Monday April 20, 2015 – 7:15pm
“Between the jigs and the reels” is an Irish idiom meaning “eventually, despite all the confusion,” as in “I don’t know how we did it, but between the jigs and the reels, we’re finally ready to go.”
Which, of course, has nothing to do with the theme for this class…But it is literally descriptive of music that will be taught: all those other kinds of tunes that are less frequently heard at a typical session these days, including set dances, hornpipes, single jigs, slip jigs, hop jigs, barn dances, mazurkas, marches and song tunes among others.
In addition to deserving better representation in the Vermont repertoire than has been given them in past classes, these make great teaching tunes. Their slower tempos both making them more accessible to Irish Traditional Music newcomers and at the same time, ideal work pieces for the more experienced players who want to work on the subtleties of rhythm, phrasing, and the eternal goal of playing with confidence.
Just as a teaser, the first week of June, right after the classes end, noted Irish piper Brian McNamara will be back for a whole week. The fans of his many recordings know that he has a tasty repertoire of the tunes that will be taught this spring, so there may be a workshop and concert offered while he’s here. The workshop, of course, will be free to everyone enrolled in this class.
The six-week term will begin on Monday, April 20th, and will be offered on Mondays and Tuesdays from 7:15 – 8:45 pm. The material will be identical on both days, but the pace of the Tuesday class will be more relaxed.
To register:
Since CD’s will be made for all students, early registration is appreciated. To register, just send an email to [email protected] letting us know which day you prefer. Payment can be made at the first class, and is $150 for a six-week term. You can also mail payment to: 70 Markham Rd., East Montpelier, VT 05651.
These class are free to young musicians and there are also scholarships and tuition breaks offered.
Venue information:
Waterbury Congregational Church, 8 North Main Street, Waterbury, VT