Greetings! The Strathspey & Reel Society of New Hampshire (SRSNH), which is dedicated to learning, playing, and promoting traditional Scottish music, is in its 25th year and going strong. I’ve been a member since 2002, when I went to the SRSNH annual Gala concert. Toes were tapping, and I had to restrain myself from getting up and dancing in the aisle. SRSNH small groups perform in venues from farmers’ markets to libraries. We even performed once at the Andover Service Club dinner.

The great thing is how flexible the organization is. Admission is open, so players of all levels are welcome. (Actually, people who just like to listen to Scottish music are welcome, too.) If you want to play in concerts, that’s wonderful, but it’s also fine if you just come occasionally to the monthly meeting at the Concord Community Music School in Concord. Each month a workshop is led by a different musician. Recent ones have included Gordon Peery on “Playing with Drama,” Peter McFarlane on “Jigs,” and Lissa Schneckenberger on “Ensemble Playing.” I led a session last December on Christmas and New Year music. For upcoming workshops and other information, visit SRSNH.org.

Perhaps you played an instrument in high school, but haven’t since. SRSNH is a great way to put your toe back in the water. We’ve had whole families as members, and we showcase our youth members in our annual concert. Which, by the way, is coming up on Sunday, November 25, at 2:30 PM in the Concord City Auditorium on Prince and Green Streets in Concord.

The family group Highland Soles – back by popular demand – will be our visiting headliners. Dad Ed Pearlman is a fantastic fiddler, mom Laura Scott an amazing dancer, and son Neil Pearlman a rising piano star. The youngest family members, Lilly and Jesse, are wonderful performers, too. Talk about high energy!

We really appreciate our loyal Andover fans and hope to see you at the show. Tickets are available at SRSNH.org, at the door, or by calling 673-5145.