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 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 and a ?” 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 . 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 /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 + 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 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 and 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 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 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.

Beg/Int Tenor Explore the tenor banjo and learn a few basic tunes. Work on precision, and learning by ear. For those with minimal experience with the tenor banjo.

Int/Adv Tenor Banjo Learn new repertoire and focus on improving speed, precision, and technique on the tenor banjo.

Melodic Banjo With Jens Kruger, explore the softer side of the 5-string banjo and learn some new technique along with some new tunes.

Banjo Technique For the advanced beginner to intermediate level banjo player, work on perfecting technique to improve tone and precision. With Jens Kruger.

Intro to Bass Accompaniment Learn the basics of incorporating the bass into arrangements and a variety of musical styles. Students should have minimal experience playing the bass.

Expanding Bass Accompaniment For accompaniment instruments which provide a bass line, this class will focus on varied approaches to creating interesting and fluid bass lines. All accompaniment instruments welcome.

Beg Mountain Dulcimer Learn the rudiments of Mountain Dulcimer playing. Strum and finger picking will be covered with an emphasis on "exploration through improvisation". Students will be astounded at how fast they master this beautiful instrument.

Dulcimer and Song Open to players of all levels. This course will have an emphasis on group composition and technique to accompany voice. Last year's class created group pieces and also composed their own songs. Fun and relaxed- a great way to learn.

PERCUSSION *Note: no percussion instruments will be provided.

Beg Bodhran For those with no experience with the bodhran. Learn how to hold the drum and tipper, proper drumming technique, and the rhythms to accompanying a variety of common tune types.

Int Bodhran For those with some experience playing the bodhran. Expand the rhythmic variations of the drum line, and learn about some of the more uncommon tune types.

Adv Bodhran For those very comfortable on the bodhran, and looking for a challenge!

Hand & Auxiliary Percussion Explore how alternative percussion instruments can be incorporated into musical arrangements as well as the different techniques specific to each instrument. All levels welcome. Students may bring their own instruments as well as sample a variety of instruments which will be available.

HARP *Note: there are a limited number of small harps are available for students. Harps must be reserved at the time of registration; if no harp is reserved, students are required to provide their own.

Beg Harp For Adults For those with absolutely no experience with the harp. Learn basic hand position and simple technique to enable you to create beautiful music right away! Music will be taught by ear.

Beg II Harp Technique For those familiar with the basics of the but for whom an Intermediate class may be too great a challenge. Focus on good hand position, proper technique, and a couple tunes to take home.

Beg/Int Slow Airs A sampling of beautiful, slow-paced Scottish, Irish, and North American airs along with easy accompaniment ideas to create effective arrangements. For advanced beginner and intermediate level. Tunes will be provided on lead sheets.

Int Scottish Ornamentation Explore the rich body of music for the Scottish harp, or clarsach, and learn techniques specific to ornamenting these beautiful tunes.

Int/Adv Pipe and Fiddle Tunes for Harp Borrow from Scotland’s pipe and fiddle tradition and learn some new tunes for the harp.

Int/Adv Music For the harpist more comfortable with their instrument, this class will focus on learning some of the faster-paced and reels of traditional music. Develop technique to enable faster playing and some new tunes.

DANCE

Irish Ceili Dance Round the house and mind the dresser! Learn some common and popular group dances from Ireland. No experience required. Please note the first period Irish Ceili Dance class is run concurrently with the Ceili Band class.

Contras and Squares For those with some experience with this dance form and well as those who’ve never danced a step, and even those who are learning to “call” themselves. Traced back for hundreds of years to England, contra dancing and squares are an easy, accessible form of social dancing. No partners needed!

Social Dancing Swing, cajon, , tango, two step, blues one step, old time swing … we’ll cover it all in this class! A partner is NOT required – or even encouraged!

Beg Irish Step Dance An introduction to the rhythmic and percussive body of Irish step dance. Bring hard or soft shoes if you have them, or just bring running shoes.

Cape Breton Step Give us some steps, and try out Cape Breton Step Dance! Explore this style of dance particular to Cape Breton in Nova Scotia. Bring hard and/or soft shoes if you have them, or just bring running shoes.

Appalachian Step Appalachian clogging is a direct descendent of the percussive dances from the Celtic nations. Old-time Appalachian music provides the beat for the steps. Students will learn some of the basic rhythms and patters of clogging, friendly for all levels of dancers. Tap shoes, leather soled shoes, or well-worn running shoes are all workable for this class

SOUND Learn the basics of setting up and running a PA system, how to develop and interpret technical riders and sound plots, and an introduction to sound equipment. This class runs from 1.00 to 5.00 pm every day at the Livery Theatre (35 South St, Goderich). Students will also have the opportunity to run the sound at each evening’s Teacher Mini-Concerts at the Livery Theatre.

INSTRUMENT REPAIR Learn the basics of instrument repair and instrument anatomy with master luthier Josh House. Students are free to bring instruments to work on, and expect a few “hospital visits” from other instrumentalists during the College week! This class runs all day, students may drop in when available.

CRAFT ART

DAVID RANKINE SACRED GEOMETRY IN CELTIC DESIGN An exploration of the basic principles and forms of Sacred Geometry and how it was used in early Christian manuscript art. Using a minimum of tools (compass and straight edge), students will marvel at how complex designs and cosmograms like the Celtic Cross will appear before them. Learn the design work BEFORE the design in Celtic Art. Knot patterns and basic letter design will also be covered as we cover the application of Sacred Geometry in Celtic Design. With David Rankine, who has explored Celtic culture through his art and music for the past 25 years. Please bring basic drawing materials and compass set. No materials fee.

DAVID RANKINE CELTIC ILLUMINATED LETTER DESIGN Learn how to construct your own Book of Kells style Illuminated letter. This course includes sections on knot and spiral pattern, calligraphy, and sacred geometry. Gold leafing will also be covered. Materials fee: $10.

LAURA TRAVIS CELTIC CARVING ON BEACH STONES No previous experience required! Students will take a trio of Goderich beach stones- typical of the soft limestone of this area - and modify them with a simple and lovely Celtic design, finishing them off with felt padding to create an extraordinary paperweight sculpture, a gift, or a remembrance of your fun at the Celtic College. Bring your own ideas or use the many teacher references; no drawing skill is required. Advanced students are welcome to join the class with their individual projects – feel free to contact teacher for their additional stone and materials needs. Materials fee: $10 includes beach stones, use of tools, sandpapers, polishing, staining and finishing supplies, handouts, and other incidentals. Additional flat stone and tools are available for sale. Please contact directly: [email protected] for more info. Please bring these required tools to your first class: safety glasses or goggles; one or two terrycloth towels and an old pillow case filled with sand or unscented cat litter to be used as a support for working. Extra stone will be available for sale. Additional chisels will be offered for sale to students at about $18 each. Class length: One period, but students often work additional time and during the lunch break if desired. Tools etc are typically out and available. Class size: Space and tools are limited to 10 students.

LAURA TRAVIS CARVING FOR STONE RUBBING Students will design and carve a flat Celtic-inspired relief in limestone provided, and then use their design to create a hanging fabric or paper stone rubbing using fine art crayons and Laura’s personally developed technique. Students with existing flat relief carvings are welcome to bring these to try a rubbing. Bring your own ideas or use the many teacher references to assist your process. Maximum enrolment: 8 Students should bring their own sand bags and eye protection goggles (sandbag from pillowcase and sand or kitty litter). Useful to have: chisels, files, old towels, small bucket, sandpapers. Materials fee: $18 for flat stones, supplies (crayons and incidentals), all tools supplied.

LAURA TRAVIS WEAVING BRIGID’S CROSSES *Please note this class will not be offered on Monday August 4.* On Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, join a drop-in session where we will make traditional St-Brigid Crosses from soft rushes. Brigid’s crosses are associated with Brigid of Kildare, who is venerated as one of the patron saints of Ireland. The saint’s feast on February 1 coincides with the more ancient one of her pagan namesake Brigid, who is associated with fire, healing, and holy wells. These work up quickly. Anyone over age 12 may participate; no experience required. Materials fee $2, limit 10 people.

JANET WHITTAM UNCOMPLICATED LOOM WEAVING Each student will learn a relatively uncomplicated way to set up a loom, thread a project and weave a length. Maximum enrollment: 5 students All materials will be supplied, for a materials fee of $20.00

JANET WHITTAM MAKE A MARKET BASKET This is a different type of basket making from previous offerings of this course. For those with no basketry experience as well as those who would try ot try another type (coiled pine needle, twined wall basket, etc). Maximum enrolment: 8 All materials will be supplied, for a materials fee of $15.00

JONATHAN HARPER CLAY POTTERY *These classes will run Tuesday and Wednesday only, as Thursday Jonathan will take all finished products to his kiln to fire them. Classes are independent of each other, but it is recommended to take all four as skills are transferable. Class 1: Pinch Pot Bowls (Tuesday 9 – 12) An exploration of clays using pinch pottery. Participants will make a set of three bowls, one from each of the major clay bodies of earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain. Class 2: Slab Formed Pottery (Tuesday 1.30-4.30) An exploration of Celtic imagery on slab formed pottery. Wooden moulds will be provided and pieces will be completed by slumping clay over the moulds and decorating with slips. Participants will sketch out Celtic-inspired plans on newsprint and then transfer the imagery onto the slumped forms. Class 3: Coiled Clay Pot (Wed 9 – 12) Using Celtic pottery and metal artefacts such as the Gunderstrop Cauldron as guides, participants will each construct a coiled clay pot and decorate it using impression techniques. Class 4: Clay Celtic Dragon (Wed 1.30-4.30) A group projects, where participants will use their learned pottery skill to construct a clay dragon. All materials for all classes provided. Materials fee: $25.00 for all 4 classes

MARJORIE DUIZER TRADITIONAL RUG HOOKING 101 If you are a beginner rug hooker or need a refresher course this class is for you. Cutting and using strips of wool you will be hooking simple Celtic design. You will receive your pattern, materials to finish it plus an instruction booklet. Bring along scissors, a rug hook and hoop if you have them. If you don’t already have them, they will be available for you to use and purchase if you wish.

MARJORIE DUIZER INT/ADV RUG HOOKING If you have some knowledge of rug hooking you will enjoy this class. You will have access to alternate fibres to go along with your wool for your project. There will be information and demonstration of dyeing for the project. You will receive a pattern, wool, alternate fibres plus a booklet of instructions for hooking, dyeing and finishing your project. Bring along your rug hooking equipment (if you need to purchase hooks or hoops, they will be available).