MASTER CLASS ARCHIVE

Playwriting Workshop with Deirdre Kinahan

May 11-12 | 11 am – 2 pm

Admission: $80 member, students and seniors / $100 non-member

The event is sold out. Email info@irishartscenter.org or
call 212-757-3318 x204 to join the wait list.

Sean-Nós Dancing Workshops
Mary Beth Taylor, TCRG, Saturday, January 26
Beginners 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Improvers 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Get a jump start on the new Sean-Nós Dance class! This workshop will be a fun day of learning new steps and rhythms, along with creating steps of your own. Please wear shoes with a hard sole and a low heel.

Fee: $18 member / $20 non-member for one workshop
$30 member / $35 non-member for both workshops

Slow Air Boot Camp III for ALL Instruments
With Bill Ochs

Sunday, December 2nd | 2 – 5 PM

Level: Intermediate and above
Bill Ochs will lead Slow Air Boot Camp, his third workshop devoted to the slow airs of Ireland— love songs, laments, and songs of remembrance and farewell. Students will acquire all the essential techniques of slow air playing: slides, scoops, casadhs, vibrato, and more. This year’s workshop will feature all new pieces, so even if you attended the last two you won’t want to miss this one!
Special emphasis on the tin whistle, flute, and uilleann pipes.

For questions about the workshop, contact Bill Ochs at 212-247-3231 or bill@pennywhistle.com.

$50 non-member / $45 member, seniors, students

Creative Nonfiction Workshop
with Molly McCloskey

Sunday, December 2 | 1 pm – 5 pm

Journalist, short story writer, novelist and memoirist Molly McCloskey will explore a range of nonfiction styles, voices, and subject matter, and will touch on such issues as the boundaries of nonfiction and the ethical questions peculiar to the writing of true stories. Short pieces of published nonfiction by established writers will be discussed, as will the writing of workshop participants. While there will be brief writing exercises done in class, all participants are asked to bring with them a short piece of nonfiction-in-progress (not exceeding 2,000 words) to share with the class - either a self-contained piece or the opening pages of a longer work. This writing may take the form of memoir, personal essay, travel, reportage, etc. It needn’t be polished, and students shouldn’t worry if they feel unsure of where he piece is going or even what, exactly, it is - it’s only the raw material, and a place to start.

$50 non-member / $45 member, seniors, students

Reading Music Workshop

With Caitlin Warbelow

Sunday, September 30 | 1:30 – 3:30 PM

Level: Beginner to Advanced Beginner
Although traditional musicians often learn to play by ear, it is also important to know how to read sheet music. This workshop will give you a basic understanding of note reading and rhythm concepts, in addition to teaching tips and tricks to speed up your sight-reading skills on your instrument. The class is open to students playing all instruments, as well as singers and non-musicians. Those with no note reading experience are encouraged to attend, as well as those who want to improve their existing skills.

Please contact Ms. Warbelow at cawarbelow@yahoo.com with any questions.
$35 for non-member / $27 for member, seniors, students

Ornamentation Boot Camp with Bill Ochs

Sunday, May 20 | 1 pm – 5 pm

Drawing on over thirty-five years of teaching experience, Bill Ochs, our resident wind instrument expert, will lead a unique one-day master class for tin whistle, low whistle and flute players. Bill will be teaching a completely different set of tunes from those taught as his previous rave-review Ornamentation Boot Camps. Students who attended past sessions won't want to miss this one!

The class is designed for musicians who feel comfortable playing Irish dance tunes at a moderate pace, but who are novices at ornamentation or would like to review the techniques. The day will start with instruction in simple ornaments (cuts and strikes) and then move on to compound ornaments (rolls and crans). Each ornament is presented within a tune. You’ll not only learn new techniques, but also come away with a series of great new pieces to add to your repertoire.

Bring a tin whistle, low whistle or flute pitched in D to the class. 
Players of Boehm system flutes are welcome to participate.

Fee: $50 non-member / $45 member, senior or student under 16

If you need assistance placing your order, call 866-811-4111.

For questions about the workshop, please contact Bill Ochs at 212-247-3231 or bill@pennywhistle.com

Writing & Storytelling Workshop with Honor Molloy

Sunday, May 20 | 1 pm – 5 pm

“I have seen many perform their written work over the last forty years, but it is easy to say that Honor Molloy, on the page or in person, is one of the very best I have ever experienced.” 

–Stanley Crouch, critic, columnist, novelist

Enjoy a day discussing your fiction, connecting with fellow writers and learning strategies to address how to face open mics.

Honor Molloy will lead a writing and storytelling workshop for fiction writers. In this class, writers will explore several aspects of the short story in a craft discussion and get their creative juices flowing with writing exercises and prompts. This workshop will also be focused on reading your writing in public, which can bring awareness to the tone, pacing and word choice of your story. Participants should come to the workshop with a completed story, ready to be shared with the group. Honor Molloy will offer writers tips and give each person a chance to rehearse with an audience of fellow writers to gain concentration and confidence.

For new and practicing writers. Limited to 15 students.

Fee: $50 non-member / $45 member, senior or student under 16

Honor Molloy holds an MFA from Brown University and has received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard, and a Pew Fellowship in the Arts. Born in Dublin, Honor Molloy lives in Brooklyn.

Celtic Harp Master Class and Performance
with Cormac de Barra and Mia Theodoratus

Sunday, October 23

Master Class: 2 pm - 5:30 pm
Performance: 7 pm - 8 pm

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind master class in Celtic harp taught by Cormac de Barra and Mia Theodoratus. Students will spend time with each instructor. With Cormac, students will learn by ear and have the opportunity to tailor the workshop to suit their interests by exploring dance tunes, harpers’ airs, slow airs and song airs. With Mia, students will learn how to look inside a tune and pull out what you feel the song is saying, and more importantly, practice tips to give a clean performance. Instruction will also go over some “tricks” like extended modern harp methods and chord spacing. All skill levels welcome.

Even if you do not take the class, you can enjoy the beautiful sounds of the harp at the evening performance.

Master class*: $50 general / $45 members, students, seniors
*includes performance admission

Concert only: $18 general / $15 members, students, seniors

Sean-Nós Dancing Workshop
with Shannon Dunne and 
Mary Beth Taylor

Sunday, September 18

10 am - 1:30 pm

Sean-Nós (“old style”) dancing is a traditional form of Irish solo dancing which works closely with the rhythms of Irish music. Similar to such American styles as tap and clogging, it has been argued that sean-nós is the oldest form of Irish dance.

Students will learn a full set of steps that can be danced to traditional Irish music. Additionally, learners will experiment with steps and rhythms of their own creation—this emphasis on creativity and spontaneity is what makes sean-nós dancing truly unique! For all skill levels.

In lieu of set dancing shoes, please wear footwear with a hard sole and a low heel.

Fee: $40 general / $35 members, seniors, students

Irish Dance Master Class with Darrah Carr

Saturday, May 7 | Noon - 2:30 pm

Darrah Carr, Artistic Director of Darrah Carr Dance and champion Irish step dancer, describes her style as ModERIN: a playful combination of traditional Irish step and contemporary modern dance. 

Now, during this special Master Class, get an in-depth look at the development of ModERIN and learn phrases from the company’s repertory!

Fee:  $50 general sale | $45 members, seniors, students
To register contact Rachael Gilkey at 212.757.3318 ext 209 or rachael@irishartscenter.org.

Articulation Boot Camp for Tin Whistle, Flute, & Uilleann Pipes With Bill Ochs

Sunday, May 22 | 1 pm - 5 pm

Articulation is the art of separating or accenting notes. On the flute or whistle this is done with the tongue, breath, or glottal stops. On the pipes it is done by closing the chanter. Inexperienced players typically articulate either too much or not at all. But there is a better way. In this workshop, Bill Ochs, our resident wind instrument expert, will look at a series of well known tunes and demonstrate how different articulation patterns can be applied to them. He will then analyze the styles of some of the greatest Irish wind instrument players of all time and show you how they use articulation. In the process you will learn some fabulous pieces of music and come away with a new understanding of articulation and how to apply it.

Bring a tin whistle, low whistle, flute, or uilleann pipe chanter pitched in D to the class. Players of Boehm system flutes are welcome to participate. The use of recording devices is encouraged.

To register, contact Rachael Gilkey at 212-757-3318 ext. 209, 10 AM to 6 PM, Monday to Friday, or rachael@irishartscenter.org.

For questions about the workshop, contact Bill Ochs at 212-247-3231 or bill@pennywhistle.com

Fee: $50 general sale | $45 members, seniors, students

Finding Your Own Voice
in Traditional Song 
With Dan Milner

Saturday, June 4 | 11am - 2pm

Finding Your Own Voice in Traditional Song is a combined lecture and workshop that cuts straight to the heart of traditional singing in Ireland and its Diaspora. Our goals for this three hour session include:

• to clearly define the characteristics of traditional song
• to uncover exceptional ballads and lyrics in the English language
• to assist class participants in song selection
• to help students locate their own voice within this cherished art form

Not all great songs are good for every singer. However, all singers can find songs suitable for their own voices and distinguish themselves with one or more basic qualities that make their performances exceptional; among these are charm, conviction, style, originality, and an understanding of oneself and one’s audience. 

Repertoire building and song history will be stressed in this class because, in singing, there is nothing as fortuitous as having the right song for the moment at hand. 

Participants will learn one humorous song, one love ballad, and one chorus song. 

This class is open to adults of all ages, teenagers, and mature children accompanied by a parent. Ability to read music is not required but a portable recording device will be invaluable.

Dan Milner comes from a long line of Irish traditional singers. He co-teaches Storytelling in Song: The Ballad Tradition at New York University, has guest lectured at Harvard University and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, and sung at festivals, museums and concert venues here and abroad. Dan performs often with Robbie O’Connell and is a member of NYU’s Washington Square Harp & Shamrock Orchestra.  His 1983 songbook, The Bonnie Bunch of Roses, and his recordings – including the recent Smithsonian Folkways release Irish Pirate Ballads – are considered classics. This July he returns to the Catskills Irish Arts Week as an instructor.   

Registration:  $35 general sale / $30 members, seniors, students
To register contact Rachael Gilkey at 212.757.3318 ext 209 or rachael@irishartscenter.org

Guitar with Patsy O’Brien and
Irish Tenor Banjo with Pio Ryan

Saturday, June 4 | 2pm - 5pm

Guitar with Patsy O’Brien 

This class will teach guitar in relation to accompanying Irish music. Lessons will include: strum techniques, chord structures, and general knowledge of backing traditional Irish tunes. It will also cover some melody playing techniques, as well as session etiquette.

Patsy O'Brien tours with some of the biggest names in Irish music, including Paddy Keenan, Eileen Ivers, Cathie Ryan, Teada and others. He teaches his guitar accompaniment technique around the country to great acclaim, and has recently introduced his online lessons at HYPERLINK www.onlinelessonvideos.com www.onlinelessonvideos.com.

Irish Tenor Banjo with Pio Ryan

Master classes will concentrate on tunes that are more naturally suited for the banjo. Emphasis will focus on left and right hand technique in conjunction with improvisation within the traditional idiom.

Tipperary born and bred Irish Tenor Banjo musician Pio Ryan plays a deeply rooted traditional style mixed with blues and bluegrass influences, creating a unique twist with a sound that is both driven and refreshing. When he’s not teaching, Pio remains very active on the Irish traditional scene in the tri-state area and beyond, playing among the ranks of such top musicians as Ivan Goff of Riverdance, Larry Nugent, Gerry O’Connor, The Chieftains, Seamus Egan and others.

Master Class Sessions 

2 pm - 3:30 pm
Beginning Level Guitar with Patsy O’Brien
or
Intermediate level Irish banjo with Pio Ryan

3:30 pm - 5 pm
Intermediate level guitar with Patsy O’Brien 
or
Beginning level Irish banjo with Pio Ryan

Registration:
1 session:  $35 general / $30 members, students and seniors
2 sessions: $50 general / $45 members, students and seniors
To register contact Rachael Gilkey at 212.757.3318 ext 209 or rachael@irishartscenter.org

Junior Davey: Champion Bodhrán Player

With special guests Tony DeMarco, Don Meade and more

Sunday, February 20
Workshop: 12:30-2:30 pm | Concert: 3:30- 5 pm 

Bodhrán great Junior Davey, deeply rooted in the musical tradition of South Sligo, is a five-time All-Ireland winner in the Senior division and an experienced teacher, with the holders of 32 All-Ireland titles and 7 World championships to his credit. This concert and workshop marks his first and only appearance in the States. You won’t want to miss this champion bodhrán player in the intimate Donaghy Theater!

To register for workshop or concert and workshop, email annacolliton@gmail.com

Workshop Only: $30
All levels welcome!
Concert and workshop: $40 general

Concert Admission: $15 general

Sean-Nós Dancing Workshop
with
Mary Beth Taylor TCRG

Saturday, January 29, 2011
Beginners 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Improvers 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Learn something new this New Year! All are welcome to attend.

Sean-Nós (“old style”) Dancing is a very traditional form of Irish solo dancing with roots in rural Ireland. Spontaneous and improvisational, sean-nós is a percussive form of dance which works closely with the rhythms of Irish music. Traditionally, sean-nós dancers performed on the wood of a half-door or on the round top of a barrel; because of this, steps in sean-nós dancing are confined to a small space. Similar to such American styles of dance as tap and clogging, it has been argued that sean-nós is the oldest form of Irish dance and, through the Diaspora, likely gave rise to American percussive dancing.

Mary Beth Taylor, Director of Scoil Rince Taylor Irish Dancing & Sean-Nós Dancing School in Dublin, has taught and performed sean-nós dancing in Ireland, continental Europe, the United States, and the South Pacific. Along with teaching, she has competed in the All Ireland Sean-Nós Competition, participated in cultural festivals throughout Ireland, and choreographed for the stage. Most recently, she was a featured dancer on the St. Patrick’s Day edition of The Early Show on CBS (2010).

Fees: $20 for one workshop / $30 for both

Please register in advance to secure a spot. Register through 212-757-3318 ext 209 or rachael@irishartscenter.org. Walk ups will also be considered as long as there are open spots.

Irish Flute, Whistle and Uilleann Pipes Master Class with Lúnasa Members CillianVallely and Kevin Crawford

Sunday, March 7 | Master classes 11am – 2:30pm

Kevin Crawford and Cillian Vallely, of the internationally acclaimed traditional Irish music group Lúnasa, will appear at the Irish Arts Center for a single day of master classes. Don’t miss a chance to improve your skills in Irish flute, pipes and whistle with these two world-renowned musicians.

11am - 12:45pm Beginner Irish Flute with Kevin Crawford
Tin Whistle with Cillian Vallely

12:45pm-1pm break

1pm-2:30pm Intermediate Irish Flute with Kevin Crawford
Uilleann Pipes with Cillian Vallely

Master Class fee $50 general sale | $45 members, seniors, students

To register contact Rachael Gilkey at 212.757.3318 ext 209 or rachael@irishartscenter.org.

Fiddle & Guitar Master Classes with Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill

Tuesday, April 13 | 7 pm – 9 pm

The legendary Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill will teach one-evening only master classes in fiddle and guitar during their April residency at IAC for Masters in Collaboration III.

Fee per class:  $50 general sale | $45 members, seniors, students

To register contact Rachael Gilkey at 212.757.3318 ext 209 or rachael@irishartscenter.org.

HISTORY

Celtic Mythology 1$90 member / $120 non-member
Alexei Kondratiev, Wednesday
7:00pm– 8:00pm
Through tales of Gods and Goddesses, the three mythic cycles and the belief in sacred space and time, the Celtic peoples have long been renowned for their storytelling tradition. Learn how the Celtic pagan worldview evolved and continues to make itself present today.

TIN WHISTLE MASTER CLASS
with Bill Ochs
Sunday, February 10 1:00pm–5:00pm

Bill Ochs, our resident wind-instrument expert, will lead "Ornamentation Boot Camp," a one-day master class for tin whistle, low whistle and flute players.

The class is designed for musicians who feel comfortable playing Irish dance tunes at a moderate pace, but who are novices at ornamentation or would like to review the techniques. The day will start with instruction in simple ornaments (cuts and strikes) and then move on to compound ornaments (rolls and crans). There will be a break at the mid-point of the class during which Ochs will give a talk on different styles of traditional Irish tin whistle and flute playing, illustrated with archival recordings of master players.

Participants should bring a tin whistle, low whistle or flute pitched in D and a notebook. A recording device such as a tape, flash or mini- disc recorder is also highly recommended.

Players of Boehm system flutes are welcome to participate.

Class fee: $40 members, teachers, seniors and children under 16/$45 non-members

To register, contact Sydney at The Irish Arts Center: 212-757-3318, ext. 204, 10 AM to 6 PM, Monday to Friday, or sydney@irishartscenter.org.

Celtic Harp Master Class and Performance
with Patrick Ball and Mia Theodoratus

Sunday, November 22 | Master Class: 2:00pm to 5:30pm | Performance: 7:00pm to 8:00pm

Master class fee:  $45 general / $40 members, students, seniors (includes performance admission) | For reservations contact Rachael at 212-757-3318 ext. 209 or rachael@irishartscenter.org

Concert fee only:   $18 general / $15 members, students, seniors
Click here to buy now or call 212-868-4444

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind master class in Celtic harp, taught by one of the world’s premier Celtic harp musicians, Patrick Ball, and IAC instructor Mia Theodoratus. Delve into the captivating music of Turlough O’Carolan, the 17th-18th century harpist and composer, while exploring the various ways to arrange his pieces to bring out the beauty and lyricism of his compositions. Then, deepen your understanding of how to personalize a tune, and more importantly, learn practice tips to giving a clean performance. Instruction will also cover some “insider tricks" like extended modern harp methods and chord spacing. All skill levels welcome.

 Patrick Ball is considered one of the premier Celtic harpers and storytellers in the world today, tours extensively throughout the United States and Canada, and has recorded nine instrumental and three spoken word albums which have sold well over one-half million copies collectively and earned national awards in both the music and spoken word categories.

Mia Theodoratus's harp playing crosses over the boundaries of folk, jazz and pop through witty, beautiful arrangements of Traditional Irish music, Radiohead, Purcell and her own music. She has performed in Athens, Shanghai, Los Angeles and New York in the group Adam & Mia with singer Adam Dugas. Mia teaches group lessons of Celtic Harp at the IAC.

Ornamentation Boot Camp for Tin Whistle, Flute and Low Whistle with Bill Ochs
Sunday, November 8 | 1:00 - 5:00pm

Class fee: $45 general sale / $40 members, seniors and children under 16

For reservations contact Rachael at 212-757-3318 ext. 209 or rachael@irishartscenter.org

Drawing on over thirty-five years of teaching experience, Bill Ochs, our resident wind instrument expert, will lead a unique one-day master class for tin whistle, low whistle and flute players. Bill will be teaching a completely different set of tunes from his two previous rave-review Ornamentation Boot Camps. Students who attended past sessions won't want to miss this one!

The class is designed for musicians who feel comfortable playing Irish dance tunes at a moderate pace, but who are novices at ornamentation or would like to review the techniques. The day will start with instruction iin simple ornaments (cuts and strikes) and then move on to compound ornaments (rolls and crans). Each ornament is presented within a tune: you’ll not only learn new techniques, but also come away with a series of great new pieces to add to your repertoire.

Bring a tin whistle, low whistle or flute pitched in D to the class.  Players of Boehm system flutes are welcome to participate.

For questions about the workshop, please contact Bill Ochs at 212-247-3231 or bill@pennywhistle.com.

Photo of Bill Ochs © Annie Berlin

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Master Class
Rhythm and Phrasing Boot Camp for Flute, Tin Whistle and Other Instruments

Sunday, May 17 | 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Class fee: $45 non-members / $40 members, teachers, seniors and children under 16

To register, contact Rachael Gilkey at the Irish Arts Center: 212-757-3318 ext. 209, 10 AM to 6 PM, Monday to Friday, or rachael@irishartscenter.org.

IIf you take only one Master Class, this is the one to sign up for. Why? Because as the saying goes, "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!"

Bill Ochs, our resident wind instrument expert, will show you how to get your Irish groove on.

Learn the secrets of the lilt, that magical quality that gives Irish music its unique charm and buoyancy. Learn where and how to accent.  Learn where to breath while maintaining the flow of the tune. Learn how to take a tune from any recording and play it in fifteen minutes.  Learn how to take a tune off the printed page and make it come alive.  Learn the secrets of playing for dancing. Learn about root-pedaling, the punch-and-drive style, offbeat emphasis, and much more!

While the class is designed primarily for tin whistle and flute players (Boehm system included), players of other instruments are welcome to join. The class is open to anyone who can play Irish dance tunes at a moderate pace and would like to improve his or her rhythm and phrasing.

Bring your instrument and a notebook. A recording device such as a tape, digital or mini-disc recorder is also highly recommended.

For questions about the workshop, please contact Bill Ochs at 212-247-3231 or bill@pennywhistle.com

String Master Classes with Maria Millar

Master Class I: Playing Tunes with Artistry
Saturday, April 18 |  4pm – 5:30pm

Master Class II: Introduction to Improvisation
Sunday, April 19 | 4pm – 5:30pm

For further information on Master Classes or to make a reservation, please contact Rachael Gilkey at 212 757.3318 ext 209 or rachael@irishartscenter.org

Single Day (includes admission to Master Class and one performance: $35 general sale/
$30 Irish Arts Center members, seniors and children under 16.

Full Weekend includes admission to Master Classes on both dates and admission to one performance: $45 general sale/ $40 Irish Arts Center members, seniors and children under 16.

 Juilliard-trained violinist singer, dancer and Riverdance alumnus Maria Millar will share her improvisation and performance expertise in two exciting master classes for string instruments, including fiddle, violin, cello and bass. Students of all ages and levels of experience are welcome to attend master classes.

Master Class I: Playing Tunes with Artistry
Saturday, April 18 |  4pm – 5:30pm

With a focus on rhythm, phrasing, harmonic/melodic direction and stage presence, Maria will work with students on bringing their performance of tunes to the next level. and offer guidance on how to transform musical and artistic ideas into performance reality.

Master Class II: Introduction to Improvisation
Sunday, April 19 | 4pm – 5:30pm

IImprovisation is a wonderfully effective and fun way of developing instrumental technique, rhythm and collaborative ability all of which is fundamental to the performance of Irish traditional music.Students will be introduced to the basic tenents involved in improvisation through participation in simple solo and duo exercises.

Click here for information on Kilterclash at IAC

Master Class and Concert with Lúnasa Members Cillian Vallely and Kevin Crawford on Irish Flute, Whistle and Uilleann Pipes

Sunday, January 25
Master classes 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Concert 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Full Day Fee (includes concert admission) $50 general sale | $45 members, seniors, children

Concert Admission Only: $20 general sale / $15 members, seniors and children under 16

To register or for concert tickets | contact Rachael Gilkey at 212.757.3318 ext 209 or rachael@irishartscenter.org

 Kevin Crawford and Cillian Vallely of the internationally acclaimed traditional Irish music group, Lúnasa, will appear at the Irish Arts Center for a one day engagement on Sunday January 25th. Kicking off the Irish Arts Center’s Winter Master Class/Performance Series, this program will feature Irish flute and pipes master classes beginning at 1 pm followed by a special one hour concert by these two world - renowned musicians at 5 pm.

Irish Dance Masterclass
with Darrah Carr and Niall O’Leary

Saturday, November 8 | 1:00 pm - 5:00pm

Class fee: $45 general sale / $40 members and students with ID

For additional information contact Rachael Gilkey
212-757-3191 ext 209 or by email rachael@irishartscenter.org

As Artistic Director of Darrah Carr Dance, Carr describes her style as ModERIN: a playful combination of traditional Irish step and contemporary modern dance. The company celebrates its 10th Anniversary Season with a series of performances at the Irish Arts Center from October 23 through 26th. Now, during this special Masterclass, get an in-depth look at the development of ModERIN and learn phrases from the company’s repertory!

Director of the Niall O’Leary School of Irish Dance, O’Leary is in high demand as a master instructor, conducting regular workshops around the US, Canada, Ireland, Japan, and Mexico. Known for his innovative approach to Irish step dance choreography, O’Leary’s open workshop is a rigorous exploration of dance technique and style.

This project is made possible in part with public funds from the Fund for Creative Communities, supported by the New York State Council on the Arts, and from the Manhattan Community Arts Fund, supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. Both programs are administered by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council

Ornamentation Boot Camp
with Bill Ochs

Sunday, November 16 | 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Class fee:  $45 general sale / $40 members, seniors and children under 16

For reservations call Rachael Gilkey at 212-757-3318 ext. 209

 

Bill Ochs, our resident wind instrument expert, will lead “Ornamentation Boot Camp,” a a one-day master class for tin whistle, low whistle and flute players.

Bill Ochs, our resident wind instrument expert, will lead Ornamentation Boot Camp, a one-day master class for tin whistle, low whistle and flute players. The class is designed for musicians who feel comfortable playing Irish dance tunes at a moderate pace, but who are novices at ornamentation or would like to review the techniques.

Participants should bring a tin whistle, low whistle or flute pitched in D and a notebook. A recording device such as a tape, digital or mini-disc recorder is also highly recommended. Players of Boehm system flutes are welcome to participate

For more information, contact Bill Ochs at 212-247-3231 o emailr bill@pennywhistle.com

TIN WHISTLE MASTER CLASS
with Bill Ochs
Sunday, February 10 1:00pm–5:00pm

Bill Ochs, our resident wind-instrument expert, will lead "Ornamentation Boot Camp," a one-day master class for tin whistle, low whistle and flute players.

The class is designed for musicians who feel comfortable playing Irish dance tunes at a moderate pace, but who are novices at ornamentation or would like to review the techniques. The day will start with instruction in simple ornaments (cuts and strikes) and then move on to compound ornaments (rolls and crans). There will be a break at the mid-point of the class during which Ochs will give a talk on different styles of traditional Irish tin whistle and flute playing, illustrated with archival recordings of master players.

Participants should bring a tin whistle, low whistle or flute pitched in D and a notebook. A recording device such as a tape, flash or mini- disc recorder is also highly recommended.

Players of Boehm system flutes are welcome to participate.

Class fee: $40 members, teachers, seniors and children under 16/$45 non-members

To register, contact Sydney at The Irish Arts Center: 212-757-3318, ext. 204, 10 AM to 6 PM, Monday to Friday, or sydney@irishartscenter.org.

Irish Guitar Master Class and Concert
with Gabriel Donohue, Dónal Clancy and Shane O’Sullivan
April 27, 2008 12 Noon to 5:00 pm

Master Class Sessions Noon-3:30 pm

Concert 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Full day fee (includes concert admission):  $45 general sale / $40 members, seniors and children under 16.

Concert admission only:  $15 general sale | $12 members, seniors and children under 16

To register for either the full-day or for concert tickets, contact Rachael Gilkey at 212.757.3318 ext 209 or rachael@irishartscenter.org

Join internationally recognized Irish guitarist Gabriel Donohue (who recently played at the Irish Arts Center for An Irish Christmas with Marie and Martin Reilly and Séamus MacConaonaigh), co-founder of group Danú Dónal Clancy and multi-instrumentalist Shane O’Sullivan for an afternoon of instruction and performance on the Irish guitar.  Welcoming guitarists of all skill levels, Master Classes will focus on guitar accompaniment in Irish music. 

Students will spend time with each instructor, in groups suited to their skill level, for the unique opportunity to learn Irish guitar accompaniment from three different perspectives. The day will conclude with a concert featuring the instructors.

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