2008 Celtic Week Classes

INTERMEDIATE IRISH FIDDLE A (Liz Carroll)
In this class for intermediate fiddlers new to the Irish style, the emphasis will be on phrasing and dynamics to color one’s own playing. We’ll mostly play by ear (which really means watching as well as listening). In addition, we’ll learn some new tunes and study ways of ornamenting and playing with our old tunes. (Class limit: 30)

INTERMEDIATE IRISH FIDDLE B (Gerry O’Connor)
This class will be aimed at the improving fiddle player who wants to play more in an Irish style. Listening to solo fiddle playing will be paramount in this exercise and some typical tunes from the Irish fiddle players standard repertoire will be dissected and examined. Typical bowing motifs used in the various dance rhythms will be analyzed and discussed during the course of the week, and we’ll also address approaches to picking up and learning tunes aurally. The audio recording of class sessions is encouraged. Although tunes will be taught by ear, sheet music will be provided as a memory aid for many of the tunes introduced during the week. (Class limit: 30)

ADVANCED IRISH FIDDLE A (Martin Hayes)
This class for advanced players will explore Irish tunes from the ‘inside-out,’ and focus on the possibilities for variation and improvisation that exist within the tradition, as a means to our own personal expression and interpretation. There will be particular emphasis on bowing, rhythm and the creation of variations. Students are encouraged to record the classes. (Class limit: 30)

ADVANCED IRISH FIDDLE B (John Carty)
These classes are for competent players interested in honing their techniques. We’ll look at the full repertoire of traditional fiddle skills including ornamentation, bowing and melodic variation within the tune structure. The existing style of the individual will be explored and encouraged with emphasis given to adopting fresh approaches. Most of the tunes which will be explored are from the rich North Connaught tradition. (Class limit: 30)

INTERMEDIATE SCOTTISH FIDDLE (Jamie Laval)
Scottish fiddle is primarily about making people want to dance. We’ll start by learning the generic, stripped-down versions of several classic tunes including reels, jigs, strathspeys & hornpipes. As the class progresses we’ll add layers of dance-inducing devices into the tunes. Slurred bowings are one of the most common concerns of students, so we’ll delve deeply into this area by learning the bowing patterns which provide the best groove. We’ll work on different ways of putting rhythmic accents on specific notes and phrase endings to add excitement. After introducing several kinds of Scottish (and Irish) ornaments, we’ll work on making them not only rhythmically accurate, but use them to give more lift and drive to the tune. We’ll always use efficient practicing methods that yield the quickest results, and emphasize how tunes are constructed in organized patterns based on a few simple harmonies. Fundamentals of good violin technique will be integrated into everything presented, and while the class will be taught primarily by ear, sheet music of tunes and bowing styles will be given for home study. We will encourage a fun, supportive learning environment in which no one will be singled out. Audio recorders welcome. (Class limit: 30)

ADVANCED SCOTTISH FIDDLE (Pete Clark)
Aimed at intermediate to advanced players, Pete’s class will address tone and phrasing in slow airs, and rhythm in playing for dances (strathspeys, jigs and reels). Repertoire will span the music of 18th Century Scots fiddle composers including Niel Gow, Robert Mackintosh and William Marshall, through the present, but as always, Pete will be open to suggestion and happy to address any points raised by students. Rather than simply learning tunes for their own sake, the emphasis will be on improving tone production and developing an increased awareness of technique. Some of the repertoire likely to be covered is on Pete’s recording, Now & Then, and the sheet music is available as a free download from www.musicinscotland.com (Class limit: 30)

CAPE BRETON FIDDLE A & B (Kimberley Fraser)
This class for intermediate to advanced fiddlers is offered once in the morning and repeated in the afternoon. We’ll look at what makes Cape Breton music different from other music: the different ornamentations used and what choices can be made in applying them to what gives it drive as dance music. Kimberley will help students with ear training by listening to recordings of other Cape Breton fiddlers and pipers to try and identify and apply certain stylistic elements, popular tune groupings, the different tempos used and why those tunes and tempos are favored. Kimberley will offer another way to listen, learn and practice tunes from a book, sheet music and by ear, to help commit tunes to memory quicker and easier. We’ll learn jigs and reels and march, strathspey and reel sets, as the class desires. Best of all, everyone will leave with the ability to learn tunes faster, and play them sooner without flaws. (Class limit: 25)

INTRO TO CELTIC FIDDLE (Jane MacMorran)
This class for advanced beginner fiddlers will study and play standard Scottish and Irish fiddle tunes. Tunes may be learned in the way that is easiest for you – by ear, by fiddle tablature (it’s super easy and will be thoroughly explained!), or by standard music notation. Whatever way works for you is fine. The point is to learn the tunes! We will start out working on an air, a jig, and a reel. New tunes will be added throughout the week. You will be able to master some of the tunes and will also have tunes to take home to polish. Come join the fun and enter the magical world of Celtic fiddling! You’ll never want to leave! A recording device is recommended.

FIDDLE FOR COMPLETE BEGINNERS (Jane MacMorran)
This class is for those with a sense of adventure, humor, and a burning desire to play the fiddle! Students will work on the basic elements of fiddle playing: holding the violin, left-hand position, bow- hold, and tone production (absence of scratches, squeaks, and whistles). There will be many exercises (fun ones) and ideas to work on once you return home. This class is for Absolute Beginners!

FIDDLE TECHNIQUE (Jane MacMorran)
The point of this class is simply to improve your playing. Want to play with better tone, intonation, or bow control? Would you like to play tunes faster and clearer? If so, then this is the class for you! Individual problems will be addressed with creative ideas, and Jane will outline and demonstrate the technique you will need for different types of playing on several levels, along with ideas for home practice and music to suit different levels of playing.
(Class limit: 25)

UILLEANN PIPES (Ivan Goff)
The uilleann pipes class will focus on good playing habits. In addition to fingering and clean articulation, standard ornamentation (such as rolls, triplets, and crans) will be examined in context and some advanced techniques explored. The emphasis will not be on learning large numbers of tunes but on developing the skills to diagnose and fix musical problems. Apart from dance tunes, some time may be set aside for discussion of regulator playing and the performance of airs. The people who will gain most from this class will be intermediate and advanced players. Participants will be expected to do homework after each class to prepare for the following day. Although some aspects of maintenance may be discussed, there will be no reed-making. A sound recording device is strongly recommended as the class will be conducted aurally. Video cameras are unnecessary. If needed, notation for tunes can be provided at the end of the teaching session.

BEGINNING FLUTE (Kevin Crawford)
This class offers an introduction to playing traditional Irish music on the flute for students who already have some experience with the basics of the instrument and can play some tunes at a slow pace with little or no ornamentation. We’ll discuss a ‘how-to-practice’ method and how to approach session playing. We’ll learn a few tunes but the emphasis will be on establishing foundations for you to take home and apply throughout your own learning as well as answering any questions you may have. Students will learn how to ornament tunes with rolls, cuts and tongueing. Tunes will be taught by ear so bring a D flute and a recording device. ABC notation will be provided for those who need it.

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED FLUTE A (Kevin Crawford)
This class is for students who are skilled enough to play tunes in a variety of rhythms (jigs, reels, etc.), with good technique and at a reasonable tempo. This course will expand on the skills and topics introduced in the beginners class, with more attention given to ornamentation, breathing, style and repertoire, while continuing to emphasize rhythm and phrasing in the music. Tunes will be taught by ear so bring a D flute and a recording device. ABC notation will be provided for those who need it.

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED FLUTE B (Seán Keane)
A wide traditional repertoire will be explored during this workshop, with emphasis on individual style and rhythmic control. The material is not regional in nature but covers a wide spectrum of Irish traditional tunes. The material will be taught aurally. Students are advised to bring a recording device as a learning aid.

BEGINNING CELTIC HARP (Billy Jackson)
The beginning student will be introduced to the fundamentals of this grand and ancient instrument, including basic harp technique (e.g. hand position, posture, exercises), and arrangements of simple Scottish and Irish melodies will be taught by ear, with written music provided as back-up. In order for classes to commence on time, students are kindly requested to be tuned and prepared well in advance, and to ensure their instruments are in good working order. Students are also encouraged to bring a recording device, a music stand, and spare strings.

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED CELTIC HARP (Billy Jackson)
Class topics will include arranging, ornamentation, accompanying voice and other instruments, and composition in a traditional style. A selection of Scottish and Irish material will be taught at a more advanced level and individual interests of participants will be taken into account. In order for classes to commence on time, students are kindly requested to be tuned and prepared well in advance, and to ensure their instruments are in good working order. Students are also encouraged to bring a recording device, a music stand, and spare strings.

CELTIC BOUZOUKI (Robin Bullock)
The Irish bouzouki, or cittern, has gained a prominent role in Celtic music over the last thirty years. The world of this instrument is made rich and strange by the fact that there is no standard tuning, only a number of distinctive alternate tunings on four, five or even six pairs of strings. This class will cover techniques of both melody and accompaniment, as well as how to choose a bouzouki, instrument setup, string types, pick types and amplification methods. Players of both 8- and 10-string instruments are welcome. Recording device recommended.

SESSION GUITAR ACCOMPANIMENT I (Dónal Clancy)
The student will learn chord shapes for dropped-D tuning, modal chords, chord inversions and progressions for effective accompaniment as well as essential rhythm techniques. We’ll look at several different approaches for accompanying each tune, so the student will have the tools necessary to be creative in a session.

SESSION GUITAR ACCOMPANIMENT II (John Doyle)
In this class for intermediates and above, students will learn different strumming techniques to a variety of types of tunes, add dynamics to their playing through syncopation and emphasis, chord substitution, fingerpicking techniques, tips and tricks for playing in sessions, how to work out the right chords for tunes and alternate tunings for the guitar. Students should be comfortable with basic chords, strumming, and have some knowledge of Irish music and of music theory. Chord sheets in dropped-D tuning will be provided. Students should bring a capo.

FLATPICKING CELTIC GUITAR (Dónal Clancy)
The intermediate to advanced student will learn picking and fingering techniques for a variety of Celtic rhythms as well as the ornamentation essential for an authentic Celtic sound. Each tune will be printed in TAB.

DADGAD GUITAR (Eamon O'Leary)
This class will explore approaches to the accompaniment of Irish music - both instrumental and vocal - with this unique tuning. Focus will be placed on rhythm, chord selection, phrasing, and right- and left-hand techniques. No experience with this tuning is necessary. Chord charts will be provided.

CELTIC FINGERSTYLE GUITAR (Robin Bullock)
This class will explore the world of possibilities presented by traditional Irish, Scottish and Breton repertoire arranged for solo fingerstyle guitar. Some tablature will be offered, but students will also create their own individual settings of airs, jigs, reels and the 18th-century harp music of Turlough O’Carolan, sharing arrangement ideas in an informal, hands-on environment. Alternate tunings such DADGAD, CGCGCD and “Werewolf” tuning (CGDGAD) will be used extensively to open up the instrument’s full sonic potential. A good time will be had by all. Recording device recommended.

TINWHISTLE FOR COMPLETE BEGINNERS (Angelina Carberry)
This class is for students with no prior experience of the tinwhistle. Instruction will include basic technique & note locations, learning basic scales and tone production, and we’ll learn a few simple tunes. Please bring along a tinwhistle in the key of D, an audio recording device, a pen and some paper.

BEGINNING IRISH TINWHISTLE A & B (Kathleen Conneely, John Skelton)
This class is for students who already have some experience with the basics of the instrument, and can play some tunes at a slow pace with little or no ornamentation. Beginners will learn how to ornament tunes with rolls, cuts and tongueing. Emphasis will be placed on rhythm and phrasing. Tunes will be taught aurally, so bring a D whistle and a recording device. Sheet music will be provided for those who need it.

INTERMED./ADVANCED IRISH TINWHISTLE A & B (Kathleen Conneely, John Skelton)
This class is for students who are skilled enough to play tunes in a variety of rhythms (jigs, reels, etc), with good technique and at a reasonable tempo. This course will expand on the skills and topics introduced in the beginners class, with more attention given to ornamentation, breathing, style and repertoire, while continuing to emphasize rhythm and phrasing in the music. Tunes will be taught aurally, so bring a D whistle and recording device. Sheet music will be provided for those who need it.

BUTTON ACCORDION (Martin Quinn)
This class will cover B/C, C#/D accordions, for every level of player from beginner to advanced. Topics will include command of the instrument, (fingering, bellows control, etc.), improvement in personal musicality, understanding a tune, phrasing, ornamentation, with a special emphasis on rhythm and lift. Students’ skill level will be assessed and assigned appropriate tunes. Students are encouraged to ask as many questions as possible. Different playing styles shall be demonstrated and discussed, along with listening recommendations for representative box-players. Classes will be taught by ear but standard notation or ABC notation will available to all students on request at end of the workshop. Students are encouraged to bring along an audio recorder, pen and paper.

MANDOLIN (Eamon O’Leary)
Instruction will cover some history, left- and right-hand techniques, ornamentation, string types, pick types, and building repertoire. Emphasis will be placed on how to pick up and arrange tunes, and on the musical textures available when the instrument is placed in an ensemble setting with other traditional instruments. A recording device is recommended.

TENOR BANJO (John Carty)
This class will be a general banjo class. We will be looking at plectrum techniques, chord enhancements and most importantly melodic variation. We’ll explore a combination of simplistic playing and complicated syncopations. Participants will be encouraged to listen to Irish traditional music in general and transpose this onto the medium of the banjo.

BODHRAN I (Stephanie Johnston)
What’s the difference between a jig, a hornpipe and a reel? How do you hold the stick? How do you make the pitch change while you’re playing? How do you pronounce the word “bodhran”? How do you play triplets? Why do people always make fun of bodhran players and how can I get them to stop? All these questions and more will be answered in this class as we learn the fundamentals of playing, discuss care of the instrument and session etiquette, and explore the role of the bodhran in Irish and other Celtic music. Complete beginners are welcome, as well as those who have some experience playing the bodhran but don’t yet feel comfortable with the basics. Handouts with rhythm notation will be provided, and students are welcome to bring recording devices. (Class limit: 25)

BODHRAN II (Stephanie Johnston)
This class is appropriate for players who have mastered the fundamentals of the instrument and are ready to refine their accompaniment abilities. Much of our class time will be spent listening to tunes and experimenting with various approaches to backing them up. We will explore ways to emphasize transitions in sets and interesting rhythmic or melodic elements within tunes. We will also address the issues of working with other rhythm players in a band or session setting, accompanying singers, playing for dancers, and creating arrangements of tunes or songs. Handouts with rhythm notation will be provided, and students are welcome to bring recording devices. (Class limit: 25)

IRISH STEP DANCING (Eileen Mulligan Evans)
This exciting class is open to anyone interested in Irish Step Dancing. During the week, students will be introduced to the basics of step dance. Students will learn form, technique and the history of Irish step dance (Ireland and the United States). Several soft-shoe dances will be taught: the reel, the jig, the slip jig and the single jig, along with the foundations for these dances. The more experienced students will also have the opportunity to explore more advanced soft-shoe techniques and learn the basics of the heavy shoe steps. We’ll also discuss each dance from a musical standpoint, and learn a bit about the contemporary world of Irish step dancing (shoes, costumes & competitions). Bring soft-soled shoes or sneakers, comfortable clothes and a sense of humor. (No class limit)

CEILI DANCING (Eileen Mulligan Evans)
In Ireland, a ceili refers to a party with live music and dancing. This class provides the opportunity to explore the social aspects of traditional Irish Ceili dancing. Students will learn basic footwork, including sevens, threes, and the rise-and-grind step along with several of the progressive and long ceili dances (“The Waves of Tory,” “The Siege of Ennis,” and “The Haymaker’s Jig”), and several four- and eight-hand competitive figure dances (“The Humors of Bandon,” “The Sweets of May,” and “High Caul Cap”). The fun party atmosphere of the Irish spirit is truly present in their music and dances so get ready to meet some new friends, have fun and enjoy some laughs. (No class limit)

SCOTS GAELIC SONG (Margaret Bennett)
This class will explore the types of Gaelic song – lyric songs, laments, work songs (including waulking songs), and dance songs (puirt-a-beul). We will listen to examples of traditional singers and also learn to sing several of each type. Words and translations will be available. (No class limit)

CUSTOMS OF THE CELTIC YEAR(Margaret Bennett)
The ancient Celtic year underpins many calendar customs in Scotland including Halloween, Beltane, New Year and other seasonal festivities. This course will discuss a wide range of customs, and, where possible, will show video recordings (e.g. fire festivals, holy wells, the riding of the marches.) We will also explore parallels between these ancient customs and their manifestation in North America. (No class limit)

SEAN NOS SINGING (Seán Keane)
This class will provide the chance to explore the traditional style of singing sean nos songs, with emphasis on those which were originally written and performed in English. Traditional singing follows a loose pattern, while embracing individual style, and this individuality requires that students have audio recording equipment for this class. Key areas will include ornamentation, embellishments and delivery. (No class limit)

FAVOURITE BALLADS OF IRELAND & ENGLAND (John Doyle)
In this class, John will share a collection of favourite songs learned from a lifetime of playing with the best in folk music. Having studied and learned songs for almost 20 years, he has amassed a great repertoire of Irish and English ballads learned from many sources, including his father, Sean Doyle, a lovely singer from Co. Sligo. Students will listen to examples of the best of Irish and English styles of singing, listen to how certain songs have changed in their moves back and forth between these countries, and, of course, learn songs in the process. Students will learn by repetition and ear and would benefit by bringing along a recording device. (No class limit)

IRISH TRADITIONAL SONG (Aoife Clancy)
This class will focus on songs that Aoife learned from her father, Bobby Clancy, and other family members growing up in Co. Tipperary, Ireland. The class will include material at all levels, from childhood songs to advanced material with a brief history on the background of the songs. There will be some time spent on vocal technique, ornamentation and warm-up exercises for the vocal chords. The focus will be on the oral tradition and learning to sing by ear, which is how Aoife was taught, so students should bring along some recording device for class. Aoife enjoys teaching and likes to encourage students to sing and help them overcome the “fear of performing.” (No class limit)

IRISH LOVE SONGS (Aoife Clancy)
Love songs are a big part of the traditional repertoire and there are some particularly beautiful ones in the Irish tradition. We’ll learn a few great love songs from around the time of the Napoleonic wars and also some unusual family songs that were passed down from Aoife’s grandparents on both sides. We will work on a ccapella-style singing and the pacing of a song, also helping students develop their own individual style and approach to each song. Song sheets will be provided with a brief history on each song and again, a recording device is recommended! (No class limit)

SONGBUILDING (Jim Malcolm)
Robert Burns was a master at not only writing songs, but also organising fragments of existing songs and tunes into whole works. Jim Malcolm will present a workshop and study in songs created from old tunes or old poems, including writing new verses or creating choruses. We will look at re-shaping old works of art for modern performance, and writing new songs in a traditional idiom. Each session will end with the class collaborating on lighthearted attempts at songbuilding. No sheet music. Class examples: “Battle of Waterloo,” “Tam o’ Shanter,” “Sir Patrick Spens,” “Jimmie’s Gone to Flanders,” “Flowers of Edinburgh,” “Lochanside,” “The Wild Geese,” “Rohallion,” “Fields of Angus.” No skill level requirement. (No class limit)

SONGS OF ROBERT BURNS (Jim Malcolm)
An exploration of the work of “Scotland’s Shakespeare,” incorporating some of Burns’ most popular songs and some of his hidden treasures. Burns’ 600 songs covered all aspects of life ranging from poignant love songs (“My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose,” “Ae Fond Kiss”) to rowdy drinking songs (“Willie Brewed a Peck of Maut,” “The De’il’s Awa Wi’ The Exciseman”), political rants (“A Man’s A Man for A’That,” “Parcel of Rogues”) and historical works (“Killiecrankie,” “Caledonia”). Songs will be introduced and then sung a couple of times. Everyone is encouraged to join in. No skill level requirement. (No class limit)

OTHER ACTIVITIES

POTLUCK SESSIONS
In addition to the regular class sessions, in the afternoons we offer Potluck Sessions serving up a different menu of one-hour workshops each day.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS (Denisa Rullmoss)
We offer a full-day program, taught by Denisa Rullmoss, for children ages 6-12. Children must have turned 6 by July 1st to participate. No exceptions please. Evening childcare for ages 3-12 will be provided at no additional cost.

Ahoy Mates! All hands on deck as we set sail for a summer of fun. The Children’s Program will embark on a swash-buckling adventure on the high seas (otherwise known as the Appalachian Mountains) this year. Well, shiver me timbers and blow me down... with pirates and lost treasure as our theme, we will spend the week making cool crafts (like treasure chests with jewels & pirate flags), playing wacky games (can you follow a treasure map to find the loot?) and singing silly songs (yo ho ho ho... a pirate’s life for me!). Everyone will have the chance to become part of a Kid’s Rhythm Band, when Sue Ford (singer, songwriter, percussionist) comes each day. And, as a special treat, we will be visited throughout the week by wandering musicians and artists (Gathering staff) who will perform just for our kids. Can you say “ARRRRR?” Sailors and pirates with enough bravery and courage will participate in our annual traditions of a watermelon-eating contest and will venture out to complete the Celtic Week Scavenger Hunt. To prevent anyone from becoming a landlubber we will close each busy day with free swim time in the deep ocean of our travels (also known as the college pool). Non-swimmers must be accompanied by a parent to swim. So join the crew, me hearties, and prepare to say “AYE AYE Cap’n!” There will be a $25 art/craft materials fee for this class, payable to the coordinator on arrival.