Artyness columnist and musician Liza Mulholland is self-isolating – and gutted to miss Easter-related activities Artsplay Highland brings
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I write this from the quiet confines of self-isolation; yes, Covid 19 finally caught up with me!
Quite how I’ve managed to avoid it for two years I have no idea – I work with a lot of children and young people in schools and educational settings, as well as being in busy social environments with the band, so definitely felt it chasing at my heels several times.
However, my luck ran out and, along with so many others in the Inverness area over these last few weeks, I tested positive and duly battened down the hatches for the isolation period.
I’ve been very fortunate though – I’ve not had it bad at all, and when I think of what’s going on elsewhere in the world, the last thing I’m inclined to do is complain about a little cough or feeling a bit tired.
What has bothered me more is missing my work because the last week of the school term is always such good fun with Easter-related activities. I’d like to make up for this by singing the praises here of the organisation which brings all this music and creative arts to so many children.
Run by dynamic and tireless artistic director, Monica Neeling, Artsplay Highland delivers a range of projects in schools and nurseries, including music-making sessions, storytelling, visual arts, dance and movement, all of which stimulate creativity, enhance child development and personal skills, and much more.
Working across Inverness-shire and Ross-shire, Artsplay delivers sessions to dozens of nurseries, groups, and schools in both English and Gaelic, with an experienced team of musicians and other specialist artistes.
Monica, also a sought-after piano teacher, music tutor and leader of diverse sessions and training for over 25 years, has the kindest heart of anyone I know and always finds innovative ways to bring fun into children’s lives but also support them and their families.
Pre-Covid, she ran a summer programme in the Under Canvas tent at Eden Court, not only offering free morning music sessions for youngsters from disadvantaged areas, but arranged, with help from ladies at Inverness Cathedral, for those children to be fed lunch afterwards.
It’s such a privilege to be part of her team, and I’m so looking forward to next term, which gets under way with a series of Wee Ceilidhs, where the music specialists visit all the groups for lots of singing and dancing with the children.
As is so often the way, those who do the most incredible work in our communities are the ones who don’t shout it loudly from the rooftops but quietly get on with the business of bringing good to those who need it most.
Monica Neeling is one such person, but I am more than happy to proclaim her achievements, and celebrate the wonderful music and creativity she nurtures in youngsters through Artsplay Highland. Now, to shake off this Covid and get back to work!
