Fun With Irish Music, Ages 6-8
A fun and interactive introduction to the basic elements of music in general, as well as how these relate to traditional Irish music. Children will have fun while learning the basic elements of rhythm, melody and harmony through engaging group activities such as marching, playing instruments, dancing and singing. Children may bring their own instruments and use them to explore the elements taught in the class and learn a simple Irish tune. Traditional Irish music will be used as the basis for the activities where appropriate.
Basic Irish Fiddle ages 6-9
An introduction to Irish fiddling for very young fiddlers. The class will be oriented toward learning simple traditional Irish melodies on the fiddle with emphasis on rhythm and learning by ear. The student will learn two or three traditional Irish fiddle tunes over the two-day camp. The ability to play the violin at a beginning level is a prerequisite. The student will probably have been playing the violin regularly for one year, or maybe slightly less in the case of faster learners. Students should be in the second half of Suzuki Book 1, or equivalent. It is best if they already know how to play low 2nd finger and slurs. If they are not this advanced, please call Clare Cason at 903 364 5185 to discuss your child's level and whether they would find the class beneficial at their current stage of development. Students must bring their own instruments and recording devices for class.
Basic Irish Fiddle ages 10-17
A “hands-on” introduction to Irish fiddling for older children and teenagers. The goal of the course will be for the student to learn simple traditional Irish melodies on the fiddle with emphasis on rhythm, learning by ear and with an introduction to Irish ornamentation. The student will learn two or three traditional Irish fiddle tunes over the two-day camp. The ability to play the violin at a beginning level is a prerequisite. The student will probably have been playing the violin regularly for one year, or maybe slightly less in the case of faster learners. Being able to play slurred bowings, and both low and high 2nd finger are prerequisites for this class. Students must bring their own instruments and recording devices for class.
Intermediate Irish Fiddle Ages 6-9
This course will consist of “hands-on” instruction in Irish fiddling for elementary school age fiddle/violin students who have been playing for two or three years. The goal of the course will be for the student to learn two or three traditional Irish fiddle tunes as well as the essential rhythmic and stylistic elements of Irish fiddling. 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.) Students enrolling for this class should have reached a level of comfort with the instrument that allows them to play with some speed and facility. Students must bring their own instruments and recording devices for class.
Intermediate Irish Fiddle Ages 10-12
This course will consist of “hands-on” instruction in Irish fiddling for pre-teen fiddle/violin students who have been playing for two or three years. The goal of the course will be for the student to learn three traditional Irish fiddle tunes as well as the essential rhythmic and stylistic elements of Irish fiddling. 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.) Students enrolling for this class should have reached a level of comfort with the instrument that allows them to play with some speed and facility. Students must bring their own instruments and recording devices for class.
Intermediate Irish Fiddle Ages 13-17
This course will consist of “hands-on” instruction in Irish fiddling for adolescent fiddle/violin students who have been playing for two or three years. The goal of the course will be for the student to learn five or six traditional Irish fiddle tunes as well as the essential rhythmic and stylistic elements of Irish fiddling. 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.) Students enrolling for this class should have reached a level of comfort with the instrument that allows them to play with some speed and facility. Students must bring their own instruments and recording devices for class.
Advanced Irish Fiddle
We are very pleased to announce that in 2011 we are bringing Dale Russ to be our advanced Irish fiddle instructor. Dale is an internationally recognized master of the Irish fiddle style and his presence at the Youth Camp will inspire all of the campers, not just the advanced fiddlers.
The advanced fiddle course is for Irish fiddle students who have been playing the violin for four or more years and already have a good general knowledge of Irish fiddle techniques and ornamentation. The goal of the course will be for the student to learn several advanced traditional Irish tunes while refining their understanding of Irish ornamentation and bowing techniques. Emphasis will be placed on learning by ear and learning to play in an authentic Irish style. Students must bring their own instruments and a recording device.
Irish Tin Whistle/flute for Beginners
An introduction to Irish whistle or flute playing for beginning students. The class will be oriented toward learning simple traditional Irish melodies on the whistle or flute, with emphasis on rhythm and learning by ear. The student will learn two simple traditional Irish tunes over the two-day camp.
Although prior experience with the tin whistle is not mandatory, the ability to play some type of musical instrument at a beginning level would be highly desirable. Those playing flute should be already comfortable with the basics on their instrument. Students must bring their own instruments and recording devices for class.
Irish Tin Whistle/flute Intermediate
This course will consist of “hands-on” instruction in Irish flute/tin whistle playing. The goal of the course will be for the student to learn five or six traditional Irish tunes as well as the essential rhythmic and stylistic elements of Irish flute 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.). This class is geared toward those who have played whistle or flute for a year or longer, and have acquired some facility on the instrument. Students must bring their own instruments and recording devices for class.
Irish Guitar
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 to accompany four or five 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 faster learners. The student should already be able to play the basic major and minor chords on the guitar in the keys of D and G. Students must bring their own instruments and recording devices for class.
Harp
This course will consist of "hands-on" instruction in Irish harp playing. The goal of the course will be for the student to learn to play three or four authentic traditional Irish tunes as well as the essential rhythmic and stylistic elements of Irish harp 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.). All levels welcome. For more information, contact KelticHarp@gmail.com.
Beginning Irish Piano
This course will consist of “hands-on” instruction in Irish piano playing for students who already play the piano. The goal of the course will be for the student to accompany one or more Irish tunes, by learning to play basic chord progressions in some of the keys and rhythms commonly encountered in Irish music. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the structure of the tune being accompanied, and learning to play in a group with other musicians. This level of the class is for those players who have not had much prior exposure to chordal and accompanimental playing.
Intermediate Irish Piano
This course is for students who are already familiar with basic chord progressions in the keys of D, G, A, e minor, and a minor (see "placement test" below). The class will focus on learning to accompany two to four different Irish tunes, with some discussion of how to create variety in one's accompanimental 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.). Students must bring their own instruments and recording devices for class. How do I know if my child should be in the Basic or Intermediate piano class? We will be able to assess your child's playing and help place him or her in the appropriate class level when they arrive at the camp. But for now, you could use this as a "placement test": if you show your child a series of chord symbols, do they know how to read those and create a smooth chord progression with one note in their left hand and a three-note chord in the right hand?
Here are some sample chord progressions using chords typically found in Irish music: A G A E A G C D G Am Em Am G C D G
Irish Mandolin/Tenor Banjo/ Bouzouki
This course will consist of “hands-on” instruction in Irish playing for students who already play the mandolin/tenor banjo/bouzouki. The goal of the course will be for the student to learn to accompany four or five traditional Irish tunes as well as the essential rhythmic and stylistic elements of Irish playing. The student will also learn to play one or two Irish melodies. 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 student's ability to play their instrument at a beginning level is a prerequisite. The student will probably have been playing their instrument regularly for one year, or maybe slightly less in the case of faster learners. The student should already be able to play the basic major and minor chords on their instrument in the keys of D and G. Students must bring their own instruments and recording devices for class.
Bodhran
An introduction to Irish percussion playing on the traditional Irish frame drum, the bodhran. The classes will emphasize basic bodhran technique as well as the general rhythmic elements common in Irish music including the basic dance rhythms (jig, reel and hornpipe). Students do not need to have any experience but do need to have their own bodhran. A recording device is also recommended.
Other Activities
Instrument Demonstrations –here campers can spend some time learning in just a little bit of depth about an instrument that they might be interested in playing. The following demonstrations will be available:
button accordion/concertina
Irish fiddle for non-fiddlers
whistle/flute for non-whistlers
harp
Each demonstration will be 20 minutes long and will be repeated back to back. They will be held in adjacent rooms so campers can view two or more instruments during the 45 minute time slot from 2 to 2:45 on Monday afternoon.
Sessions
A "session" is an informal group music-making experience which is the foundation of Irish musical culture. The participating musicians take turns suggesting and starting tunes, and those who know that tune join in and play along. It's both a social event and a musical one, and provides a great way to gain more experience playing Irish tunes in a fun and supportive environment.
Recess
We will have access to the playground at St. Alcuin School, so parents may choose this Monday afternoon option for those younger children who may need a break from concentration in the middle of the afternoon. It's a long and sometimes intense day of learning new things, so if you think your little guy or gal would benefit from a break, please let us know by selecting this option for them. Children will be supervised by an adult, though parents are welcome too!
An Introduction to Irish social dancing ages 5-9
During this activity a dance leader will direct the group in a simple Irish “ceili” dance. Campers will learn the basic idea of dance as a way to socialize and have fun with movement and music, a basic foundation of traditional Irish culture.
An Introduction to Irish social dancing ages 10-17
During this activity a teacher of Irish social dance will lead the group in several simple Irish “ceili” dances. Campers will learn the basic idea of dance as a way to socialize and have fun with movement and music, a basic foundation of traditional Irish culture. Since so much Irish music was written to accompany dancing, having some exposure to the dance also helps students understand the important rhythmic features of the music they are playing.
Rhythm Circle
During this activity campers will play on simple drums and percussion together in one large group led by our bodhran instructor . Not only is this a lot of fun and a chance for campers to “let off steam”, but they also learn to listen to the rhythms of their fellow drummers and to synchronize their playing together, a basic skill needed for any kind of music making.