We concentrate our resources toward meeting the needs of those students who plan to attend. Class availability will depend on enrollment. Please sign up early and let 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 a song, a folk dance, 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)
Fun with Irish Music (ages 6-8) –a fun and interactive introduction to basic elements of rhythm, melody, and harmony through engaging group activities such as marching, trying various instruments such as the whistle and bodhrán (Irish drum), dancing, and singing.
Irish Singing (usually age 9 and up)– explore Irish culture by learning songs in the Irish language. We’ll also sing traditional Irish songs in English, practice key words in the Irish language, 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.
Irish Fiddle –usually more than one class to meet different playing levels. Minimum playing level would be halfway through Suzuki Book 1, or one year of daily school orchestra. (If you’re unsure about this, just get in touch.)
Tinwhistle (age 7 and up)– a very accessible instrument that makes a great starting point for Irish music. We may also be able to offer an intermediate tinwhistle class depending on interest and enrollment.
Irish Flute– students that are learning the flute in band can also play Irish music on their flute. However, the keys in which most Irish tunes are written, are not the keys that band students learn in their first year of playing. If you have a flute student who would like to join us, check with us to see if your son or daughter is at a point where Irish music would be a good fit.
Irish Guitar — for student who already can play basic chords on the guitar, this course will help them learn to accompany four or five traditional Irish tunes. Students will also learn more about the essential rhythm and style elements of different types of Irish dance tunes.
Irish Harp (age 7 and up)–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. 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 –Piano students will learn a traditional Irish melody, and if able, add LH accompaniment. We will also work on learning how to create accompaniment to “back up” another instrumentalist playing an Irish tune. Keyboards are required for this class. We may have some keyboards available for rental– please inquire early!
Bodhrán (Irish Drum- age 8 and up)– 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. Each student will need a bodhrán for the class. It’s possible we will have drums to rent to students in the class, but cannot guarantee this… so contact us by May 25th if you’d like to purchase an instrument for your son or daughter, and we can give you information on how to do that.
Mandolin/ Tenor Banjo/ Bouzouki– from time to time we are able to offer instruction in these instruments depending on interest and enrollment. Please let us know of your interest.
Other Activities
In between our primary music classes, we’ll have other activities, as breaks from concentrating and some additional exposure to 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!
Crafts– we’ll have fun creating something related to Irish arts or history.
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.