Workshop Description

Waltons New School of Music’s Sounds Irish workshop is a dynamic, interactive workshop designed to open participants’ ears to the rich tapestry that is our music, our history, and our heritage. The workshop begins with a brief performance and overview of Irish music – where it comes, from, how it is passed from generation to generation, its forms (jig, reel, hornpipe, etc.) and its instruments. We’ll introduce the fiddle, its history, its various parts and the names of its strings, and small groups will get to ‘try out’ fiddles provided for the workshop. Then we’ll introduce the bodhrán, its parts, its history and how it is played, and students will also get to try out bodhráns. Finally, while the rest of the workshop group beats out rhythms on their desks, groups of bodhrán and fiddle players will accompany the facilitators in a reel specially written for the workshop.

Sounds Irish is available on two levels. In level 2 (which requires that participants have taken the first workshop) children are taught the more complex rhythms of jig and hornpipe and about more notes of the scale (as they use more strings of the violin), while they continue their exploration of the forms and instruments of Irish music. In a single day, schools can avail of any combination of level 1 and level 2 workshops.

Teachers, who are asked to participate, will also be provided with suggested activities, dances, songs and games for classroom use.

DEIS schools and registered charities receive a 10% discount off the fee for this workshop.

Workshop Details

• Day/Date • By arrangement
• Overall Length
  4 x 60-minute Workshops • 4 ½ hours (with 30-minute break)
  3 x 60-minute Workshops • 3 ½ hours (with 30-minute break)
  2 x 60-minute Workshops • 2 hours
• Number of Participants • maximum 35 per workshop
• Facilities/Equipment Needed • Large classroom or hall, CD player, whiteboard/markers or blackboard/chalk

Facilitators

Aoife Desmond

Aoife began playing music at an early age. She received a Higher National Diploma in Traditional Music Performance from Ballyfermot College of Further Education, where she studied under the direction of Paul McGrattan and was taught by renowned musicians such as Michelle O’Brien and Paul Kelly. She also completed a TTCT Diploma teacher training course with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. Aoife has been teaching fiddle and tin whistle for over ten years and teaches in numerous schools around Tallaght and west Dublin, at Áras Chrónain (where she was musical director in 2012-2013), at Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and at the Des Carty School of Music. She has worked with a number of youth projects through the Des Carty School of Music for which she composed music for traditional youth ensembles and performed in arts centres around West Dublin, and she regularly facilitates music workshops for young children in schools, libraries and arts centres throughout Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow. Aoife is a regular session musician and performer around Dublin and her home county of Kerry. She not only plays traditional Irish music but has broadened her repertoire to include playing and performing with rock and folk rock bands such as India9Nine. Aoife has taught at the New School since 2014.

Ian McTigue

A former student of Waltons New School of Music, Ian has worked as a professional musician and teacher, specializing in bodhrán, drum kit and percussion, for over twenty years. Moya Brennan, Frankie Gavin & De Dannan, Don Baker, Robin James Hurt and Jeff Tuttle are just a few of the artists whom he regularly works with. Ian has played drum kit, percussion and bodhrán with Riverdance in the United States, the UK, Canada, Mexico, Dubai, Kazakhstan and at the pyramids in Egypt, where Riverdance shared a headline concert with Mariah Carey. At home, Ian took part in the 2006 Ryder Cup opening ceremony at the K Club, performing specially-commissioned pieces by Dónal Lunny while sharing the stage with such renowned musicians as Carlos Núñez, Michael McGoldrick and Liam O’Flynn. Ian is also no stranger to the orchestral pit, having played with Improbable Frequency at the Black Box in Galway, Macbecks in the Cork Opera House and The Women of Ireland in Killarney’s INEC. In 2010 Ian branched into country music, playing drums with Nashville recording artist Jeff Tuttle. He has worked with the New School since 2007.

Reviews • Testimonials

‘The enthusiasm of the facilitators really brought the instruments to life.’
– A. Bleheen, St. Eithne’s GNS, Edenmore, Dublin 5

‘I liked the use of real instruments, the participatory element, the enthusiastic facilitators used to working with children. A fun workshop with no pressure on children (or teachers!) to perform.’
– C. Bourke, Our Lady of Victories GNS, Ballymun, Dublin 9

‘100% participation, simple and very effective techniques used. Facilitators were very supportive and encouraging throughout.’
– R. Moran, Scoil Bhríde GNS, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15

Has your school or organisation taken this workshop? We would appreciate it if you could take a few moments to give us your feedback in a brief online questionnaire about it.

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