Born: 14 January, 1919, in Glasgow.
Died: 13 March, 2008, in Glasgow, aged 89. MURIEL More was the inspiring pianist at many Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) meetings. She was the preferred pianist at competitions
and played often on goodwill visits abroad, when a ceilidh often ended the formalities of the day – More loved leading a group in a rousing rendition of Scottish songs after a competition. She was a gifted musician and had a strong sense of rhythm – with an unerring knowledge of the right tempo to set for a dance. She would keep the musical content right and knew how to encourage the dancers to best effect.
For 40 years More gave unstinting service to the Glasgow branch of the RSCDS at evening classes, festivals, competitions and summer schools.
In 2001 More was deservedly awarded a scroll of honour at the RSCDS's AGM. It concluded: "Muriel's contribution to the enjoyment of our form of dance is immense. Her knowledge and her empathy with dancers truly combine to produce a stimulating and spirited experience. She readily gives of her time, help and encouragement whenever needed."
Muriel More (born Muriel Skrimshire) was brought up in Bishopbriggs and attended Glasgow High School for Girls. She displayed a considerable musical talent – especially on the piano – and went on to study the instrument at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music. During the Second World War More assisted the war effort by working as a nurse at Law Hospital. After graduating from the RSAM in 1947 she taught the piano at Glasgow schools.
But it was the music of Scottish country dance to which she returned, playing with a gusto and enthusiasm that brought a freshness to each dance. She was most closely associated with the Glasgow Branch of the RSCDS and played every month at its club nights for 25 years, never missing an evening or a beat.
It was not only More's playing that galvanised dancers: she always chose the most appropriate music, whether it was a well known dance or one of the more obscure reels.
More was an excellent colleague to have at a class. Her patience was endless, she was happy to repeat long sections so that a teacher could demonstrate a move to everyone. She gave of her time and knowledge unsparingly and would willingly travel to church halls and charity evenings to perform. But her fine musical ability was not confined to the piano: More composed several airs, one of which, Wateraid Jig, remains popular.
There were more formal occasions. More regularly played for dignitaries at the Glasgow City Chambers, and in 1974 she and the Glasgow Branch of the RSCDS went to Hamburg for Glasgow week. The two cities were inaugurating the twinning arrangements and Scottish culture and dance played a major part in the festivities.
She was also a popular figure at the annual summer school the RSCDS runs at St Andrews. Her kind and generous nature ensured she made friends with other Scottish country dance enthusiasts from all over the world.
A longtime friend and colleague at the RSCDS, Ruth Beattie, remembers More for her vibrance and lively, energetic style. "Muriel was always cheerful, encouraging and had an engaging smile for all who came in contact with her," she said.
"It was, however, as a devoted pianist and friend of the demonstration group that I remember her best. Muriel loved playing in a firm and distinctive style. She had a wonderful partnership with whatever piano she played, and there were many that could barely be credited with the name. In these situations the full extent of her lively, determined personality and her extreme musicality came to light."
More, who brought much joy to her friends and colleagues and had a considerable influence on the Scottish country dance movement, married David More in 1949. He predeceased her and she is survived by their son and daughter.
The full article contains 661 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
