The Arts Service is delighted to offer a selection of taster sessions at the Bridge Centre on Saturday 27th May from 9:30am.

These sessions form part of the wider Haddstock festival, and will run alongside ELjam‘s (East Lothian Youth Music Forum) Battle of the Bands competition.

All sessions are free and no previous experience will be required. Places are limited and you will need to book online here via the Brunton Box Office.

Bridge Centre Pool Room

The pool room is opposite the main (Alistair Grant) hall and can be accessed by walking up the ramp and through both sets of doors. The room is on the right.

9:30 – 11:15 – African Drumming and Dance Experience

Experience traditional Ghanaian drumming and dancing with master drummer  Thomas Annang, and acclaimed dancer Adie Baako-Elias. You will try out dancing and/or drumming and at the end of the session you will do a whole performance featuring drumming and dancing. Suitable for all ages from children in P3 upwards. U12s must be accompanied by an adult. 25 places

Rooart Framing & Gallery, Haddington

10 The Sands, Haddington EH41 3EY. Upstairs studio. Please enter through main shop and stair case is in the left back corner. Please note there is no lift.

11:45 – 13:45 – Drama Workshops

11:45 – 12:45 Drama 1 for ages 5-10 – 15 places

12:45 – 13:45 Drama 2 for ages 10-16 – 15 places

Is your child is interested in learning more about drama, acting and performance? Join us for a free taster session as part of Haddstock 2023!

Our sessions will explore and create different worlds through improvisation activities, group work and creative tasks. Could we be in an underwater kingdom or are we flying through space bumping into new creatures along the way!?

Tasters are a great way to explore our Brunton Performing Arts Network Classes so come along to meet new people, share your creativity and have lots of FUN!

The Granary

The Granary room is on the 2nd floor of the Poldrate building which is accessed via the door across the courtyard from the Bridge Centre cafe. There is also an entrance from the road opposite the church. There is a lift available. Please see the timetable below.

14:30 – 15:30 – Street & Commercial Pop Dance – Ages 7-12

A 1-hour Dance workshop learning StreetDance & Commercial Pop choreography to current Tiktok chart-topping music. No previous dance experience necessary. Please wear trainers (no flip flops/sandals) and bring water! 

15:30-16:30 – Musical Theatre Workshop – Ages 11+

A 1-hour Musical Theatre workshop combining triple-threat acting, singing & dancing skills to the song ‘We Go Together’ from the ‘Grease’ musical soundtrack. Suitable for 11+ years, no previous musical theatre experience necessary. Please wear trainers (no flip flops/sandals) and bring water! Please wear trainers (no flip flops/sandals) and bring water! Familiarity with the song lyrics before the workshop would be helpful, but is not mandatory – lyrics will be provided on the day.

Bridge Centre Studio

The studio is upstairs above the cafe in the Bridge Centre, and can be accessed through the doors on the right as you enter the courtyard.

9:30 – 10:30 Music & Me Workshop – Ages 3 – 7

A family-friendly music session for young children and their adults with Dave Trouton. Dave runs developmental music classes for YMI in East Lothian’s Nurseries and Primary schools. Songs, drumming , music  games, rhyming, strange stories and fun will all feature in this 50-60 min session, suitable for 3- 7 year olds and their families. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 30 places

10:45 – 11:45 Ukulele Taster Workshop – Ages 6-12

A beginner workshop introducing you to the basics of playing the ukulele. Ukuleles will be provided! 10 places

12:00 – 13:30 Storytelling Sessions – U5s and 5-12 (plus their adult)

12:00 – 12:30 for Families with children under 5 on a Seaside Theme

12:40 – 13:30 for Families with children aged 5-12. “Come and celebrate summer with tales of the fairies and dancing trees”.

30 places per workshop Children must be accompanied by an adult.

14:00 – 16:00 Introduction to Music Technology – Ages 12-16

Technology is more widespread and cheaper than ever, and it is a must for any musician, no matter the stage of their career. This workshop introduces you to free tools and affordable equipment to help with music routines such as daily practising, writing and composing, recording, mixing, performing, etc. The workshop will allow you to:

• Choose and set up the proper rig for your needs.
• Gain skills using the right tools for specific scenarios (old smartphones and computers, affordable MIDI controllers, microphones, etc.)
• Decide between all free DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) and Plugins based on specific needs.
• Measure and keep track of your goals and milestones.
  During the workshop you will learn all these and much more by creating an idea from scratch and producing it professionally in a collaborative and open environment. Open to anyone with music interests—no previous knowledge needed.

Max 15 places