| Class Schedule (PDF File) |
Class Schedule (MS Excel File) |
About "Informances"
Some classes are workshops called "informances" meaning there will be more demonstration, discussion and promotion of a particular instrument or interest area rather than formal teaching. If you have an instrument, please bring it and, depending on the group, the instructor might offer some helpful instruction.
Class Levels
Classes are intended for players with the basic skills required to play their instruments. We regret that due to the short duration of the retreat , except for the bodhran and tinwhistle, it is not practical to offer instruction for novice students who have never played their instruments. All of our non-instrument classes are open to all levels. Here are the class levels provided at the retreat:
Basic classes are for those students who know how to play their instruments at a beginning level and will learn the fundamentals of playing Irish music. These classes are not designed for players just starting to learn their instruments, but rather, students who are familiar enough with their instruments that they are already playing some melodies on them or, in the case of rhythm instruments, familiar with basic chording. A knowledge of Irish music is not necessary.
Intermediate classes are for those students who are able to play many tunes by ear with good technique and at a reasonable speed (i.e., dance tempo) or know how to accompany tunes on their rhythm instruments. A knowledge of Irish music is helpful. Please refer to requirements, if any, for these classes before enrolling.
Advanced classes are for students that are proficient enough to be able to absorb and perform the nuances and subtleties of the Irish style and who currently play an extensive amount of Irish music without difficulty. Please refer to requirements for these classes before enrolling.
Class Progressions (Please Note)
Classes are progressive from one to the next if the class title includes a number that increases with each offering (e.g., Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, etc.) On the other hand, informances and specific non-instrument classes (e.g., ABCs and Learning by Ear) include the same content each time they offered. While it is permissible for students to attend different instrument classes over the weekend, please be advised that instructors may not teach or review what they taught in previous classes.
Instruments Played in Classes (Please
Note)
In classes where Irish music is being taught on specific instruments,
students must use only those instruments in those classes. Examples:
Five-stringed banjos would not be appropriate for the tenor banjo classes;
cellos not appropriate for the fiddle classes; button accordions not
appropriate for the piano accordion classes, etc. If you don't have
the right instrument for a given class, you may audit the class but
please don't bring any instruments that aren't required for it.
ABC NOTATION
Learning Your ABCs (Rick Roberts)
ABC music notation has become the internet standard for sharing Irish tunes around the world. Using ABC notation, Irish tunes can be represented in a few lines of text that anyone can type at computer keyboard. For those that don’t read music, it is often easier to learn than standard music notation. For those that do read music, software is readily available to print high quality sheet music from tunes in ABC format. In this workshop, students will learn how to read and write ABC notation, how to print sheet music from ABC notation on your PC, how to play ABC tunes on your PC, and where and how to download Irish tunes from the internet.
BODHRAN
Bodhran (Albert Alfonso) -- Progressive Class
This class will introduce the rudiments of Irish music as applied to the bodhran. Class discussions will include such topics as session etiquette, care and feeding of the bodhran, rim shots, and basic left-hand techniques to adjust the tone. The class will also include an overview of the principal dance tune forms including jigs (double and slip), reels, hornpipes, polkas, slides, etc. This class is for all levels. Emphasis will be placed on variations of rhythm and style and using both hands to support and "play" the melody along with lead instruments
BOUZOUKI/OCTAVE MANDOLIN
Bouzouki/Octave Mandolin (Chris Smith) -- Progressive Class
Chris Smith, author of the standard book/CD set "Celtic Backup for All Instrumentalists" (2000, Mel Bay) presents a course focusing on developing the "whole" bouzouki player: harmonizing and reharmonizing tunes and songs; creating contrapuntal parts in the style of Andy Irvine and Donal Lunny; enhancing the ability to hear and play parts by ear and on the fly; and, perhaps most uniquely, how to hear and improvise imaginative, tasteful accompaniments to the Irish session tune repertoire. Open to players at all levels but does presuppose a basic familiarity with the instrument. Not instrument-specific: players of 4- and 5-string instruments, in any tuning, and of related instruments like mandolin and mandola, will find the course equally engaging and rewarding. Chris Smith welcomes direct inquires regarding course content, at chris@coyotebanjo.com, and invites interested students to sample the (free) instructional materials at http://coyotebanjo.com/music-group-28.html
BUTTON ACCORDIONS - C#/D & B/C
C#/D & B/C Button Accordions (Patty Furlong) -- Progressive Class
This class will explore the C#/D and B/C button accordions played in the Irish style. The focus will be on maneuvering over the keyboard, bellows control, fingering, ornamentation, phrasing, dynamics, chording, etc.
ENRICHMENT CLASSES
The Anglo Concertina – A Closer Look (Michael Rooney)
The Anglo concertina, a member of the “free reed’ family that includes accordions and harmonicas, is considered one of the most versatile instruments found in the Irish music tradition. It is capable of playing chords, melodies and often both at the same time in the hands of an experienced player. But the real wonder of the concertina is the lovely, warm sound that is produced by bellows, buttons and reeds that fit snugly in a small package. Michael Rooney, an All-Ireland titlist on harp and concertina, demonstrates the instrument and discusses its integration into the music tradition after it was developed in the early 1800s.
The Immigration of Sligo Fiddlers to America (Brian Conway)
A discussion of Sligo fiddlers who emigrated to New York from Ireland in the 1920s through the 1950s and the players they influenced. It will involve listening to both professional recordings as well as some wonderful private recordings belonging to Brian.
Irish Music in Review – A Rich Variety (June McCormack)
What is traditional Irish music and what are its many forms? If you are just beginning to play the music or an advanced player wanting to go beyond jigs and reels, this class will give you a more complete understanding of what constitutes Irish music. June McCormack demonstrates the tunes that represent well the tradition and sheds some light on their rich variety.
The Legacy of the Travelling Pipers (Mickey Dunne)
Mickey Dunne will explore the lives and playing of the great travelling pipers of Ireland through music and video recordings. From the times of Johnny and Felix Doran to the present melodies of John Rooney, Finbar Furey and Paddy Keenan, students will see some of Ireland’s most interesting caretakers of the music.
Living Links – How the Sligo Fiddle Style Survives Today – The James Morrison Story (Manus McGuire)
Like fiddlers Michael Coleman, Paddy Sweeney and Paddy Killoran, James Morrison was born and raised in south Sligo and immigrated to the United States. His virtuoso playing on the fiddle in the Sligo style and his prolific recording achievements greatly influenced generations of fiddlers in the US and abroad. His remarkable story will be presented by Manus McGuire who also grew up in Sligo.
Music in the Mountains: The Irish Catskills and Traditional Music (Brendan Dolan)
The tiny upstate New York hamlets of Leeds, South Cairo and East Durham form the spine of the “Irish Catskills”, the choice vacation destination of New York’s Irish and Irish-Americans for generations in the Twentieth Century. Today East Durham is home to the Irish Arts Week which attracts top performers and students each summer to this struggling area for a week of workshops and sessions. This presentation will examine the development of this area as a distinctively Irish destination, and some of the factors that have led to its relative decline. In addition, it will examine the role of traditional music in the region as a reflection of the tastes of the Irish and Irish-Americans who created the phenomenon of the Irish Catskills. Musical examples will be included to illustrate the changing tastes of the Irish at leisure, and the talk will be accompanied by a large array of photos and memorabilia that will trace the changing face of the Irish Catskills.
Playing for Competitions, Ceilis and Feisanna (Patty Furlong)
Patty will explore what it takes to be in a band competing at the Fleadh Cheoil Nah Eireann. Discussion will include types of instruments involved, tune selection for specific age groups and criteria for judging. Then Patty will focus on playing for ceilis and what sets are danced, appropriate tunes for specific sets and how to determine when to stop for each figure. Finally, she will cover playing for a Feis and will discuss North American Feis Commission (NAFC) critieria for timing for jigs, reels, hornpipes and slip jigs. The levels of dancing (6) in grades will be reviewed as well as the criteria for preliminary and open champiosnhips and playing for figure dancing.
Playing with Ease (Enda Scahill)
Playing Irish music isn't all about learning the notes. For many, the physical ability required to play the music is often a challenge. It's surprising the number of injuries of those who play under stress or, more often, the inability of players to ornament or play at the right tempo due to tension in their playing style. Enda explores what he has learned about "playing with ease" to lessen the pain and stress associated with performing this most bruising of music. Irish music is not for wimps, so gear up for some tips to get your playing in shape.
Working Up Songs from Scratch (Pat Egan)
Have you ever wondered how great songs are formed? Producing a song from scratch is more than just learning its words and melody -- there is a process. Pat offers some ideas on how to approach a song, e.g., finding new ways to sing old or well-known songs; finding creative ways to accompany songs through chording or perhaps picking out the melodies; working with chord voicings that enhance the feeling or the story narrative; and looking at poems and the possibility of turning them into songs
FIDDLE
Basic Fiddle (Eric Ryan-Johnson) -- Progressive Class
This class is intended for fiddlers who know how to play at a basic level but have limited technique and repertoire. Students will learn during each class a few simple Irish fiddle tunes by ear and by standard music notation including a waltz, a jig, and a reel. Basic bowing technique and fundamental Irish ornamentation will be introduced.
Intermediate Fiddle (Brian Conway) -- Progressive Class
This class is intended for fiddlers who have surpassed basic fiddle technique and have some familiarity with Irish style fiddle playing. Students will learn several moderately challenging Irish fiddle tunes in each class including reels, jigs and hornpipes. Irish fiddle technique will be explored in depth including ornamentation ( rolls, grace notes and bowed triplets), tone, rhythm and the more common bowing patterns used in Irish style playing.
Before enrolling, please review the requirements for this class -- PLACEMENT CRITERIA.
Advanced Fiddle (Manus McGuire) -- Progressive Class
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 and feedback given to adopting fresh approaches especially pertaining to the Irish fiddle. -- PLACEMENT CRITERIA.
FLUTE
Beginner Flute & Tinwhistle (Janis Deane) -- Progressive Class
At the begiining level, we combine tinwhistle and flute because of the similarity in fingering and ornamenation. Bring a "D" pitched whistle and/or wood or metal flute. Students will learn easy tunes using basic fingering and ornamentation.
Intermediate & Advanced Flute (June McCormack) -- Progressive Class
For the intermediate and advanced flute player, this class will explore some great tunes, focusing on rhythmic feel, tone, and basic ornamentation. We will discuss different ways to build repertoire and skill. As the class progresses, we will explore more elegant ornamentation and variation ideas for tunes.
Before enrolling, please review the requirements for this class -- PLACEMENT CRITERIA
GUITAR
Standard Guitar (Pat Egan) -- Progressive Class
In this class, students will learn to apply and expand their guitar technique using standard tuning to accompany Irish traditional music. The class will explore a variety of types of tunes, dynamics through syncopation and emphasis, chord substitutions and common progressions. Students should be comfortable with basic chords and strumming.
DADGAD Guitar (Don Penzien) -- Progressive Class
In this class, students will learn to apply DADGAD tuning to accompany Irish traditional music. The class will explore a variety of types of tunes, dynamics through syncopation and emphasis, chord substitutions and common progressions. Students should be comfortable with basic chords and strumming.
Dropped-D Guitar (Emily Bryant) -- Progressive Class
In this class, students will how to use dropped-D tuning (DADGBE) to accompany melody players playing Irish music. The class will explore a variety of types of tunes, dynamics through syncopation and emphasis, chord substitutions and common progressions. Students should be comfortable with basic chords, strumming, and have some knowledge of Irish music and of basic music theory. Competent mid-level and above players should be comfortable with this class.
HARP
Harp (Michael Rooney) -- Progressive Class
The harp is the most ancient and graceful of traditional Irish instruments. This class will explore the basic techniques of Irish harp playing with an introduction to the traditional repertoire including O’Carolan compositions and slow airs as well as the traditional dance repertoire.
IRISH TUNES PLAYED SLOW
Irish Tunes Played Slow
These instructor-led sessions are designed to teach new tunes and to cover some of the tunes students have already learned at the retreat. The tunes will be suggested by the students and played many times at a slow tempo and then faster so all levels of players can participate.
IRISH TUNES PLAYED UP TO SPEED
Irish Tunes Played Up to Speed
These instructor-led sessions are designed for students who are very familiar with traditional Irish music and can play tunes up to dance speeds.
KIDS IRISH MUSIC & HERITAGE WORKSHOPS
Kids Irish Music & Heritage Workshops (Peggy Turner, Steve Vanlandingham) -- Progessive Class
These workshops are for elementary school-age children ages 6 to 10 and offers an introduction to Irish music, dance, history, language, and customs. It will include the following activities: games, arts and crafts, singing, instrumental instruction, learning simple Irish Gaelic phrases and songs, folk dancing, cooking, and storytelling. This is a highly-structured, educational program designed to teach Irish music but in a way that provides context for the music through cultural appreciation. SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES. For parental documents, go to DOCUMENTS.
LEARNING BY EAR
Learning by Ear (Kevin Alewine)
This class is offered for players of all instruments. The class will explore ear training and memorization tools to enhance the student’s ability to learn and retain tunes without the aid of written music or tablature.
MANDOLIN
Mandolin (Rick Cunningham) -- Progressive Class
This class will explore the use of the mandolin in traditional Irish music. Particular emphasis will be placed upon proper left and right-hand techniques, ornamentation, variation, and translating concepts from other traditional instruments, pipes, fiddle, flute, whistle, etc., to the mandolin.
MUSIC THEORY
Keys, Modes and Scales -- Intro to Music Theory for Irish Players (Rick Roberts)
Using a combination of visual patterns and ear training exercises, you will learn the basic skills to recognize and understand the keys and modes commonly used in Irish traditional music. The simple relationships between keys will be explained. We will not be reading music notation. This class does not cover harmony.
Questions that students should be able to answer after this class:
PIANO
Piano (Brendan Dolan) -- Progressive Class (Electric Pianos Required)
In this class, students will learn to accompany Irish traditional music with the piano. The class will explore a variety of types of tunes, with some attention to rhythmic variation and emphasis, basic theory as applied to Irish music and chord substitutions. Students should be comfortable with basic piano technique. The ability to maintain a strong, steady beat is essential. Some knowledge of Irish music and of music theory (especially basic chord structure and function) would be helpful but is not necessary. Students are required to bring their own electric pianos and headphones for these classes. Some kind of tape recorder is also recommended.
PIANO ACCORDION
Piano Accordion (Mark Kenneth) -- Progressive Class
This class will explore piano accordion technique as applied to traditional celtic dance music. The various dance rhythms will be explored (jigs, reel, hornpipes) as well as fingering technique and ornamentation (triplets, grace notes). Chording and counter melody tips for accompanying singers will also be covered.
SINGING
Gaelic Singing (Jonquele Jones) -- Progressive Class
Enjoy this ancient style of unaccompanied singing in the Gaelic language. This is a workshop for singers and listeners alike. A discussion of the technique of sean-nos singing, learning the language and sources of music will be held.
SOUND SYSTEM OPERATION
Basic Sound System Operation (Travis Ener) -- Progressive Class
This two-part class will examine mixers, processors, power amps, microphones, and speakers and discuss ways to improve your sound individually or for an entire ensemble and how to interface with sound engineers.
TENOR BANJO
Tenor Banjo (Enda Scahill) -- Progressive Class
This class will be a general tenor banjo class (4-string tuned in Irish style - GDAE). Enda will be looking at plectrum techniques, ornamentation, chord enhancements and, most importantly, melodic variation. Students will also learn simplistic playing styles, rhythm and syncopation, and pick tricks.
TINWHISTLE
Beginner Tinwhistle & Flute (Janis Deane) -- Progressive Class
At the begiining level, we combine tinwhistle and flute because of the similarity in fingering and ornamenation. Bring a "D" pitched whistle and/or wood or metal flute. Students will learn easy tunes using basic fingering and ornamentation.
Intermediate & Advanced Tinwhistle (Justin Murphy) -- Progressive Class
This class will explore the playing of traditional Irish music on the tinwhistle and low whistles at an intermediate or advanced level. Students will learn jigs, reels, hornpipes and other types of dance music while exploring the elements of Irish style on the instrument. Students will be taught techniques in fingering, tonguing, tone, breathing and ornamentation. Whistles pitched in the key of ‘D’ are essential.
TUNE AND SONG TUSSLE
Tune & Song Tussle -- Three Rehearsals & One Performance
This is a fun way to perform with an ensemble at the retreat. Those who sign up will be assigned to one of several groups. Each group will have a coach instructor who will help prepare the group for a contest to be held Saturday night. Awards will be given
and the top award will be given for "most entertaining." A great way to meet other players at the retreat, and perform for the entire camp! You must attend the three scheduled rehearsals (and others the group may plan) and perform with your group on Saturday evening. Click here for more details.
UILLEANN PIPES
Uilleann Pipes (Mickey Dunne) -- Progressive Class
These classes, taught in a series by Mickey Dunne, will examine what makes the uilleann pipes special. Why are they different from other woodwind instruments used in Irish music? How can the piper maximize the benefit? Mickey will expand and illustrate these concepts. The class will discuss and draw up a list of the techniques that make the sound of good piping so appealing. Students should bring, at a minimum, a practice set with a satisfactory playing chanter reed.