2009 Celtic Week Classes

FIDDLE:

INTERMEDIATE IRISH FIDDLE A (Liz Knowles)
In this course for intermediate players new to the Irish style, we will cover basic violin/fiddle technique for tone, agility in the left hand, and intonation, as well as the basics of Irish fiddle technique: bowings, ornamentation and style. We’ll discuss a “how-to-practice” method, how to approach session playing, and how to learn tunes from recorded media. We will 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. Sheet music will be provided for those who need it. Please bring a tape recorder or some recording device. Contact me at swangatheringfiddleclass@gmail.com and I will send you a tune or two via email at least two weeks before the class. Even if you already know the tune or have heard it before, LISTEN to it as much as you can (in the car, while washing dishes, reading a book, etc). I know it will be hard for some of you but do NOT try and learn it! Just listen. All will become clear in the class! (Class limit: 30)

INTERMEDIATE IRISH FIDDLE B (Manus McGuire)
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 player’s 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 (Kevin Burke)
This class will feature discussions and demonstrations of various techniques used in Kevin’s playing with particular attention being paid to ornaments and bowings. Other topics for consideration will include repertoire, musical history, arrangements and comparisons between group and solo performances. Questions on other aspects of fiddle playing will be encouraged. (Class limit: 30)

INTERMEDIATE SCOTTISH FIDDLE (Jamie Laval)
Scottish fiddle is all about making people want to dance (well, mostly!). We’ll start by learning the generic, stripped-down versions of several classic tunes – we usually have time for at least 2 reels, 2 jigs, 2 strathspeys, and one march and air. As the week 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. Jamie will introduce several kinds of Scottish ornaments which are inspired by Highland pipe ornaments, and show how to make them rhythmically accurate and add 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 (Ed Pearlman)
This class will focus primarily upon the Highland fiddle style – old and contemporary – through a look at Highland bagpipe music, Gaelic melodies, strathspeys and other dance tunes. We will examine what makes a fiddler sound like a Highland player by looking at phrasing, ornamentation, rhythmic techniques and strathspey bowing. Examples will include fiddle music collections and recordings alike. We will look at the music’s relationship to its purpose by relating tunes back to the songs from which they originated or the dances for which they are intended. As the class will be taught by ear with sheet music provided at the end, a recording device may be useful. (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 intermediate 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. This class is best suited for fiddlers who have some facility with the instrument rather than for absolute beginners.
(Class limit: 20)

FLUTE & TINWHISTLE:

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 (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.

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.

TINWHISTLE FOR COMPLETE BEGINNERS (Billy Jackson)
This class is for students with no prior experience of the tinwhistle. Instruction will start with the most fundamental techniques and a few very simple tunes. By the end of the week, you’ll be well on your way to playing. Please bring along a recording device and a tinwhistle in the key of D.

FRETTED INSTRUMENTS:

SESSION GUITAR ACCOMPANIMENT I (Eamon O'Leary)
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 (Dónal Clancy)
The student will learn more advanced chord shapes for dropped-D tuning, 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.

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 the unique DADGAD 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.

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.

MANDOLIN I (Martin Quinn)
This class will focus on teaching good technique, rhythm and style. Tunes will be taught that enable students to join in and participate in sessions. Advice will be given on plectrum choice, string types and instrument setup. Tunes will be provided in both staff notation and ABC formats. It is also strongly recommended that students bring along an audio recording device.

MANDOLIN II (Angelina Carberry)
This course is for students from intermediate to advanced level and will expand on the skills and topics introduced in the Mandolin I class. Topics covered will include the improvement of left- and right-hand technique, tone production, rhythm, style and phrasing while learning about ornamentation and application to tunes. Classes shall be taught by ear but staff notation or ABC notation will be available on request at the end of workshop. Students are encouraged to bring an audio recorder, pen and paper.

TENOR BANJO (Angelina Carberry)
This will be a general banjo class for all levels and abilities. Instruction will include the teaching of a selection of tunes that have been passed down through the generations of Angelina’s family while focusing on topics such as right- and left-hand technique, timing and rhythm, style and phrasing and ornamentation. Classes will be taught by ear but staff notation or ABC notation will be available on request at the end of workshop. Students are encouraged to bring an audio recorder, pen and paper.

REEDS:

UILLEANN PIPES (Cillian Vallely)
This class will focus on tunes from the standard piping repertoire and their associated piping techniques. Through the teaching of new tunes, we will examine standard piping elements such as rolls, crans and triplets, and also look at how to get the best sound from the instrument in terms of tone and tuning. We will spend some time looking at the various styles of playing and how to develop the music from the basic melody through the use of ornamentation and melodic and rhythmic variation. We will also look at regulator accompaniment for those with full sets and we will try to cover the various tune types associated with traditional music. A device to record the classes will be essential as the class will be taught by ear and it is expected that a lot of what you learn at the class will be of use between classes. For those who require it, musical notation can be made available at the end to take home. Intermediate and advanced players will benefit the most from this class.

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.

ANGLO CONCERTINA (Gráinne Hambly)
This class is intended for students playing Anglo C/G concertinas, and is open to all levels, from beginners with some basic playing experience upwards. It is not suitable for complete beginners, however, and all participants should be familiar with their instrument (location of the notes etc). Basics of technique and style (e.g. bellows control, phrasing, alternative fingerings) will be covered, as well as ornamentation in the context of Irish traditional dance tunes. Participants are encouraged to bring a recording device. Written music will also be provided.

HARP:

BEGINNING CELTIC HARP (Billy Jackson & Gráinne Hambly)
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). Arrangements of simple Scottish and Irish melodies will be taught by ear, with written music provided as back-up. Billy and Gráinne will each lead the class at various times during the week. 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, music stand, and spare strings.

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED CELTIC HARP (Billy Jackson & Gráinne Hambly)
Class topics will include arranging, ornamentation, and accompanying voice and other instruments. 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. Billy and Gráinne will each lead the class at various times during the week. 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, music stand, and spare strings.

SONG & FOLKLORE:

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)

INTRO TO SCOTTISH TRADITIONAL SONG (Ed Miller)
A chance to listen to, talk about and sing lots of traditional Scots (non-Gaelic) songs. From the ‘big’ ballads, broadsides, and bothy songs to songs of love, war, work and humor, we’ll listen to how different performers from Jeannie Robertson to Old Blind Dogs have interpreted and presented them, talk about the way of life which produced them, and sing them ourselves. We’ll also cover the language of Scots songs and some of the greatest sources of them, such as the ‘traveling people.’ You should come out of this class with a good, basic Scots song repertoire. Songbooks and recorded examples will be available. (No class limit)

‘NEW’ SONGS OF THE SCOTTISH FOLK REVIVAL (Ed Miller)
Since the resurgence of interest in Scottish folksong began in the 1950’s, many new songs have been added to the traditional repertoire to keep it vibrant. We’ll look at how many of these songs are well down the road to becoming traditional themselves. We’ll listen to, discuss and sing dozens of examples – including nationalist and anti-war songs of the 60’s, Ewan MacColl’s radio ballads, Hamish Henderson’s political anthems set to pipe tunes, the Glasgow humor of Matt McGinn and Adam McNaughtan, John Watt’s songs of Fife, the love songs of Dougie MacLean and Andy M. Stewart and the history-based epics of Brian McNeill. Come prepared to sing and to enjoy songs from serious to hilarious. Songbooks and recorded examples will be available. (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 will 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 capella-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)

SONG ACCOMPANIMENT ON GUITAR (Robbie O'Connell)
We will look at guitar accompaniment in regular and alternate tunings, and learn how to find the best key for your voice and explore the various options for accompaniment. What makes one singer’s version of a song the definitive version? We will analyze the techniques that make a song great and learn how introductions and links are put together to dress up a song and give it a unique style. We will trace the evolution of a song from a book or a field recording to performance on stage, and also discuss how a spoken introduction can set up a song. (No class limit)

SONGWRITING IN THE TRADITION (Robbie O'Connell)
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)

PERCUSSION & DANCE:

BODHRAN I (Matthew Olwell)
This class will address all the fundamentals of playing the bodhran, including basic care and feeding of the instrument, good hand and body position, and techniques for reels and jigs. The class will emphasize playing by ear, good session etiquette, and finding the rhythms hidden within the tunes. We will examine the similarities and differences between percussion in Irish music and other forms, with a focus on intuitive listening and “ear development.” Beginners are welcome, as are players who want to brush up on the basics or reevaluate their technique. Recording devices are encouraged. (Class limit: 25)

BODHRAN II (Matthew Olwell)
This class is designed for players with a solid foundation of technique, who are ready to sharpen their skills. Class time will be devoted to playing as a group, as well as individually. We will talk about how to accentuate rhythmic elements in different types of tunes, how to make smooth and interesting transitions within sets, and how to work with other rhythm players. Students should be comfortable with both jigs and reels and be able to play with consistent timing. Recording devices are encouraged. (Class limit: 25)

IRISH STEP DANCING (Danny Tighe)
This class is open to anyone interested in Irish Step Dancing. During the course of the week, students will be introduced to dance basics, including form, technique and the history of Irish step dance (the United States and Ireland), beginning with the basic foundations of Irish Dance. We’ll learn soft-shoe dances such as the Irish reel, light jig, slip jig and the single jig. The more experienced students will have the opportunity to learn more advanced soft-shoe and hard-shoe steps. We’ll also discuss each dance from a musical standpoint, and learn about traditional and contemporary Irish step dancing. Bring soft-soled shoes and comfortable clothes. (No class limit)

CEILI DANCING (Danny Tighe)
In Ireland, a ceili refers to a social gathering with live music and dancing. This class provides the opportunity learn traditional Irish Ceili dancing. Students will learn the basic foot movement, including sevens, threes, and the rise-and-grind step. The class includes learning several 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 social atmosphere of the Irish dance is present in our music and dances. There are no strangers here but friends you haven’t met yet! Have fun and enjoy some laughs. (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.

Welcome one and all to a Swannanoa Gathering of faeries, elves, gnomes, pixies, brownies, trolls, sprites, leprechauns, wizards, unicorns and dragons! This summer we will enjoy merry- AND mischief-making as we transform the Children’s Program into a woodland realm filled with fantasy, myth & magic. Enchanting with a pinch of tomfoolery will describe our days as we create wondrous crafts (like elf or wizard hats, faery wings & wands and troll masks), play adventurous games (Swinging on a Cobweb!....or Who’s Sitting on the Mushroom?), and sing silly songs. 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 delight we will be visited throughout the week by wandering minstrels, musicians and artists (Gathering staff) who will perform just for our kids! Faeries and elves with enough courage and skill will venture out to complete the Swannanoa Gathering Scavenger Quest, as they look for a glimpse of the wee folk. Lots of shenanigans will entertain us as we eat magical melons, make shaving cream hair-dos, learn how to stilt-walk and have a “Berry-Finding-Pie-Eating Contest”! We will close each busy day with free swim time in the “Misty Waters of the Mountains” (also known as the college pool). So answer the call, join the fantasy and prepare for a week of enchantment! Non-swimmers must be accompanied by a parent to swim. There will be a $25 art/craft materials fee for this class, payable to the coordinator on arrival.