SC Irish Arts Weekend

Irish Traditional Song with Julee Glaub and Mark Weems: Students will discover their voice through the art of Traditional Irish singing. We will learn the fundamentals of Irish song as we focus on ornamentation, phrasing, dynamics, storytelling through song, repertoire and song collecting, and specific Irish styles. We will also explore on a small scale the foundations of vocal techniques such as breath control, warm up, pitch, volume, intonation, improving range, performance techniques, finding your voice, and proper voice care. Students will increase their Irish song repertoire and students will be invited to participate in a Sunday song circle. Individual tutoring will be available throughout the weekend and are encouraged to schedule ahead. Tape recorders are encouraged and the only experience necessary is a desire to sing.

The History of Irish Song in America with Mark Weems and Julee Glaub: We will travel through the history of song from Ireland to America...from 1366, when the statues of Kilkenny forbade singers, poets, story tellers, harpers and minstrels to ply their trade to the times of the Famine (1845-1849) to Irish-American Wakes to the Irish in the Civil War times to the Tin Pan Alley days to the settling into the Appalachia region to present day Traditional Irish song in America. We will tell the Irish story through song and discuss the development of Irish song in America through the eyes of immigration. We will also discuss the ballad connection between Appalachia Ireland, Scotland, and England.

Bodhrán with Julee Glaub and Mark Weems ~ All levels welcome: We will focus specifically on jigs and reels and learn foundationally how to play the bodhrán as one would play a tune on a fiddle, dynamically and tastefully. We will learn how to blend well with other instruments through basic rhythms for beginners as well as phrasing and variations for intermediate and advanced players. We will also briefly discuss the nuances of singing and playing the bodhrán at the same time with varied rhythms, dynamics, and tempos. Tape recorders are encouraged as well as a bodhrán and a tipper.

Irish Whistle with Mike Simpson: This workshop will cover posture, tone, note locations and scales, and basic ornamentation (taps, cuts, vibrato and long rolls). One tune will be taught, with attention paid to phrasing (using techniques such as tonguing, glottal stops and breath-taking) and appropriate ornamentation. The class will listen to examples of players with contrasting styles. Mike will work with each student in private for a few minutes to offer individual advice/critique. If time allows, the class will cover advanced ornamentation (short rolls, crans, combos, etc) and possibly talk about other topics.

Irish Fiddle with Mike Simpson: This workshop will cover posture, tone, note locations and scales, bow control and technique, and basic ornamentation (trebles, "slides", cuts and long rolls). One tune will be taught, with attention paid to phrasing and appropriate ornamentation. The class will listen to examples of players with contrasting styles. Mike will work with each student in private for a few minutes to offer individual advice/critique. If time allows, the class will cover advanced ornamentation (short rolls, crans, double stops, combos, etc) and possibly talk about other topics.

Concertina with Jeff Thomas: Jeff will share his approach with students in such a way that will encourage growth in each participant's individual style. The workshop will include discussion about button choice, fingering styles, embelishments and tune variation. All levels are welcome. Students are encouraged to bring your tape recorder.

Mandolin / Tenor Banjo with Steve Bennett: This workshop will discuss basic left and right hand techniques in relation to Irish music, including ornementation, articulation, pick direction and timing. We will work on a couple of contrasting tune types to apply above techniqes. Also, Steve will discuss translating experience in American old-time and bluegrass music into Irish music, plus other topics as time allows. All levels are welcome. Students are encouraged to bring a tape recorder.

DADGAD Guitar Accompaniment for Irish Tunes with Davey Mathias: This class is open to all guitar players that are familiar with DADGAD and for players that would like to try something new! The class will cover chord scales for various keys/modes in Irish music, including improvisation and chord choices for tunes. We will also discuss right hand (strumming) technique as applied to various Irish tune types. Students are encouraged to bring a recorder.

Irish Harp with Alex Reidinger: We will learn an Irish tune that everyone can play – the beginner students will play the “Big Notes” while the more advanced students will add in the “Little Notes.” We will unlock the secrets of fingering and learn the in’s and out’s of ornamentation – how to do it and where to put it.
This workshop is appropriate for All Levels.
Tunes will be taught in the traditional method – by ear – so please bring a recorder and a notebook. Sheet music will be available at the end of class.

Irish Harp: Arranging Made Easy with Alex Reidinger. As Janet Harbison says, “Arrangement is neither anarchy (where anything goes) nor limited to the 3 chord trick!” We will learn how to use cues in the melody to find the “right” chords. If you’re ever bored playing the same chords every time, we will also cover how to find alternative chords and arrange the whole tune. This class is appropriate for All Levels.
All tunes will be taught in the traditional method – by ear – so please bring a recorder and a notebook. Sheet music may be available at the end of class.

Irish Gaelic with Finnbarr Dunphy. Take this journey, lead by your able guide, through Viking-era Ireland, learning much about Irish history and culture as well as absorbing a generous helping of Irish words and phrases along the way. Using Finnbarr's one-of-a-kind English to Irish text, Triail le Tine (Trial by Fire), students will learn language, culture and history at a comfortable level. Texts will be available on loan for the workshop session. A complete text folder and CD with word pronunciations will be available to purchase.

Uillean Pipes with Matt McNeely: Details soon...

Hammer Dulicimer with David Shelley: Details soon...