SHONA DONALDSON
Singer and fiddler Shona Donaldson is one of Scotland's leading young tradition bearers, having appeared in the Young Scottish Traditional Musician of the Year final in 2003 and 2004.
The twenty year old from Huntly grew up surrounded by music and dancing in the heart of North-east Scotland's bothy ballad country. Shonas mother was always singing to her as she was growing up. Her father plays the bagpipes, her sister plays the piano and even before she could walk, Shona was danced around the living room to BBC Radio Scotlands veteran Scottish Music presenter, Robbie Shepherds programme on a Saturday evening.
It was through her grandmother, a pianist, however, that Shona became interested in Scottish music. She began playing at school, gave it up in favour of classical violin lessons and became hooked. Under her grandmothers influence she joined the Strathbogie Junior Fiddlers, with whom she made her first recording and took part in fiddle competitions at local traditional festivals including Keith and Strichen. Hearing the great bothy ballad singers Jock Duncan and Geordie Murison at these festivals inspired Shona to start singing. Both men offered her encouragement and at sixteen she won her first singing competition, the Womens at Strichen Festival. Since then, Shona has been a regular supporter of the various TMSA Festivals throughout Scotland, being their Young Singer of Merit in 2004.
From there Shona joined the Strathspey Fiddlers, a group of young fiddlers, pipers and dancers from the North-east, recording a CD, appearing at festivals in Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Wales and Bavaria, and opening the headquarters of Chivas Whisky in London.
In her fourth year at school Shona won a place at the national centre of excellence in traditional music in Plockton, spending a hugely influential year studying singing with Christine Kydd and fiddle with Iain MacFarlane, of Blazin Fiddles.
The main highlights of Shonas career so far came in January 2003 and 2004 when she appeared in the Young Scottish Traditional Musician of the Year finals at Celtic Connections.
In 2005 she was also a finalist in the Radio 2 Young Folk Musician of the Year in Gateshead, Newcastle and has appeared at the Tonder International Folk Festival in Denmark, Toronto, London, Edinburgh Castle and at Holyrood for Charles and Camilla.
In January 2006 she has appeared in three concerts at the Celtic Connections Festival, Glasgow and has broadcast for the BBC Reel Blend programme. She is guesting at various festivals as far afield as Orkney and Fylde.
As well as giving live performances Shona has also taken bothy ballad workshops for the National Trust of Scotland at Leith Hall, teaching primary school children traditional singing and underlining the importance of keeping our traditions alive.
Shona is currently in her second year of the Scottish music course at the RSAMD in Glasgow as a first study Scots Singer.
Instruments played: Voice, fiddle and Piano.
Heya my lovely, chuffed tae hear frae dee. Little Hector must be a growing a beard by now. I'm dying to see him...soon, I hope. Muchty this weekend, heh? How I would LOOOVE to be with you. You will all be in my thoughts, tho. Send my love to everyone. Much much love + hugs to both families, Kat xxxxx p.s. Send a photo of your wee one via email if you get a chance.
Hi there, I see you're online. What's da newz? Fit yer all deein? Looking forward to Muchty? I wish I could come.. :*( Loads of kisses + cuddles, k XXXXX
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
Aaaaw, please kiss + cuddle little man for me. Heard all about Orkney. I was there a week before the FF but had to go home prior to that. Some health problems, but hopefully manageable. Hopefully. Unfortunately no time/mony to stop on the mainland. Next time I'm there I want to see you all and cuddle Hector like mad. ;o) xxx
Hey Shona, Thanks for adding Kara. My name is Ian and I wrote the tunes which are up on Kara's page. I really like the sound of your music. The recording is really great. I'd love to capture a sound like that sometime. Hope you enjoy our music too.
Heya dear, thanks for a lovely card! I put yer lovely wedding photo on my fridge! Hope all is well wi you three! How did yer CC gig go? Bet it was a cracker! Here's a little something from the old days in Huntly. Recognize da lass? LOL Take care! Love, Kat xxx
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this folk-carol on myspace -
230 of 230, walkaboutsverse.741.com: AS GOSPELLERS HAVE SAID/CHRISTMAS SUNG SIMPLY
As gospellers have said, Beneath signalling skies, On land dusty to tread, A trough in a stable Was the strawy first-bed Of a divine baby - The forgiving Godhead.
A season for new hope - There then and here now; The yuletide of goodwill - There then and here now.
In respect of this chance, Beneath bright or dark skies, Faith’s the star that we glance Attending Christ’s churches And trying to enhance, With singing and ritual, Our God-loving stance.
Playing your song on my profile, then some of Paul's stuff. And I will continue to do so over the weekend. Long live Shona + Paul!!!! xxx
I Ching When two people are at one in their inmost hearts, they shatter even the strength of iron or bronze. And when two people understand each other in their inmost hearts, their words are sweet and strong, like the fragrance of orchids.
Heya lovely, just seen your light on, so I'd thought I'd better drop by and wish you good luck and happy times. I soooo wish I was there with you all, nothing would make me happier. Instead I'll be thinking of you tomorrow and singing a song for you. Have a glass for me, will you? Presie on its way to Tarland. I love you all very much, Kat xxxxxxxxxx
Hello Shona, Good to hear from you. No I haven't seen yor Mum's My Space yet. I'll have a look now.Love to Paul and to Hector. Just back from Deeside weekend, Lovely sunshine. Love Doris
Heya dear, how wiz Keith? Hope wee one and you were as happy as twa peas in the pot. I know this is a bit early, but I tend to forget things easily nooadays (dementia, old age, unpleasant stuff like that) so HAPPY BIRTHDAY sweetheart!!!! Hope you'll have a smashing one. Give my luve to both families. And a whole lotta luv for you. xxxxxxxxx
Honey, is that you on-line? Let me know who are you all keeping. Everything fine? I hope you can send me some pics (or yer mum). I'd love that! Aaaaw, I'd so love to see you and give you big mega muckle cuddle. xxxxxxxxxxx
Dear Shona, thank you so kindly for accepting us! We hope you and your wee one like us :-)
Let us know what you think.
Happy lulling, lullaby Kat xxxxx
My lovely lovey lass, CONGRATULATIONS AND CELEBRATIONS!!!!This is such a wonderful news. Ah'm so chuffed for you!!!! Hope you're both fine and dandy. Send me some pics when you find time or tell yer mum to do it. Stay well and cheery. Great big huggles,
kat xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hello Shona, thank you for adding me to your friends. I really like your singing and fiddle playing and look forward to hearing more. All the best, Lori
Just a quick line to say how much I have been enjoying your music on Myspace. I co-run a legal folk / acoustic / roots music download site at www.wovenwheatwhispers.co.uk and wanted to let you know that your music would be most welcome on the site. Feel free to pop over and have a look.
Heya dearie, I'm still awa in da foreign land aka people's republic of Shetland, trying to cope with festival hangover. It was a mighty spree and I bet you'd love it! Let me ken how yir keepin and see you in Muchty, I suppose.
A da best and a peerie dram on top,
Kat xxxxx
