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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.
ARRANGING IRISH SONGS FOR PERFORMANCE
Arranging Irish Songs for Performance (Pat Egan)
In this class Pat will discuss ideas for arranging Irish songs for performance including how to select tempos and mood, where to include instrumental interludes and how to select the best key to accommodate the singer and the instrumentalists.
ARRANGING FOR IRISH MUSIC ENSEMBLES
Arranging for Irish Music Ensembles (Gordon McLeod)
This workshop will explore ways to blend instruments and vocals to create a pleasing presentation of traditional Irish music. Variations, tempos, interludes, rhythms, counter melodies and more will be addressed.
BODHRAN
Basic Bodhran (Mark Stone) -- 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 the beginning and intermediate players. Emphasis will be placed on variations of rhythm and style and using both hands to support and "play" the melody along with lead instruments.
Advanced Bodhran (Mark Stone) -- Progressive Class
This class is for players who already have experience playing the bodhran and want to develop advanced skills on the instrument.
BOUZOUKI/OCTAVE MANDOLIN
Bouzouki/Octave Mandolin (Dave Firestine) -- Progressive Class
Some people refer to the octave mandolin as a bouzouki or cittern. In the tuning that Dave teaches (GDAE), it is basically an octave below a mandolin's tuning. Rhythms and chording are key and Dave will share some important techniques.
FIDDLE
Basic Fiddle (Gordon McLeod) -- 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 (James Kelly) -- 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 (Matt Cranitch) -- Progressive Class
This class is intended for competent players who are already playing Irish music well and are interested in honing their techniques. Matt will explore advanced Irish fiddling as applied to their style of playing, including ornamentation, bowing and melodic variation within the tune structure. The existing style of the individual will be explored and encouraged and emphasis given to adopting fresh approaches. This is a wonderful opportunity for fiddlers interested in Irish music at the highest level.
Before enrolling, please review the requirements for this class -- PLACEMENT CRITERIA.
Irish Fiddle Techniques (James Kelly)
In this class, James will discuss several aspects of the art of Irish fiddling including how to learn and bow a tune, how to ornament a tune and how to use variation in a tune.
Irish Fiddling for Classical Violinists (Heather Gilmer)
So you already know how to play your violin, but you're not getting the sounds that accomplished traditional fiddlers get. What's that all about? Heather, a former classical violinist, will help answer the question and explore what you need to learn and un-learn to play Irish fiddle well coming from a classical violin background.
Irish Fiddle Styles (Matt Cranitch)
This lecture will address the idea of ‘styles of fiddle-playing’ in a general sense, and will then go on to consider the concept of a personal style of playing. The various different regional styles in Irish fiddle-playing will be outlined, with the principal characteristic features of each being identified. Examples from the playing of the main exponents from the different regions will be used to demonstrate these points, and also to provide a comparative reference.
FLUTE
Basic Flute (Janis Deane) -- Progressive Class
This class is for the beginning flute player who wants to play Irish music. Basic ornamentation will be taught using simple tunes.
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.
efore enrolling, please review the requirements for this class -- PLACEMENT CRITERIA.
Advanced Flute Variations (Jeff Baker)
This flute class is for advanced players focusing on tune variations. Learn how to take standard tunes and make them extraordinary. This class is limited to players who have mastered intermediate skills and are currently playing Irish music at a high level.
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 (Jeff Moore) -- 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 (Kevin Alewine) -- Progressive Class
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, and have some knowledge of Irish music and of basic music theory. Competent mid-level and above players should be comfortable with this class.
Basic Guitar (Russ Alvey) -- Progressive Class
This course will consist of “hands-on” instruction in Irish guitar playing for students who already play the guitar. The goal of the course will be for the student to learn how to accompany traditional Irish tunes as well as the essential rhythmic and stylistic elements of Irish guitar playing. Emphasis will be placed on learning by ear and on exposing the student to the various types of rhythms found in Irish music (reel, jig, hornpipe, polka etc.). The ability to play the guitar at a beginning level is a prerequisite. The student will probably have been playing the guitar regularly for one year, or maybe slightly less in the case of fast learners. The student should already be able to play the basic major and minor chords on the guitar in the keys of D, G. Other guitar tunings will be explored.
HARP
Harp (Therese Honey) -- 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 MUSIC LECTURES AND INFORMANCES
The Story of the Aran Islands (Danny O'Flaherty)
Danny O'Flaherty will recount the story of the Aran Islands off Ireland's west coast as an example of the pivotal role of Irish music and song in the culture of rural Ireland.
Exploring Slow Airs (Jeff Baker)
Details to be announced soon.
The Irish Balladeer- a Treasurehouse of Irish Culture (Danny O'Flaherty)
The importance of the baladeer in keeping Irish traditional song alive is the topic of this lecture.
Irish Music in America (Mick Moloney)
Mick Moloney, who is well-known Irish ethnomusicologist, will discuss the hsitory of Irish traditional music in America and the role of America in the ongoing evolution of Irish music.
Johnny Doran --The Travelling Piper of Ireland (Mickey Dunne)
Mickey Dunne will present stories from the life of Johnny Doran, the famous uilleann piper form the travellers of Ireland. Mickey will play excerpts from recordings of Johhny Doran's playing.
The Rhythms of Sliabh Luachra (Matt Cranitch)
This presentation will consider the specific rhythmic characteristics associated with the playing of the different tune-types within the Sliabh Luachra tradition. Reference will be made to the central role played by the bowing in creating the distinctive features of this music. These various points will be illustrated by examples from the manuscripts of Pádraig O’Keeffe, the Sliabh Luachra Fiddle Master, as well as by excerpts from his music and that of a number of other Sliabh Luachra players.
The Flute Playing Stlye of the Northwest of Ireland (June McCormack)
In this informance, June will discuss and demonstrate the rich flute tradition in the Irish music of the Leitrim, Sligo, North Connacht area of Ireland.
Traditional Irish Music in Dublin From the 1940s On (James Kelly)
In this lecture, James Kelly will present a brief history of the development of traditional Irish music in Dublin from the 1940s to the present day. During this period, the Kelly family was at the center of a thriving traditional Irish music scene which saw the transition of the music from its cultural roots into the internationally recognized music genre it is today.
What Makes It Irish Music (Mick Moloney)
Have you ever wondered how the great Irish players make the music sound so "Irish?" How do they get that lilt to their melodies, that rhythmic something that enhances jigs and reels so well? What can American players learn to help them get close to playing Irish music as traditionally played in Ireland? Mick Moloney will help you explore some answers to the questions. You may be surprised at what it takes to play this music well.
IRISH TUNES PLAYED SLOW
Irish Tunes Played Slow (Ken Fleming, Daniel Lowery, Heather Gilmer, Mimi Rogers, Jeff Baker)
These 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 played many times at a slow tempo and then faster so all levels of players can participate.
LEARNING BY EAR
Learning by Ear (Mimi Rogers)
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 (Dave Firestine) -- 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. Rhythms and chording will also be covered.
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 (Allison Hicks) -- 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, rhythmic variation through syncopation 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 preferably with headphones for these classes.
There will be a cap of 8 students set for piano classes.
SINGERS SCRAMBLE
Singers Scramble -- Two Rehearsals & One Performance
This is a fun way to sing with a group of other singers at the retreat. Those who sign up will be assigned to one of several
singing 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
singers at the retreat, and perform for the entire camp! You must attend the two scheduled rehearsals (and others the group may plan) and perform with your group on Saturday night between 7:15 - 8:45 p.m. Click here for more details.
SINGING
Irish Singing (Danny O'Flaherty) -- Progressive Class
This class will explore Irish style singing in English and Gaelic through examples. Danny will present songs from his vast repertoire with discussions on sources, styles and background. Students are encouraged to bring a recording device as a learning aid. Each class will focus on different material.
Arranging Irish Songs for Performance (Pat Egan)
In this workshop, Pat Egan will discuss ideas for arranging Irish songs for performance, including how to select tempos and mood, where to include instrumental interludes and how to select the best key to accommodate the singer and the instrumentalists.
Singing Informance (Pat Egan)
This class will explore Irish and other traditional song styles sung in English through examples. The instructor will present songs from their repertoire with discussions on sources, styles and background.
Learning Gaelic Singing (Denice Brown) -- 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 (Mick Moloney) -- Progressive Class
This class will be a general tenor banjo class (4-string tuned in Irish style - GDAE). Mick 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 AND LOW WHISTLES
Beginner Tinwhistle (Janis Deane) -- Progressive Class
Tinwhistle, for many people, is the instrument on which they first learned Irish music. Although it is a relatively simple instrument to learn, in the hands of a master, it is an amazingly versatile instrument. Bring a "D" pitched whistle. Students will learn easy tunes using basic fingering and ornamentation.
Intermediate & Advanced Tinwhistle (Jeff Baker) -- 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.
Advanced Whistle Variations (June McCormack and Mickey Dunne)
June and Mickey each will teach a tinwhistle class during the retreat for advanced players focusing on tune variations. Learn how to take standard tunes and make them extraordinary. This class is limited to players who have mastered intermediate skills and are currently playing Irish music at a high level.
Before enrolling, please review the requirements for this class -- PLACEMENT CRITERIA.
TUNE TUSSLE
Tune Tussle -- Two 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 two scheduled rehearsals (and others the group may plan) and perform with your group on Saturday night between 7:15 - 8:45 p.m. 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.