2024 Classes
Note: As we work to rebuild the camp after two years of not being able to hold it due to COVID, we are trying to concentrate our resources toward meeting the particular interests of those students who plan to attend. So the classes below may be somewhat subject to change. We’d suggest signing up early and letting us know what your son or daughter is interested in!
Here’s how the camp works:
- Each student will pick one primary class (main music subject) to study at the camp. They will return to this class regularly throughout the camp to learn more.
- Each student will also be part of a Tune Tussle (performance) group, to prepare songs or instrumental tunes to share at the end of camp.
- In between the primary classes we will have other elective activities, to give students the chance to learn some other aspects of Irish culture or enjoy some downtime.
Primary Classes (subject to enrollment)
(click to view descriptions)
Foundations of Irish Music (ages 6-9)
A fun and interactive introduction to the basic elements of music in general, as well as how these relate to traditional Irish music. Children will have fun while learning the basic elements of rhythm, melody and harmony through engaging group activities such as marching, playing instruments, dancing and singing. There will also be some down time for activities like storytelling. Children may bring their own instruments, if they play one, and use them to explore the elements taught in the class and learn a simple Irish tune. Traditional Irish music will be used as the basis for the activities where appropriate.
Irish Singing (age 9 and up)
Camp singers will explore Irish culture by learning songs in the Irish language. We’ll also sing traditional Irish songs in English, practice key words in Gaelic, talk about how to care for your voice, and show singers how to add some of the vocal decorations that make Celtic songs so beautiful.
Tinwhistle (age 7 and up)
This class will focus on learning tunes on the tinwhistle, a very accessible instrument which makes a great starting point for Irish music. This class is open to young children, but note that it will focus specifically on the tinwhistle. The Foundations of Irish Music class is also a good choice for a younger child, especially if they don’t yet know what they want to learn and would like some exposure to several different instruments.
Irish Fiddle
This class will focus on playing Irish traditional music on the fiddle. Students need to have a basic level of proficiency on their instrument, usually 1-2 years of regular practice or study. We will divide these classes based on how many students are attending, and how much experience they already have on the violin. Learning by ear is an important part of traditional music, so if a student is new to that method of learning, we will work on those skills as part of the class. Students should bring a way to record the instructor’s demonstration of the tunes.
Irish Guitar
This course will consist of “hands-on” instruction in Irish guitar playing for students who already play the guitar. The goal of the course will be for the student to learn to accompany four or five traditional Irish tunes as well as the essential rhythmic and stylistic elements of Irish guitar playing. Emphasis will be placed on learning by ear and on exposing the student to the various types of rhythms found in Irish music (reel, jig, hornpipe, polka etc.). The ability to play the guitar at a beginning level is a prerequisite. The student will probably have been playing the guitar regularly for one year, or maybe slightly less in the case of faster learners. The student should already be able to play the basic major and minor chords on the guitar in the keys of D and G. Students must bring their own instruments and recording devices for class.
Irish Harp
This course will consist of “hands-on” instruction in Irish harp playing. Beginners will learn basic harp technique and approach to the instrument, and those who have been playing longer will work on adding more elements of Irish harp playing according to their playing level. Students age 7 and up are welcome in this class. For those who do not own a harp but would like to try the instrument, it may be possible to rent one for the camp. We will have a limited supply of rental instruments and will rent them on a first-come, first-serve basis, so contact us right away if you’re interested in doing that!
Irish Piano
This course will consist of “hands-on” instruction in Irish piano playing for students who already play the piano. The goal of the course will be for the student to accompany one or more Irish tunes, by learning to play basic chord progressions in some of the keys and rhythms commonly encountered in Irish music. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the structure of the tune being accompanied, and learning to play in a group with other musicians. Students will need to bring a portable keyboard to class. (Those who do not have one can often find one to borrow for the camp, by asking around among friends or fellow piano students!)
Bodhrán (Irish Drum)
An introduction to Irish percussion playing on the traditional Irish frame drum, the bodhrán. The classes will emphasize basic bodhrán technique as well as the general rhythmic elements common in Irish music including the basic dance rhythms (jig, reel and hornpipe). Students do not need to have any prior experience, but they must be at least eight years old to enroll in this class. Each student will need a bodhrán for the class. It’s possible we will have drums to lend to students in the class, but cannot guarantee this… so contact us by June 12 if you’d like to purchase one for your son or daughter, and we can give you information on how to do that.
Other Activities
In between our primary instrument classes, we’ll have some other activities, as breaks from concentrating and some additional chances to learn about Irish culture! Here are some of the subjects that are likely to be included:
Tune Tussle: each student will be assigned to a small group of students who will work together to prepare something Irish-music-related to share at the end of the camp. This may include songs, instrumental tunes, or Irish dance or skits as the students wish!
Dance– those who are interested can try some fun Irish social dances. Everyone who takes part in this always has a great time!
Singing– those in instrumental classes may take an additional workshop to learn an Irish song.
Instrument Demonstrations– students will have the chance to look closely at, ask questions about, and in some cases try some of the more unusual Irish instruments they have likely not seen before.
Sessions–an informal group music-making experience which is the foundation of Irish musical culture. The participating musicians take turns suggesting and starting tunes, and those who know that tune join in and play along. It’s both a social event and a musical one, and provides a great way to gain more experience playing Irish tunes in a fun and supportive environment.
Song Circle– the equivalent of a session for vocalists! Participants take turns singing any song they like (it doesn’t have to be an Irish song, any song is good), while others listen and appreciate. The singer can talk about the song first, or just sing it!
Instructor Concert– we’ll have a short performance by our instructors on Monday evening (parents are welcome to attend!)
Outdoor activities– depending on weather, we’ll have the option of some outdoor activities like volleyball or soccer.