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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 fundamental ornamentation and receive guidance in techniques. 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. A knowledge of Irish music is not necessary. Last year we offered an "Irish Music Basics for Beginners" series of classes that are open to any beginning student and we will continue those classes this year. The classes will be taught by instructors who are multi-instrumentalists and can help beginners at their level of playing. There will also be separate "basic" classes for fiddle, tinwhistle, flute and bodhran.
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). Most of our instrument classes fall into this category. A knowledge of Irish music is helpful. Please refer to requirements 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. This year we have advanced classes in fiddle and advanced whistle variations. Please refer to requirements for these classes before enrolling.
All levels means basic to advanced.
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.. In music classes, “all levels” does not include novices.
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. The same class will be offered each day.
ACCORDION
C#D Button Accordion Informance (Ken Fleming)
This class will introduce the C#/D button accordions played in the Irish style. The focus will be on on maneuvering over the keyboard, bellows control, fingering, ornamentation, phrasing, dynamics, etc.
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.
ARRANGING FOR SONGS AND TUNES
Arranging for Tunes and Songs (Pat Broaders OR Tommy O'Sullivan)
Explore how to arrange for tunes and songs to enhance their presentation and deliver fresh new ways of performance. This not just for bouzouki and guitar players as both instructors will discuss how to arrange for ensembles too in their respective classes.
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
Bouzouki (Pat Broader) -- Progressive Class
The Irish bouzouki, or cittern, has gained a prominent role in Celtic music over the last thirty years, and Pat Broaders is one of its leading players. Pat will cover techniques of both melody and accompaniment, focusing on right and left hand position, posture, picking and strumming patterns, tone production, tunings, chords, capos, choosing an instrument, instrument care, etc.
CONCERTINA
Anglo Concertina Informance (Ken Fleming)
This class will introduce the C/G Anglo Concertina, considered the most popular concertina in the playing of traditional Irish dance music.
English Concertina Informance (John Delaney)
This class will introduce the English Concertina, widely popular for accompanying singing and playing melodies with chording.
FIDDLE
Basic Fiddle (Michelle Feldman) -- 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 (Matt Cranitch) -- 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 (Patrick Ourceau) -- Progressive Class
This class is intended for competent players who are already playing Irish music well and are interested in honing their techniques. Patrick 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.
Bowing Techniques (Patrick Ourceau)
Patrick will offer his individual approach to bowing. He will demonstrate the rolls and ornamentation that represent the wonderful sound that is distinctively Irish fiddle.
FLUTE
Basic Flute (John Delaney) -- 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 (Catherine McEvoy) -- 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.
GEARING UP FOR SESSIONS
Gearing Up for Sessions (Daniel Lowery)
This class will cover the basics (and some of the finer points) of
playing in sessions. No matter how long ago--or how recently--you've
come to Irish traditional music, we'll make sure you've got the customs
down, we'll make sure you have a good hit parade list of session tunes,
and we'll make sure you get the most out of this time-honored tradition!
GUITAR
DADGAD Guitar (Tommy O'Sullivan) -- 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.
Standard Guitar (Kevin Alewine) -- 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.
Dropped D Guitar (Jeff Moore) -- 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.
Flat Picking Irish Tunes on Guitar (John Burleson) -- Progressive Class
For those who enjoy playing melodies on guitar or want to learn, this class will focus on flat picking techniques and ornamentation.
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 BASICS
Irish Music Basics for Beginners (Gordon McLeod and Steve Vanlandingham) -- Progressive Class
This series of classes are for beginners who are just learning or wanting to learn Irish music and also play at a beginning level on their instruments. Traditional tunes including jigs, reels, hornpipes, planxties, waltzes, slides and polkas will be taught and basic ornamentation will be covered for each instrument. The instructors are multi-instrumentalists and will teach in teams. New material will be covered during each class. All instruments are welcomed.
IRISH MUSIC FOR CLASSICAL PLAYERS
Irish Music for Classical Players (Heather Gilmer)
So you already know how to play your instrument, but you're not getting the sounds that accomplished traditional players 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 music well coming from a classical background.
IRISH MUSIC OVERVIEW
Irish Music Overview Informance (Patrick Ourceau)
What is traditional Irish music and what are it's 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. Patrick will demonstrate on fiddle the tunes that represent well the tradition and shed some light on their distinctiveness.
IRISH TUNES PLAYED SLOW
Irish Tunes Played Slow (Michelle Feldman, Daniel Lowery OR David Lovrien)
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 so that all levels of players can participate. The sessions will be led by retreat instructors and are open to all instruments.
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 (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 OF SLIABH LUACHRA
Music of Sliabh Luachra (Matt Cranitch)
Matt Cranitch grew up in County Cork surrounded by the music of Sliabh Luachra. Matt has said: "Some people define it as being as much a state of mind as a geographical location. Its music, most notably the dance tunes, slides and polkas, have a distinctive Southern swing." Sliabh Luachra is a mountainous area that straddles parts of Cork, Kerry and West Limerick and is well-known for its vibrant dance music. Matt is widely-respected as one of the leading exponents of Sliabh Luachra fiddle and will give students a tour and sample of this wonderful music.
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 -- Three 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 Sunday 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 all three rehearsals and perform with your group on Sunday night between 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
See more details.
SINGING
Singers' Voice Lab (Melinda Standefer)
This class will explore the basics of the structure of singing. Vocal exercises will be covered to extend range and agility, stabilize vibrato and develop breath control. Students will learn proper breathing technique through a melody taught in class and performed in small groups.
The same class will be offered on Friday and Saturday.
Vocal Performance (Melinda Standefer)
This class is designed to offer singers an opportunity to perform an Irish song and receive feedback. The feedback will focus on proper breathing technique and support of the voice, tone quality and maximizing vocal range/agility. It is intended for the students to come to this class vocally warmed up and ready to sing the Irish song of their choice. This class will offer 10 slots for "performing singers" and additional slots for auditors of the class who do not wish to perform.
Singing Informance (Pat Broaders OR Tommy O'Sullivan)
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.
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.
Song Exchange (Linda King & Michael Harrison OR Betsy Cummings & Christy McLeod)
These sessions are designed for students to share and exchange songs. Bring your instruments and voices and perform your favorite Irish songs. Join in if you know the songs or learn some new ones. Please bring song sheets if you plan to contribute songs.
SOUND ENGINEERING
Microphones & Miking Techniques for Acoustic Music (Travis Ener)
A close look at microphones, their types, pickup patterns and more. Travis will explore some of the most favorite makes and models and discuss their uses with different instruments.
Basic Sound Systems (Travis Ener)
The class will examine mixers, processors, power amps, and speakers and discuss ways to improve your sound individually or for an entire ensemble.
Interfacing with Your Sound System & Sound Engineer (Travis Ener)
Learn how to get your music successfully into the system via microphones and DIs. Communicating with the sound engineer: stage plots, pre-show preparation, during the performance adjustments, post-show tips.
SO YOU WANT TO FORM A BAND?
So You Want to Form a Band? -- Panel Discussion
A panel discussion on what things should be considered in forming a band performing Irish music. Panelists will address getting started, getting tight, getting gigs, getting known, getting where you want to be.
TENOR BANJO
Tenor Banjo (Ken Fleming) -- Progressive Class
This class will be a general tenor banjo class (4-string tuned in Irish style - GDAE). We 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.
TEXAS TUNE TUSSLE
Texas Tune 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 Sunday 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 all three rehearsals and perform with your group on Sunday night between 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
See more details.
TINWHISTLE AND LOW WHISTLES
Beginner Tinwhistle (John Delaney) -- 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.
Tinwhistle and Low Whistles (Daniel Lowery) -- 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 (Catherine McEvoy) -- Progressive Class
Catherine will teach two tinwhistle classes 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.
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.
The Care and Feeding of Irish Pipes (Mickey Dunne)
This class will cover the challenges in caring for the uilleann pipes with focus on reed adjustment and routine maintenance.
The Importance of the Uilleann Pipes to the Traveling Community (Mickey Dunne)
Mickey will examine the role of the uilleann pipes in the "traveling community" of musicians that have included such legendary players as Johnny Doran, Paddy Keenan, Finbar Furey, and Davey Spillane.
WHAT MAKES IT IRISH
What Makes It Irish (Matt Cranitch)
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? Matt will help you explore some answers to the questions. You may be surprised at what it takes to play this music well.