2024 Irish Journeys
Everyone is on a journey. What makes our journeys more interesting are the things that broaden our knowledge, enrich our experience, and help build connections.
One hour per day will be devoted to the Irish Journeys, with two to choose from each day. It is not necessary to pre-register for these. They are included with your class package.
Friday, May 31
Back to Basics – Kevin Crawford
Kevin Crawford’s talk on the benefits of going back to basics delves into the importance of mastering the foundational elements of Irish traditional music. How returning to core techniques and principles can enhance musicality, improve technical proficiency, and deepen one’s understanding of the tradition. We will discuss essential aspects such as rhythm, ornamentation, phrasing, and breath control, illustrating how these fundamentals serve as the building blocks for more advanced playing. This practice benefits musicians at all levels, advocating for a strong grasp of basics to unlock greater creativity and expression in Irish music.
The Making of a Recent Song Record – Nuala Kennedy
Nuala and Eamon recently made an album of traditional songs on the Greek Island of Hydra. This is a journey within a journey…
Saturday, June 1
More Than Meets the Ear – Kieran O’Hare
We’re always getting told to listen, listen, listen if we want to learn Irish traditional music. It’s true, but sometimes it’s hard to know exactly what to listen for. We’ll discuss exactly that—the vastly complex data stream that is a tune, how to decode it, and how to get the most useful information out of it. The goal is to open up different, exciting, and new possibilities and dimensions of the listening experience.
Songs of the People – Eamon O’Leary
Come learn about this unique collection of Irish traditional song put together by Sam Henry in the 1920s and 30s. We’ll talk about, but more importantly, sing together as many of these great songs as time allows. All are welcome to listen in, but lyrics will be provided for those who wish to participate.
Sunday, June 2
Designing Practice for the Traditional Musician – Liz Knowles
Liz has spent her early life learning the practice fundamentals of classical music and then had to modify and expand this experience for learning Irish traditional music. In this workshop, she will outline some of the core elements of her practice today and suggest some functional practices that will ensure your progress both technically and musically on your chosen instrument. This class is open to all instruments and voices. Bring your questions. comments and experiences!
Deceptively Simple: The Music of Micho Russell of Doolin, County Clare – Kieran O’Hare
Let’s take a look at the music of one of the best known but least listened to musicians of the 20th century. Deeply rooted in place and time, Micho was an absolute genius of rhythm, phrasing, and articulation. We’ll see some aspects of how Micho approached playing the tin whistle and the flute, and, equipped with that knowledge, let’s see what we can learn to bring to life in our own music today. For, but certainly not limited to, flute and whistle players!