BY SEÁN P. FEENY
A NEW summer school which promises to be a huge attraction for traditional music enthusiasts is beginning in Donegal this July.
Ceol na Coille Summer School of Irish Traditional Music will be held at Glenswilly National School from Monday, July 16 to Friday, July 20.
The new summer school is the brain child of well-known New Mills based musician and music teacher Paul Harrigan who also runs classes with Ceol na Coille throughout the year.
He said: “There is such a wealth of top quality musicians and tutors in Donegal that students don’t need to travel far afield to learn new techniques and styles.
“The idea o behind the summer school was to give kids an opportunity to enhance their ongoing lessons by learn from other tutors, but more importantly to give them a chance to meet others playing the same instruments.”
Tutors confirmed so far we have Roisin McGrory (fiddle), Melanie Houton (fiddle), Edel McLaughlin (piano accordion), Shane Bracken (concertina), Donna Harkin (button accordion) and Paula Houton (flute, whistle) with more to be announced.
The Burnfoot native said there is a big emphasis on fun and enjoyment of music with Ceol na Coille. “We want to show them that there’s more to their weekly classes,” he said.
The classes are for all ages and all levels, but one unique class that may be of interest to beginners is Paul’s Introduction to Irish Traditional Music, a concept which has been tried and tested with great success with his young students at Ceol na Coille.
“This class, aimed at 6 to 8-year-olds, gives students a chance to try out all the different instruments without the expense of purchasing them.”
The inspiration behind the school comes from Paul’s own personal experience attending school as a youngster and learning from his very well-known tutors.

SHARE

Email

Linkedin

Twitter

Facebook

Pinterest