AJ Arts & Entertainment

September 29, 2011

Learn to speak and sing Welsh

Kelly Leighton Abington Journal Correspondent

Those interested in learning to sing and read Welsh are in luck.

In preparation for the North American Festival of Wales in Scranton on Labor Day weekend 2012, there will be free classes on singing and reading Welsh on the first and third Saturday of every month at the First Congregational Church in West Pittston.
The classes begin Saturday, Sept. 17, and run from 2 to 4 p.m. The classes are free to the public.
“The North American Festival of Wales is a combined event sponsored by the Welsh National Gamanfa Ganu Association and the National Welsh-American Foundation,” said Warren Watkins, treasurer of National Welsh-American Foundation and a member of the Welsh National Gymanfa Ganu Association. “They are separate organizations from Wales, USA, Canada and other countries. We gather every Labor Day weekend for fellowship, singing, choir presentations, individual presentations, eating, banquets, et cetera.”

Watkins said that this is the first time such a class has been offered. The class will be taught “by a Welsh-American woman, raised in West Pittston who is schooled in the Welsh language,” said Watkins, adding that other local people fluent in the language may assist with teaching as well.

“Years ago our local St. David’s Society attempted to have a Welsh teaching class, but it fell through when the teacher was not able to be available,” said Watkins.
Chris Hastie, the instructor, said,  "Class members will learn to pronounce the actual Welsh words while singing the Welsh national anthem "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau", Welsh folks songs and hymns.  We will touch on some unique aspects of the language, as needed.  Eventually, an actual class to learn to read and speak the language may develop."

Watkins added that attendees will “learn a language that they can carry with them the rest of their lives. Hopefully trips to Wales where they can utilize the language will be planned. Greater appreciation for Welsh traditions and their Welsh heritage can be expected from festival attendance. Also, meeting fellow Welshmen from all over the U.S., Canada, Wales and England is a plus to attend.

 

“Naturally I would encourage anyone with a Welsh background to attend and help continue a Welsh tradition that goes back many years,” said Watkins. “Also to try and get younger persons with Welsh backgrounds is a must for the future.”

 

According to Watkins, they are expecting around 1,500 Welshmen and friends to attend the 2012 festival, noting that the festival is held in different places each year.

 

“It has been many years since the festival has been in the northeast, where there is a large bed of Welshmen,” said Watkins. “We would help members and friends would attend even if it was for one day of the scheduled four. It takes a year of planning to put the event together which includes selection choirs and entertainers from Wales to come and participate. There’s nothing like 1,400 voices plus choirs singing at one time. If shivers down the spine are to occur, it will happen during the singing.”

 

The First Congregational Church is located at 500 Luzerne Ave, West Pittston. Contact Chris Hastie at 570.905.9074 or chhmww@hotmail.com for more information or if interested in attending.

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