2003/2004 School Programs
From October 2003 to June 2004 the Central Missouri Celtic Arts Association is hosting two artists-in-residence from Ireland to teach and perform Irish traditional music, Irish language and culture in our community; Helen Gubbins and Deirdre Harnedy, both recent graduates of the Arts and Music program at University College Cork, Ireland. During their tenure in Columbia, and as part of CMCAA's outreach efforts, they will be available to conduct performances and instructional workshops in schools and for civic organizations.
If you would like further information, or to schedule a school visit, please contact us. Kate Akers, activities coordinator, phone: 573-442-2048 e-mail: kakers@chivalry.com
Performance Programs
School Concert (for one class or the entire student body)
A one-hour concert of Irish traditional music and songs, with informative introductions and interactive question-answer time. Helen and Deirdre will talk about where they are from, their instruments, how they learned to play music, the character of Irish traditional music and the different types of dance tunes and songs they perform.An Irish Céilí (kay'-lee)
A céilí in Ireland is traditionally an evening of Irish music, dancing and socializing. Helen, Deirdre and members of the Central Missouri Celtic Arts Association can come to your school and host an Irish céilí, teaching traditional Irish social dances and playing live music for your students.Instructional Programs
The following topics are available as individual 1- hour sessions, or in combination for a 3-hour intensive program. A class can be split into two groups so two topics are taught concurrently. All topics can be tailored for different age groups.
Hands-on Folk Instrument Sampler
Children will be introduced to several folk instruments, learning about the instruments and how to play them. Instruments we may introduce: Bodhrán (Irish drum), bones, button accordion, tin whistle, fiddle, flute, and guitar. We will provide Instruments that the children can try. Rhythm in Folk Music - this class will help strengthen your "ear" for music, with techniques and exercises designed to help develop students' sense of rhythm, and learn to use new forms of rhythmic accompaniment (in alt types of music).Irish tin whistle
The tin whistle is the most basic melody instrument in Irish music, but when played by an expert sounds extremely complex. We will provide loaner tin whistles for groups of 15 students or fewer to try during this session. Students will learn the differences between a tin whistle, flute and recorder, and the techniques for each. They will gain a basic understanding of the tin whistle and what makes it distinctive as an instrument in Irish traditional music.
Irish Step Dancing
Step dancing is an athletic, performance style of Irish dance that has been popularized in recent years by the musical productions Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. Learn the first basic steps, and then try it out accompanied by live Irish music - a unique experience!Irish Social Dancing
One of the ancestors of American folk dancing, Irish "set" and "céilí" dances are group dances done in squares and lines. Students will learn beginner level dances such as The Waves of Tory and the Sliabh Luachra Polka Set and dance them to live music.Irish Gaelic Language
Ireland's native language nearly disappeared under English rule, but in recent decades has been revived and now is taught in all grade schools in the Republic. It's a language of poets and poetry, complex and subtle. Students learn basic conversational Irish, phrases and sayings and some of the history associated with this ancient language.The Irish Song Tradition
Do you think all Irish songs are about drinking and rebellions? Think again! Oral tradition is alive and well in Ireland and is reflected in songs old and new. From 16th century traditional ballads to the pop chart toppers of today, you can find reflections of Irish social and political history running throughout Irish songs. We'll explore parallels by teaching songs and listening to recorded examples using age-appropriate material.Ancient Ireland
A sampler of the history, literature, art and archaeology of ancient Ireland using storytelling and hands-on projects. Students will team about standing stones and ring forts of the ancient peoples of Ireland, St. Patrick, Celtic knotwork and illuminated manuscripts. We'll introduce them to Irish mythology and oral tradition through such well-known characters as Cuchulainn and Finn MacCool, and short stories such as the Children of Lir and the Salmon of Wisdom.