Our
instructors this year are all from the band
Slide.
Slide are well known for their mastery of their instruments and their in-depth experience in the traditional genre. What may not be known is how well they impart this expertise on learning musicians.
Fiddle/Guitar: Daire Bracken
Heralding from a family of teachers, he has been teaching fiddle at
the headquarters of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí na hÉireann since 1993; teaching various
aspects of music including the fiddle at schools in Ireland aging 6 to 18;
teaching fiddle in third level colleges including University College Dublin,
Ballyfermot College of Further Education; Watlon's School of Music and
privately.
Daire is particularly known for the analytical approach to teaching technique to achieve the various fiddle styles of Ireland and further. Professional violinists have traveled to Dublin for master classes to get an insight into traditional fiddle from him. He has traveled Ireland and Europe to give workshops at numerous well known summer schools and courses (see others for sample festivals). Imparting the knowledge of the fiddle clearly and patiently is highly important to him. Daire also plays the guitar with Slide.
Concertina: Aogán Lynch
Aogán is an experienced teacher of concertina at all levels, on both a
one-to-one basis, and also in a classroom environment. He has been invited to
teach at many Irish and international workshops including: The Bielefeld
Concertina Workshop, Germany; The Rhein-Valley Association Feis Ceoil, Alsace,
France; The Tubbercurry Summer School, Sligo, Ireland; The Tocane St Apre Music
Gathering, Bordeaux, France; Éigse Mrs Crotty, Kilrush, Co. Clare; and many
more. Aogán also plays whistle with Slide.
Flute and Tin Whistle: Éamonn
De Barra
Éamonn has been teaching flute for numerous years at various festivals at
home and abroad including Waltons School of Music ‘98; Comhaltas Ceoltóirí
Éireann Headquarters, Monkstown, Dublin ‘98/’99; Mount Collins Traditional
Festival ‘02; Paris Association Irlandaise ‘04, Rhine Valley Feis Ceoil (Mollkirch)
‘04/05; Willie Clancy Week, Co. Clare ‘05; Limerick Senior Music Faculty Master
Class ‘06; Skerries Traditional Festival ‘07, Kilteel Traditional Festival ‘07.
Éamonn also plays the piano, bodhrán and whistles with
Slide.
Mandolin/Bouzouki: Mick Broderick
Mick has given numerous mandolin and bouzouki workshops at
festivals and events in Ireland and across Europe with specific attention given
to their role in accompaniment within Irish traditional music. These workshops
include a multi faceted approach to musical accompaniment.
- Listening to & discussing the various ways in which the most renowned bouzouki players approach accompaniment.
- Introducing & trying out these various styles.
- Introducing approaches that might be useful in accompanying various types of tune, song, slow air.
- Exploring ways in which the bouzouki/ mandolin can be used as a lead instrument.
- Implementing strategies aimed at improving technique – from beginner to advanced.
Mick is also a qualified music schoolteacher for children up to 11 years old which helps understand and communicate well with both child and adult.
Vocal Song: Andrew Murray
Andrew has 12 years of teaching experience with even the job title of School
Principal under his belt. He has a repertoire which incorporates songs
spanning Irelands long colourful history in both the English and Irish
language.
Bodhrán:
John McBride
As the bodhrán player for Roger Drawdy and the Firestarters, John has
developed a distinctive use of tones and beats to help light the fire for the
Firestarters. Within 15 months of taking his first lesson, John qualified in the
Midwest Fleadh to compete in the All Ireland competition. He subsequently taught
at the Riley School of Irish Music and later performed with Erich Kunzel and the
Cincinnati Pops for a Celtic Spectacular at Riverbend Music Center in
Cincinnati.
Beginning in January 2005, John joined Roger Drawdy and the Firestarters, the powerhouse original Irish/Folk Rock band based out of Cincinnati. “Roger’s music brings out the very best in me. It is my favorite music and it is always delivered with passion.”
Irish Gaelic: Ron Crow
Irish Ceili Dancing: Celtic Academy of Irish Dance and McGovern Ceili Dancers.