Dane Gibson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jun 07/99) - Although many of the seven Holman music students heading to Scotland have only played violin for a year, they're prepared to impress their kilt-wearing hosts.

Student support assistant Adam Kudlak could hardly contain his excitement at Yellowknife airport on Friday, May 28, as his group prepared to fly out for the two-week trip. It all became a reality when he was handed 11 Canadian passports by an airport official.

"I feel a big relief having these in my hand. Now, we're all set to go," Kudlak said.

The trip was organized through a program called Strings Across the Sky. The small community raised the money by sending proposals to companies and organizations which then donated funds. Airfare to Scotland for the group of 11 cost $32,000.

When they get there, Kudlak said the students will play in a church that was founded in the year 1137. It's called Auld Lang Syne and is located on the Orkney Islands.

"They're all pretty excited. There is a couple of glitches in the playing, but they've come such a long way since they started playing last year," Kudlak said.

"Every time they play I get chills through my body -- they're ready."

Student Travis Kuptana picked up a violin for the first time last July. He worked hard to learn how to play and took the time to learn about Scotland.

"The people of Holman have some relatives on the Orkney Islands. We did some research and there was a guy named Billy Joss who moved to Holman from Scotland many years ago. He worked for the Hudson Bay (Co.)," Kuptana said.

"Maybe we can look the Josses up when we get there, but right now I'm just excited to play and to show everyone what we got."

Heather Okheena, 12, is regarded as one of the group's star violinists. This past year, she focused more on her music and less on researching her destination.

"I'm going on this trip with a lot of my friends so I'm really happy," Okheena said.

"We're bringing up our kudliks, which are traditional lanterns and we're bringing traditional drums to give to our Scottish hosts. I've never looked up on Scotland so it's all going to be new to me."

Altogether, Strings Across the Sky has 33 youth and chaperons from across the territories flying to Scotland this year.

Five fiddlers from Deline left for Glasgow, Scotland on Sunday, May 30. The group raised $15,000 to take the 10-day trip.

"These kids are amazing. They never complained once, they showed a lot of initiative and responsibility. We're all excited to be travelling to Scotland," Gina Bayha said.

Along with Gina, Kavia Elemie, Mandy Bayha, Tatti Bayha, Tracey Baton and Valene Kenny made the trip.