Irish Music School

The members of Slide (Ireland), winners of Irish Music Magazine’s Best Newcomer award in 2001 and the Young Musicwide Award in 2006, have agreed to teach a series of workshops and private lessons in Tulsa on September 1 and 2 during their U.S. tour (which is sponsored in part by Culture Ireland). This is a don’t miss opportunity for musicians interested in learning more about playing Irish music or perfecting their technique. All the band members have significant teaching experience, have been involved in adjudicating competitions, and have arranged and directed groups of musicians.
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The music school has received a grant from the Kansas City Irish Festival to start a music library. The grant will be used to buy tune books, books about Irish Music and some recordings. We have a verbal agreement that the collection will be kept at The Irish Museum and Cultural Center for use by students and the general public.

Also, resourceful whistle student Connor Spencer received an apprentice grant from the State of Missouri to study with whistle teacher Turlach. We studied the playing and recordings of several influential whistle players, and attempted to describe the unique elements of their music and technique.

After a longer than expected break, a bunch of intrepid students started or continued on their path to whistle mastery at the weekly classes in Unions Station tonight. There are still places available in the classes, so, if you’re a last minute person like me then call or email and we’ll get you fixed up!

Whistle student Rosie Cutrer is a professional storyteller in her real life, touring through the nearby states educating and entertaining as she goes. This spring she produced two storytelling CDs titled Mr. Bun and Other Stories and The Blackthorn Walking Stick and Other Tales. We just got word that both of her CDs were recognized by The Children’s Music Web in their annual awards. Congratulations!

Sheehan’s Irish Imports in Westport had their annual pre-Christmas open house this weekend, and some intrepid students from the Monday night Union Station tinwhistle classes flaunted their new abilities to a small but appreciative audience. Courtesy of Turlach’s photographer wife Katherine, here are the pictures of Randall, Garrett, James, Kat, Erin and Brian leading the way as instructor Turlach marvelled at their courage!

We have some photographs from this past weekend at the Kansas City Irish Festival. Fiddle instructor Dave Agee joined Turlach for a couple of tunes before heading home for some much needed rest after playing several sets in the sun with Mr Stinky Feet, Jim Cosgrove. After Dave left, Turlach finished the workshop, fiercely promoting the school to a worthy audience.

The Celtic club up at Benedictine college in Atchison has started a slow session. It’s a great resource for anyone who can’t make it to our lessons, and for any students who want to make the trip. Here’s what John Bunch had to say:

Our session up here in Atchison has started and we have had two good weeks! The attendees are mostly students with little experience in Irish music but lots of energy.

This fall we are starting the open (slow) session at 8:30. We are also running a SLOW SLOW ensemble “class” from 7:30-8:30 for people who do not have any background in the music.

More information about BOTH can be found on our new web page which is where we will post updates on our events (stay tuned for some exciting news about concerts and ceili’s which are in the process of being scheduled).

http://home.earthlink.net/~bc_celticclub

And we are on myspace here:

http://www.myspace.com/bccelticclub

This is the big weekend for Irish music in Kansas city with the Irish Fest in full swing. There’s a smattering of traditional music with Cumasc, Beoga, Jimmy Crowley, The Fuchsia Band and big name band Solas. With all that excitement, don’t forget to support the local bands trying to make their mark.

Flute and whistle instructor Turlach Boylan will be presenting a workshop at the Heritage tent on Sunday at 5:00pm. If you’re interested in getting started with lessons at the school, it would be a good way to get initiated.

The next ten week series of group classes will begin in September. Whistle classes at Union Station will be on Monday evenings beginning September 17th. Fiddle classes at Dave Agee’s home in Overland Park will be on Wednesdays beginning Sept 19th. Here is the press release for the whistle classes.

KC SCHOOL OF IRISH MUSIC
TINWHISTLE CLASSES RESUME AT UNION STATION
MONDAY SEP 17TH

The tinwhistle is the simplest and least expensive instrument in Irish music, yet capable of producing exceptional music in the hands of a master. The fingering system is straightforward and it is small and portable, making it the perfect instrument for children and beginners.

Instructor Turlach Boylan grew up on a farm in County Derry, the oldest of seven children. He began playing Irish music in earnest on the flute at the age of 16 studying with County Antrim flute master John Kennedy. Turlach has lived in the US since 1989, and toured extensively with the traditional band Glen Road, performing for audiences of all ages.

A reviewer for Dirty Linen, the premier American Folk magazine described a track from Turlach’s album Shame The Devil as ‘probably the best recording of tinwhistle music I have ever heard’ In addition to flute and whistle Turlach plays Irish music on banjo and mandolin.

Monday night tin whistle classes begin in September 2007 at the Irish Cultural Center & Museum in Union Station. The plans are to hold two group classes; One for beginners, the other for returning students.

You will need:
- A tin whistle in the key of D.
- To be 8 years or older.
- Parental consent if 16 or under.
- To commit to 10 weeks of classes.

Here’s an opportunity for some enterprising students to broaden their perspective.

We are hoping you can help us spread the word about the Tulsa Gaelic Language and Music Weekend, co-sponsored by The University of Tulsa Music Department, TU Language House and the Tulsa Gaelic Studies Group.

The Weekend, to be held October 13-14 features workshops on Scottish Gaelic, Celtic Song, and Celtic music. Headlining the faculty is Christine Primrose, international recording artist and traditional Gaelic singer.

They have more information on their website and you can also download a brochure/application.