanted to perform. While at Anniesland College his choreographic work stood out as original and imaginative. His combination of natural facility, musicality and sheer hard work enabled Craig to make huge improvements to his dance technique. Winning a place at the London Studio Centre will enable him to work towards his ultimate goal.

Craig is considered to have the physical abilities, mental attitude and potential to reach the highest levels in his profession. The only thing stopping him was lack of financial support to pursue his dreams.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will help Craig through his studies at the London Studio Centre. After a successful first year at the Studio Centre, Craig writes, “I have enjoyed my first year and can feel that I have improved greatly since beginning.” His support has been extended for a second year. Later, after a successful second year, Craig’s support was extended into his final year.

Since the Award

Craig successfully completed the theatre dance course at London Studio Centre with a Distinction and Merit Plus in Musical Theatre. He sang the role of Reverend Shaw in the LSC’s final year production of ‘Footloose’ and was subsequently one of 12 students to audition successfully for a place on the Agents Showcase at the Criterion Theatre in London. He is now signed to CBL Management. Craig has joined the 2010-11 UK tour of ‘Joseph’ where he was offered swing.

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I would like to thank the trustees for their consideration and would like to tell you how much this award will help me.

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2007 Awardee: Daniel Hunter

I thank … all those at the Dewar Arts Awards for giving me the chance to purchase the fiddle that I have always wanted and I am sure it will make me a better player.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2007
AGE AT AWARD: 14
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Despite his young age, Daniel has performed solo and as part of a group at many top traditional music festivals, including Celtic Connections, Ar Ais Aris and the Edinburgh Fiddle Festival. An extremely gifted multi-instrumentalist, he has won several All Scotland titles and has represented Scotland at All Britain and All Ireland competitions through the Comhaltas organisation. Daniel specialises in the performance of Irish traditional music.

From a musical family, Daniel’s ambition is to study traditional music at the RSAMD in Glasgow. All his four siblings play music. Besides displaying his prodigious talents in performances, Daniel exudes a great sense of fun and joy when playing which engages audiences in a remarkable fashion. Daniel has a particular flair for both Irish dance tunes and slow airs and has enormous potential as a player in the Irish traditional music scene in its international context.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Awards enabled Daniel to buy a Rab Cherry fiddle.

Since the Award

In common with many recipients of a Daughter of Dewar Award, Daniel struggled to get the right tone and sound from his old fiddle, which he found dispiriting. Once he found a Rab Cherry fiddle he liked, Daniel says himself that his playing took a big step forward. Both his quality of playing and his confidence in his instrument improved. He has also developed an interest in composing and arranging music. Daniel’s positive experience mirrors that of many winners of the Daughter of Dewar Award.

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I thank … all those at the Dewar Arts Awards for giving me the chance to purchase the fiddle that I have always wanted and I am sure it will make me a better player.

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2007 Awardee: Daniel Short

I am delighted I have been offered a Dewar Arts Award as this will now allow me to study at RAM, London.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2007
AGE AT AWARD: 22
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Fife-born Daniel Short recently graduated from the University of Strathclyde with a first-class honours degree and as the winner of the ‘Alexander Stone Solo Performance Award’.
One of a small band of Scottish jazz guitarists, Daniel won a coveted place on the Masters course in jazz guitar performance at the Royal Academy of Music. He is currently resident guitarist with the award-winning Strathclyde Jazz Orchestra, the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra and principal guitarist with the Strathclyde Guitar Ensemble.

Daniel hopes to champion the development of a unique Scottish jazz voice in guitar, especially now that jazz music is becoming a strong feature of Scottish culture.

Daniel stood out from the crowd at the University of Strathclyde with his exceptional talent, musicality and dedication to become an accomplished performer. Progressing to the Royal Academy of Music is the next step to develop his talent.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award is helping to finance Daniel through a Master of Arts in jazz guitar performance.

In his first year at the Academy, Daniel participated in master classes with Dave Liebman, Jerry Bergonzi, John Taylor, Jason Moran and Joe Lovano.  A jazz group which Daniel helped set up at the Academy competed in the International Kodolanyi Jazz Competition in Hungary, where they won a special award.

Since the Award

Daniel achieved Master of Music Concert Project with merit. During his studies Daniel was able to perform in many of the famous venues in the UK, including the Royal Albert Hall, the Vortex Jazz Club, 606 Jazz Club and Ronnie Scott’s, and he performed regularly in the West End, in the show ‘Jersey Boys’ and as a support act for Elton John. Daniel’s highlight was performing with two of his music heroes, Stan Sulzmann and John Taylor. Daniel has since started his own jazz group and performed his own compositions at the Vortex and 606 jazz clubs. Daniel’s aim is to continue performing with his group and to organise and record a series of concerts.

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I am delighted I have been offered a Dewar Arts Award as this will now allow me to study at RAM, London.

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2007 Awardee: David Liddell

It means an enormous amount to have this financial support and to be considered in such a prestigious grouping as the Dewar Arts Award – I heartily accept.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2007
AGE AT AWARD: 21
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Originally from Dalkeith, David Liddell gained a first class honours in digital film and television at Glasgow’s RSAMD. Since then he has won both an RTVSS award and a ‘Best Cinematography’ award at Scottish Students on Screen. His work has been screened at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, and fellow Dewar Arts Awardee Paul Wright’s film, ‘Hikikomori’, on which David was cinematographer, won ‘Best New Work’ at BAFTA Scotland in 2007.

NFTS is a highly prestigious school (“where the new stars for the British film industry are germinated”) and where many of the top film industry professionals offer help and tuition. David is one of a number of talented young Scots in film who have received help from the Dewar Arts Award to study there. As David himself says, “this is a once in a lifetime chance to absorb myself in a passionate, creative and educational environment focusing on the minutiae of the craft.”

David Liddell is already well-known to, and respected by, professionals in the film industry and is considered to be a hugely talented cinematographer, who possesses considerable abilities in many other film specialties. His is a name to watch out for.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award is helping David towards gaining a Master of Arts in Cinematography at the NFTS, Beaconsfield.

Since the Award

David successfully graduated with an MA in Cinematography, achieving a commendation for his dissertation ‘Through a Lens Secretly’. He describes his two years at NFTS as “the most exciting, inspirational and individual experience of my entire life”. His graduation film “Precipice” is being developed into a feature film and three of his short films will be premiered at the 2010 Edinburgh Film Festival. Since graduation, David has been tutoring part-time at the RSAMD whilst also working on new film projects.

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It means an enormous amount to have this financial support and to be considered in such a prestigious grouping as the Dewar Arts Award – I heartily accept.

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2007 Awardee: Declan Stark

This means a great deal, not only to Declan, but the whole family and the award is an enormous support to assist him to continue with his instruments.” (Laurie Stark, mother)

YEAR OF AWARD: 2007
AGE AT AWARD: 13
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Thirteen year old Declan, from Airdrie, won the South Lanarkshire outstanding award for music when he was only 11.

Declan is passionate about his music and plays both the alto saxophone and piano. He participates in the swingband, senior concert band, junior concert band, saxophone quartet and ensemble in his school.

Declan comes from a musical family and his sister Lauren, also a Dewar Arts Awardee, is in the RSAMD Youthworks programme with him. Like Lauren, Declan was accepted into the programme when he was nine. He is deeply involved in the RSAMD Junior Academy, and whilst still young, shows considerable musical potential.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award has contributed towards the costs of attending the RSAMD Youthworks to ensure that Declan can continue his musical activities.

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This means a great deal, not only to Declan, but the whole family and the award is an enormous support to assist him to continue with his instruments.” (Laurie Stark, mother)

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2007 Awardee: Derek McGhie

I am delighted to accept my award and .. thank you for this very generous offer. I feel privileged to receive it.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2007
AGE AT AWARD: 29
ARTFORMS:
 
 
 

Biography

Hailing from Lanarkshire, Derek McGhie has worked as an actor for ten years. He has impressed with his talent, creativity and sheer determination to get on in his chosen art form.

Derek brings great passion, commitment and integrity to any role he plays. His long-term ambition has been to pursue a career in musical theatre and so he grasped with both hands the opportunity to pursue a Masters in Performance in Musical Theatre at the RSAMD. This study will help Derek to build on what is already a promising career.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will help with the tuition fees for the Masters course.

Since the Award

After a successful year at RSAMD, during which time Derek represented the Academy at the Student Sondheim Society Singer of the Year Awards in London, he went straight into his first role as the Tin Man in the Citizen’s production of The Wizard of Oz.  He writes, “I have no doubt that without my training I would not have gained this role.”

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I am delighted to accept my award and .. thank you for this very generous offer. I feel privileged to receive it.

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2007 Awardee: Donald Grant

I am over the moon to have received an award from the Dewar Arts Awards.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2007
AGE AT AWARD: 26
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Inverness-born Donald Grant was brought up in Lochaber. He learned Gaelic songs from his father and regularly attended Feisean nan Gaidheal. He won numerous prizes at the National Mod and Pan-Celtic festival.
At the age of 11, Donald went to St Mary’s Music School in Edinburgh, and while there played as part of the folk group Ho Ro Gheallaidh.  He studied music at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester as a major scholar and student of Christopher Rowland. During his time there he won the Eleanor Warren Salon Prize, the John Webster String Prize, a Major Scholarship and a Concerto Award. He graduated with a degree and the PPRNCM with distinction, the college’s highest accolade.

Donald won further scholarships to support a 2-year Junior Fellowship also at the RNCM and a year of study at the Hochschule in Cologne, Germany. He has performed with many prestigious Chamber orchestras, including the Scottish Bach Consort and Camerata Scotland. He is also a gifted composer.

Donald is now a member of two of the most respected young chamber ensembles in the country, The Elias Quartet and Ensemble 360, and is gaining a reputation as a top-class classical musician. He is also a popular Scottish fiddler. At the Music in the Round concerts in the Crucible Studio Theatre, Sheffield, he regularly performs both classical and traditional Scottish, introducing classical enthusiasts to the energy and joy of traditional music. Donald is a ‘true advocate as the passion he feels for the traditional music of his homeland radiates through all that he does.’

Donald’s debut solo CD is due to be released in late 2007.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will help Donald to purchase his own violin and bow.

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I am over the moon to have received an award from the Dewar Arts Awards.

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2007 Awardee: Duncan Lyall

May I thank you for the very generous award towards the purchase of a new double bass and bow.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2007
AGE AT AWARD: 27
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Duncan Lyall was brought up in Dunblane from the age of 2. At an early age he demonstrated an enthusiasm for music, starting first with piano lessons at the age of 5, then with the guitar a few years later and finally to the double bass. He left Dunblane at 18 to study music at university in Glasgow.

After graduating with a good degree, Duncan started working as a professional musician, playing both double bass and bass guitar with some of Scotland’s leading names in traditional music,  including Julie Fowlis, Kris Drever, Donald Shaw and Fred Morrison, as well as a host of fellow Dewar Arts awardees.

To date, Duncan has recorded on almost 30 albums, performed all over Europe and Canada and been a member of some of the leading Scottish traditional groups such as Croft No. Five and Brolum. Duncan has gained a deserved reputation as a top-class traditional musician and is in constant demand as a performing and recording musician.

Duncan writes that he has been developing his playing ‘to incorporate the bass in a more adventurous fashion, following the melodies, harmonising, writing counter melodies or providing a more rhythmic accompaniment with the bow’, which are, he explains, techniques more often used by the cello in traditional music.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will go towards helping Duncan buy a new double bass and bow that will give him the flexibility and tone to develop his musicianship.

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May I thank you for the very generous award towards the purchase of a new double bass and bow.

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2007 Awardee: Emma Pratt

I am soooo pleased to hear that I have received the Dewar Arts Award. Thank you so much!

YEAR OF AWARD: 2007
AGE AT AWARD: 25
ARTFORMS: ,
WEBSITE:https://www.emmapratt.co.uk
 
 

Biography

Kirkcaldy-born Emma Pratt graduated with a first-class honours degree in Fine Art from Duncan of Jordanstone College, Dundee. While at college, Emma received the RSA Sculpture Prize, the Carnegie Travelling Scholarship and, for her degree show, the Farquhar Reid Art Trust Prize. She was seen as a student who combined original talent with ambition to succeed and stood out as one of the best graduates in recent years.

Emma’s works are considered original, ambitious, surprising, provocative and witty with a very unusual approach to materials, form and imagery. Since graduating, Emma has demonstrated that she has not reached the limits of her abilities. She has exhibited work in Scotland, Italy and France.

Shortly after graduation, Emma won a travelling scholarship which allowed her to spend significant time in Florence, and later went on to an artist’s residency in France. Her work is featured in collections at the University of Dundee, the Royal Scottish Academy and in private collections in Ireland and Italy.

In 2007 Emma was an invigilator at the Scottish show “Scotland and Venice” at the prestigious Venice Biennale. She is currently illustrating a book by an Irish writer and working towards an exhibition in Prato, Italy.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will help Emma complete a Master of Fine Art (Sculpture) at Edinburgh College of Art.

Since the Award

Emma writes that after graduating she spent three years exhibiting work and doing various art-related projects. “Having two years to concentrate solely on my practice in a supportive environment was exactly what my career needed. Receiving a Dewar Arts Award has enabled me to do this.”

During the MFA course, Emma showed her work in Florence, Berlin and London. She was awarded the Helen Rose Bequest for one of the best MFA 2009 degree shows at ECA. For more information on Emma’s current exhibitions and artworks see www.emmapratt.co.uk.

Emma’s work was showcased as part of our Tenth Anniversary Celebrations. Find out more here.

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I am soooo pleased to hear that I have received the Dewar Arts Award. Thank you so much!

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