CELTIC COLLEGE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS ENSEMBLE Note: Ensemble classes are open to all instruments unless otherwise noted. Intermediate level and above. The Irish Session With the members of Teada (Oisin Mac Diarmada, Damien Stenson, Sean McElwain, and Tristan Rosenstock), focus on learning common Irish session tunes and arranging Irish music as a group. Quebec Ensemble Experience the joie de vivre of Quebecois folk music and focus on playing as a group with the dynamic Raz de Maree (Rachel Aucoin, Sabin Jacques, Eric Favreau, and Stuart Kenney) Cape Breton Kitchen Party Break out the strathspeys and reels from Canada’s “Celtic Heartland” and join the kitchen party with Cassie & Maggie MacDonald and Andrea Beaton. Ceili Band With long-time ceili band players as teachers, this class will focus on common ceili band repertoire and how to organize the group to play for dancers. It is held concurrently with our Irish Ceili Dance class, so you can put your ensemble to the test! Play It & Sing It Ensemble We’re giving instrumentalists a chance to make some music with the energetic and dynamic band RUNA! This ensemble class will focus on arranging songs for ensemble; please note singers and instrumentalists are both welcome. Polish a Tune for Ensemble Focus on the techniques of arranging for various folk ensembles of different influences with the Kruger Brothers. Irish Session Repertoire for Ensemble Add some new Irish tunes to your repertoire and learn to play in a group setting with Paddy Keenan. Tunes across the St Lawrence For melody players: explore the rich body of music ranging from eastern Ontario, Quebec, and into New England with Raz de Maree’s Stuart Kenney. VOCAL HARMONY *Note: Vocal Harmony classes are designed for singers of all ability Vocal Harmony I and II Learn vocal parts by ear and put them together to create a glorious sound! Parts will be based on the singers available. These two classes are not meant to be taken together. Can’t Sing, Won’t Sing With Jess Arrowsmith, learn some basic vocal technique and choral singing method while exploring some of England’s song repertoire. Play It & Sing It Ensemble We’re giving instrumentalists a chance to make some music with the energetic and dynamic band RUNA! This ensemble class will focus on arranging songs for ensemble; please note singers and instrumentalists are both welcome. FIDDLE Beg 2 Fiddle This class is designed for players with limited fiddling experience. Students should know how to hold the fiddle and bow and be able to play a few simple tunes at a moderate pace. Learn a few standard tunes in the style of the teacher while focusing on tone, pitch, and overall playing confidence. Sheet music will be provided to take home, but an audio recorder is recommended to aid learning by ear. Questions such as “what’s the difference between a jig and a reel?” or “what’s the difference between Irish and Scottish fiddling?” are more than welcome here! Int Fiddle Classes Intermediate fiddle classes focus on the repertoire and technique of the music from a specific geographic region or style (ie. Ireland, Quebec, Scotland) or a particular skill (ie. Ornamentation) For fiddlers of intermediate level: with a few years’ experience, a good knowledge of the fiddle, able to play at a moderate speed, and some comfort learning by ear. Adv Fiddle Classes Advanced fiddle classes are designed in the same way as Intermediate classes, but are geared for those of a more advanced skill level: very comfortable on your instrument, able to play full-speed and learn quickly by ear. FLUTE/WHISTLE/PIPES Beg 1 Whistle For those with no previous experience with the tin whistle. Learn correct hand position, basic fingerings, and tin whistle technique along with a few basic tunes. Please bring a tin whistle in the key of D. Int Irish Flute/Whistle Intermediate Flute and/or Whistle classes are intended for players of intermediate ability: with a few years’ experience, a good knowledge of the flute, able to play at a moderate speed, and some comfort learning by ear. Classes will focus on learning more flute technique as well as either the music of a specific region and style or a particular skill. Int/Adv Whistle Classes Intermediate/Advanced Flute and/or Whistle classes are for those above the intermediate level looking for new repertoire and the ability to play faster and with more technique. Students should be of a higher intermediate or advanced level: very comfortable on the instrument, able to play full-speed, comfortable learning by ear. REEDS Int + Concertina Focus on good technique and learning to play by ear with new repertoire. For concertina players with a bit more experience and with some comfort learning by ear. Beg Quebec Button Accordion For students with at least minimal experience with button accordion. Learn the style and technique particular to the Quebec button accordion tradition along with some new tunes. Int/Adv Quebec Button Accordion For those with a few years’ experience with button accordion, and looking to expand their technique and Quebec tune repertoire. English Button Accordion/Melodeon For those with at least a little experience with English diatonic button accordion of melodeon. Into West Kerry Slide and Polkas For those with at least a little experience with Irish button accordion, learn some basic technique and a few tunes to take away from West Kerry’s Seamus Begley. Int/Adv Irish Button Accordion For those with a few years’ experience with Irish button accordion, expand your technique and tune repertoire, with Seamus Begley. SONG Traditional Singing Technique Learn to make the most out of your live performance! We will discuss everything from how to share stories in between songs and engage your audience, how to create a strong set list, how to use a stage and sound crew, and so much more! Bring songs that are ready to perform and share – or come with a fresh slate. Irish Ballads in English Learn popular and less well-known Irish songs from many eras and as passed down through the oral tradition. Singers of all ability are welcome, words may be provided. Students may find a recording device helpful. Songs of Ireland With West Kerry’s song master Seamus Begley, explore Ireland’s rich song heritage with songs in both Irish and English. Singers of all ability are welcome, words may be provided. Students may find a recording device helpful. Songs from Quebec Visit la belle province in song and explore the rich repertoire of song in Quebec. Singers of all ability are welcome, words may be provided. Students may find a recording device helpful. Emigrant Songs Experience the rich and unique song tradition of Ireland and Australia, and other diasporic traditions in this course. Singers of all ability are welcome, words may be provided. Students may find a recording device helpful. Songs of Doc Watson With Uwe Kruger of the Kruger Brothers, delve into the repertoire of Doc Watson and the bluegrass, folk, country, blues, and gospel songs that made him famous. PIANO *Note: there are a limited number of pianos available to students. Pianos must be reserved at the time of registration; if no piano is reserved, students are required to provide their own. Beg Piano Accomp For those familiar with the piano but who may have little experience with folk music or accompaniment. Learn some common and simple ways to accompany tunes and songs, focusing on chord progressions and rhythmic patterns. Int Piano Accomp For those more comfortable with traditional accompaniment who would like to learn some new techniques, chords, and rhythms. Int/Adv Piano Accompaniment Broaden your accompaniment style and focus on rhythmic variances, alternate chordings, and techniques to make the piano accompaniment more exciting. GUITAR Bluegrass & Flatpick Guitar Expand your horizons and delve into some new genres that will help spice up your playing style. For intermediate level and above. Intro to Rhythmic Accompaniment Bring some excitement to your accompaniment of tunes and expand your use of rhythm in accompanying. Intro to DADGAD For those familiar with playing the guitar wanting a tutorial in DADGAD tuning, this course will focus on basic chord formations and strumming patterns. For advanced beginners and above. Int Irish Guitar Accompaniment This class will explore approaches to the accompaniment of traditional Irish music on guitar. Learn chord shapes and essential rhythm techniques. We’ll look at several different approaches for accompanying each tune, so the student will have the tools necessary to be creative in a session. Students should bring a capo. An audio recorder is recommended. Beg Rhythm Guitar For those new to the accompaniment of traditional music, explore the rhythms and changes that really “drive” a tune along. Int/Adv Alternate Chords and Rhythms Finding yourself playing the same three chords and rhythms patterns over and over? Change it up with new chords and chord progressions along with techniques to change the rhythmic intensity. Tune Accompaniment Explore the accompaniment of traditional music – all accompaniment instruments welcome and take away some key rhythmic techniques. FRETTED STRINGS Beg/Int Mandolin Learn the basics of good playing technique and some new tunes. Students should have minimal experience with the mandolin. Int/Adv Mandolin Take your mandolin playing to the next level by expanding your technique, working on speed and precision, and expanding your repertoire. Students should be of intermediate level and above. Irish Bouzouki For those with only a little bouzouki experience as well as those more comfortable on the instrument, learn the basics of the Irish bouzouki accompaniment style for songs and tunes: chords, rhythms, and melodic technique.