New York Caledonian Club Scottish Studies Program
As part of our educational mission, the Club provides classes on subjects including classes on Gaelic, various styles of dance and more. Classes are open to all and are designed to accommodate students of varying levels. The Club also sponsors and hosts concerts and keynote speakers at various events, workshops and panels pertaining to Scottish history and culture.
Scottish Gaelic Courses
Fall 2022 courses are now available. Check below to sign up. All courses will be held virtually via ZOOM. You will receive a link after registration.
Your Gaelic instructors
John Grimaldi
Gaelic Instructor
John Grimaldi, the Conversational Gaelic class leader, began studying Gaelic with Donald Ross.
He has also studied at the Grandfather Mountain Gaelic Song and Language Week and at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the Gaelic college on Skye. He has been interviewed by BBC Alba's Radio nan Gàidheal in a program on 9/11.
He has also performed here and in Scotland as "The Kilted Juggler," juggling and spinning plates while singing in Gàidhlig.
Thomas Leigh
Gaelic Instructor
Thomas Leigh received his MA with honors in Gaelic Studies from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland in 1998.
He has taught Gaelic language classes since 1999 for many institutions including the Callanish School of Celtic Arts, the New Hampshire School of Scottish Arts, the Vermont Institute of Celtic Arts and various night school classes in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Thomas is also a musician and composer, playing several instruments—Scottish Highland bagpipes and small pipes, keyboards, and various drums and other percussion instruments. He has competed as a solo piper and is a member of the Catamount Pipe Band of Vermont. Together with his wife Maggie Carchrie, Thomas presents traditional music and dance performances at Senior Centers, Nursing Homes, and Libraries across Connecticut. Thomas has resided in Connecticut for the past 17 years where lives with his Maggie, their two teenagers, Rory and Mairi and cat Seumas.
Upcoming Scottish Studies Workshops
There are currently no workshops. Stay tuned by subscribing to our newsletter or follow us on twitter.