2011 Celtic Week Classes

FIDDLE:

INTERMEDIATE IRISH FIDDLE A (Brian Conway)
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 an audio recorder. (Class limit: 30)

INTERMEDIATE IRISH FIDDLE B (Patrick Mangan)
This class will be aimed at the improving fiddle player who wants to play more in an Irish style. Prior experience playing Irish music is not necessary but students should already have an understanding of basic technique on the violin and a reasonably developed sense of rhythm and tuning. The tunes we will learn will serve as vehicles to analyze and improve on bowing and fingering techniques. We will listen to some classic recordings of master fiddlers and discuss the musical continuity of Irish music on the world stage from the early days of recorded music to the present. We will also focus on building confidence playing in public, an area in which Patrick can lend some insight, from his experience with the show Riverdance. Students will be encouraged to learn tunes by ear and use recording devices, but sheet music will also be available. (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 (Laura Risk)
This course explores the stylistic nuances of Scottish fiddling. We’ll work on ornamentation and bowing, phrasing and expression, playing ‘in the groove’, improvising melodic variations, and using accents to create rhythmic excitement. We’ll also discuss Scotland’s regional fiddle styles and listen to recordings of players from each style. Technique and theory topics – tone, practice methods, simple chord theory, playing with speed and precision – will be included as appropriate. All tunes, including strathspeys, reels, jigs, marches, and slow airs, will be taught by ear. Students are encouraged to bring a small audio recorder to record musical examples and repertoire. (Class limit: 30)

ADVANCED SCOTTISH FIDDLE (Brian McNeill)
This class will deal with bowing, phrasing and ornamentation of tunes ranging across the full spectrum of difficulty of Scottish music. As composition is an ongoing feature of the Scottish fiddle tradition, the class will cover both traditional tunes and Brian’s own compositions, and composition by students during the week will be encouraged. Regional variations in style will be considered, as will the use of harmonies and chords. The modern use of fiddle as a second (backing) instrument will be discussed, as will the use of the instrument in playing with other instruments, particularly bagpipes and accordion. All types of tunes, marches, strathspeys, jigs, reels and airs, will be considered. The history of Scottish music, both in its totality and with special reference to the fiddle, will be referred to throughout, as will the context of Scottish music in Scotland’s social history. Students should bring a small audio recorder and a big heart. (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 (Andrew Finn Magill)
“What’s the difference between a jig and a reel?” “What makes it sound Irish vs. Scottish?” “How do you do a roll?” If you find yourself asking these questions, this might be the class for you. We will learn the basics of the musical styles which constitute “Celtic” fiddle (Irish, Scottish, Breton, etc). This class for intermediate fiddlers new to the style will prioritize listening as well as playing. After all, the only way to play better is to listen better. We will learn several tunes throughout the week and I’ll give you plenty of stuff to take home and work on. The goal of this class (besides having fun) is to make you more confident playing Celtic music and to teach you how to sound authentic. An audio recorder is recommended.

FIDDLE FOR COMPLETE BEGINNERS (Rose Flanagan)
Have you always wished you could sit in on a seisun but you’ve never taken the first step? Here’s your chance! Learn how to play the fiddle from scratch! Students will work on the basic elements of fiddle playing: holding the violin, left-hand position, bow-hold and tone production (getting that finger in just the right place!). We will learn basic notation and how to play basic scales (D and G) best suited for Irish tunes and hopefully learn a tune or two during the week as well. This class is for absolute beginners who are game for the challenge!

FIDDLE TECHNIQUE A (Rose Flanagan)
This class is for those who already play the fiddle but wish to improve their technique within the Irish Music genre. Do you want to improve your intonation and learn how to play smoother? This is the class for you! We’ll work on fingering, bowing and how to include ornamentation to your playing to make it flow better, and uncover those issues that may be holding you back from playing your best! We’ll incorporate these devices into some tunes for you to take home and practice. This class is best suited for fiddlers who have some facility with the instrument rather than for absolute beginners. Bring a recording device to class although sheet music will be provided. (Class limit: 20)

FIDDLE TECHNIQUE B (Damien Connolly)
Each day, a specific tune will be assigned to the class, which will be learned by ear. Students are encouraged to bring audio recorders, pen and paper, and to ask as many questions as possible. Videotaping is not permitted. Students will also be encouraged to showcase their progress to their classmates. Attention will be paid to learning specific bowing styles/patterns, correcting bowing patterns which do not reflect the Irish tradition, learning/perfecting various musical ornaments (grace notes, triplets, rolls), phrasing, and the “internalizing” of a tune. This class is best suited for fiddlers who have facility with the instrument and who are willing to be challenged, rather than for beginners. Classes will be taught by ear but ABC notation will be available to all students on request at end of the workshop. (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 (David Surette)
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.

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.

FLATPICKING CELTIC GUITAR (Robin Bullock)
This intermediate-level class will focus on making traditional Celtic tunes come to life flatpicked on steel-string guitar. We’ll discuss technique, lift, ornamentation, and other facets of making Irish, Scottish and Breton tunes sound authentic on guitar, as well as alternate tunings, capo techniques and methods for picking up tunes by ear. Sheet music and tab will be available if required. Students should bring a capo. An audio recorder is recommended.

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. An audio recorder is recommended.

CELTIC BOUZOUKI (Eamon O'Leary)
The Irish bouzouki, or cittern, has gained a prominent role in Celtic music over the last thirty years. This class will cover techniques of chordal and melodic accompaniment for both instrumental and vocal pieces. Players of both 8- and 10-string instruments are welcome. An audio recorder is recommended.

MANDOLIN I (Darren Maloney)
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. Classes will be taught mainly by ear. Students are encouraged to bring an audio recorder, pen and paper.

MANDOLIN II (David Surette)
This class is for students from intermediate to advanced level and will focus on the role of the mandolin in Celtic music as both a melody and an accompaniment instrument. Topics covered will include left- and right-hand technique, a variety of ornamentation techniques (including picked triplets), drones and doublestops, open-string chording, and generating dynamic and consistent rhythm. The repertoire will focus primarily on Irish and Breton tunes. Classes will be taught mainly by ear. Students are encouraged to bring an audio recorder, pen and notebook.

TENOR BANJO (Darren Maloney)
This will be a general banjo class for all levels and abilities. Instruction will include the teaching of a selection of tunes focusing on topics such as right- and left-hand technique, timing and rhythm, style and phrasing and ornamentation. We will also touch on composition for the banjo. Classes will be taught mainly by ear. Students are encouraged to bring an audio recorder, pen and paper.

REEDS:

UILLEANN PIPES (Michael Cooney)
The class will focus on the areas of; the tuning of the pipes, the teaching of new tunes which will start with the basic melody. At this stage attention will be on fingering technique and rhythm will be most important. Moving on we will focus on variations and ornamentation. I will be happy to discuss tunes that students may already have in their repertoire. Audio recording devices essential (no video please). Class wll be taught by ear, have your pipes in the best shape possible.

BUTTON ACCORDION (Damien Connolly)
In this class for B/C accordion, a specific tune will be assigned to the class each day, and learned by ear. Attention will be paid to posture in general, fingering technique, hand position, air button control, the understanding/ internalizing of a tune, phrasing and ornamentation. Different playing styles shall be demonstrated and discussed, along with listening recommendations for representative box-players. Students will also be encouraged to showcase their progress to their classmates. Classes will be taught by ear but ABC notation will be available to all students on request at end of the workshop. Students are encouraged to bring audio recorders, pen and paper, and to ask as many questions as possible. Videotaping is not permitted.

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 an audio recorder. 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, etc.) We will also explore parallels between these ancient customs and their manifestation in North America.. (No class limit)

SINGING SCOTTISH SONGS (Ed Miller)
Each class period will focus on two or three songs, learning them by hearing and singing them over several times. We’ll also listen to recordings by a variety of singers to hear how they present, express and decorate a song. Songbooks and sampler CDs will be available and the language and social context of the songs will be explained. However, the emphasis will be on learning a selection of traditional and more recent songs aurally and orally by repetition. (No class limit)

SCOTLAND IN SONG (Ed Miller)
The songs of the Scottish folk revival of the past 50 years cover everything from politics and social change to urban renewal and personal experience. In this class, we’ll listen to, talk about and SING serious and humorous songs by Adam McNaughtan, Ewan MacColl, Hamish Henderson, Brian McNeill, Andy M. Stewart, Dougie MacLean and others, all of whom are keeping the Scottish song repertoire refreshed, vibrant and relevant. Songbooks will be available. (No class limit)

IRISH TRADITIONAL SONG (Cathie Ryan)
Irish song has played a crucial role in the survival and growth of the Irish as a people and a nation. Traditional song has carried on the experiences, humor, character, and history of the Irish through the centuries. In this course we will discuss the historical importance of song, and experience the joy of exploring and singing some great traditional songs. We will focus on the oral tradition of sean nós (old style) singing by listening to some of the different regional styles found throughout Ireland, by learning the rudiments and framework of the style, and by using those rudiments to develop our own individual singing style. We’ll be working on children’s songs, humorous songs, narrative ballads, and love songs. We will use lyric sheets and learn our melodies by ear, so please bring audio recorders with you to class. (No class limit)

IRISH MYTH AND FOLKLORE (Cathie Ryan)
Before the history of Ireland was written down, there existed an Ireland known to us only through legend and myth. This was an Ireland of enchantment, peopled by gods and goddesses who lived alongside mortals. We know them in Celtic lore as giants, shape changers, magicians, warriors, kings and queens. Their stories and a selection of the folktales of Ireland will be the focus of this course. We will look at stories and characters from the national epic of Ireland, The Táin Bó Cuailnge, and also the legacy of Brigid (both pagan and saint) whose feast day is still celebrated in Ireland with wonderful ritual. These stories still resonate in the Irish countryside and they hold great relevance to us today. To honor the oral tradition, Cathie will tell the stories before they are discussed. (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 GAELIC SONGS (Nuala Kennedy)
This class focusses on traditional songs in the Irish language. We will learn a selection of songs by ear, and also learn a few basic phrases in Irish. We will listen to examples of different Irish language singers and might also learn a couple of Scottish Gaelic songs as well. Words, phonetics and translations will be available. Please bring a notebook and recorder. (No class limit)

IRISH SONGS IN ENGLISH & MORE (Nuala Kennedy)
A lot of Nuala’s repertoire consists of Irish songs in the English language she learned from her mentor and friend, Cathal McConnell of the Boys of the Lough. In this class we will learn a variety of songs from that repertoire as well as other songs which Nuala has picked up over several years performing and singing. We will try to learn some songs by ear, (old-style!) as well as from songsheets. A relaxed and informal class, this is a good way to broaden your repertoire as well as share some of your own songs and singing experience with the group. Please bring a recording device. (No class limit)

PERCUSSION & DANCE:

BODHRAN I (Matthew Olwell)
This class will address 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, musical sensitivity, 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 re-evaluate their technique. Audio 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. Audio recording devices are encouraged. (Class limit: 25)

IRISH STEP DANCING (Erin Duffy Martorano)
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 in 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, and slip jig. The more experienced students will have the opportunity to learn more advanced soft-shoe and hard-shoe steps. We’ll also discuss the music and traditional instruments that accompany Irish dance. Bring soft-soled shoes and comfortable clothes. (No class limit)

CEILI DANCING (Erin Duffy Martorano)
In Ireland, a ceili refers to a social gathering with live music and dancing. This class provides the opportunity to learn traditional Irish ceili dancing, with its intricate figures and social atmosphere. 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 Four Hand Reel,” “The Sweets of May,” and “High Cauled Cap”). Come to learn, socialize, and be merry! Wear comfortable clothes and either soft-soled shoes or sneakers. (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.

Avast there, mateys! By popular demand, to help celebrate the Gathering’s 20th year, we are bringing back PIRATE WEEK!!!! All hands on deck as the Children’s Program sets sail for a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas (otherwise known as the Appalachian Mountains). 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 pirate bandanas with beaded braids & dreads, jeweled treasure chests & Jolly Roger flags), playing wacky games (can you follow a treasure map to find the booty?) and singing buccaneer songs (“yo ho, yo ho... a pirate’s life for me,” OR “I’ve got a whale of a tale to tell ye lads...”). When we aren’t fighting off scurvy, stepping on bilge rats or swabbing the deck, we will become part of a Kid’s Pirate Band, led by First Mate Sue Ford (singer, songwriter, percussionist). 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 shaving cream hairdos, pie-eating contests and venturing out to complete the Gathering Scavenger Hunt. To prevent anyone from becoming a landlubber we will close each busy day with free swim time in the deep sea 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 $30 art/craft materials fee for this class, payable to “Cap’n D,” aka Denisa, the Children’s Program coordinator, on arrival..