Northeast Tionól Class Offerings, 2010
Pipes
Not every student wants the same thing from a piping workshop. In any given class of piping students, some are looking mainly to acquire new tunes; others are interested in the history of piping and the influence of particular figures, and still others are likely hoping to work on specific subsets of piping skills, such as regulator playing or phrasing. Result: frustration for students who don't get what they were hoping for, and frustration for instructors who, faced with this spectrum of interests, can really only focus on one thing effectively in any given workshop.
In an attempt to address this dilemma, last year we decided to diversify our class offerings. We continued to offer standard piping classes, but we also decided to offer a set of subject-based workshops. This allowed students to focus on the things they want to work on most, while allowing instructors to prepare classes with a specific focus in mind. The combination of classes and workshops worked out well, so we're continuing this approach in 2010.
Classes
- Basic/beginner: Traditional class; usually not more than 8 people.
- Intermediate: Traditional class, usually 10-12 students.
- Advanced: Traditional class, usually 8-10 students
Workshops
On the registration form, please indicate two workshops you would like to attend. The schedule gives you time to attend two classes (Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon) and two workshops (Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning). While some of these workshops may have more immediate relevance to upper intermediate or advanced students, all students are welcome to attend. If you feel out of your depth, keep your eyes and ears open because your time will come!
- Pick Apart Your Piping (led by Kara Doyle): Get a critique on your piping by playing a tune.
- Pipes Maintenance (led by Benedict Koehler): Learn how to keep your set in working order.
- Piping Styles (led by Gay McKeon): Explore a variety of stylistic approaches to playing the pipes.
- Regulators (led by Cillian Vallely): Learn how to advance your regulator technique.
- Slow Airs (led by Tiarnán Ó Duinnchinn): Interpretation and performance of slow airs on the pipes.
- Tone (led by Kara Doyle): Learn how to control and improve your tone.
- Tuning (led by Benedict Koehler): Learn the process of getting your pipes into tune.
- Variations (led by Eamonn Dillon): Learn how to develop variations in traditional Irish music on the uilleann pipes.
Reedmaking
- Beginning and advanced reedmaking workshops; these are participatory and open to all.
Lecture
- History of Na Píobairí Uilleann (given by Gay McKeon). Note that the lecture is open to all registrants, including fiddlers.
Fiddle
Classes
Fiddle classes are traditional format, intermediate and advanced. In the spirit of the piping workshops (see above), we are also offering fiddle workshops this year; these are focused on specific topics. The Ourceaunagan workshop will be team-led by both instructors; the other two workshops will be held simultaneously so you will need to choose one or the other when you register.
Workshops
- Bowing and Dynamics in the Music of Paddy Canny and Martin Rochford (led by Patrick Ourceau)
- Bowing and Phrasing in the New York Sligo Style (led by Rose Conway Flanagan)
- Ourceaunagan: Two Experiences in Irish music in New York City (led by Rose Conway Flanagan and Patrick Ourceau)
Schedule, Northeast Tionól 2010
Important Note: Recording Policy
Students may use audio recording devices to learn tunes and record bits of class, as long as they are for personal use only. However, the Tionól board and the instructors ask that you NOT film or videorecord any of the classes, the workshops, the concert, or the Piper’s Chair. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Friday
| 3:30 pm | Check-in/registration begins in pub |
| 6-7 pm | Supper |
| 7:30-8:00 pm | Orientation meeting in the Pub |
| 9-10:30 pm | Slow session in Tea Room |
| 9 pm-?? | Sessions, socializing, etc. |
Saturday
| 8-9:30 am | Breakfast |
| 9-10 am | Registration in dining room |
| 10:00 am -12:00 pm | Piping and fiddling classes |
| 12:15 pm | Group photo outside dining room! |
| 12:30 - 1:30 pm | Lunch |
| 1:30 - 2:30 pm | Reedmaking workshop; drop-in afterward |
| 2:30 - 4:30 pm | Piping and fiddling workshops |
| 4:30 - 6:00 pm | Free time! |
| 6:00 - 7:00 pm | Supper |
| 7:30 - 10:30 pm | Concert |
| 10:30 - ?? | Sessions, etc. |
Sunday
| 8-9:30 am | Breakfast |
| 9:30-11 am | Check-out for those leaving Sunday (by 11 am) |
| 10:30 am - 12:00 pm | Piping and fiddling workshops |
| 12:30 - 1:30 pm | Lunch |
| 1-1:30 pm | Organizational meeting in the Tea Room |
| 1:45 - 2:45 pm | Gay McKeon's lecture on the history of Na Píobairí Uilleann |
| 3:00 - 4:30 pm | Piping and fiddling classes |
| 3:00 - 4:30 pm | Reedmaking; drop-ins afterward |
| 4:30 - 6:00 pm | Free time! |
| 6:00 - 7:00 pm | Supper |
| 7:30 - 9:30 pm | The Piper's Chair |
| 9:30 pm - ?? | Sessions, etc. |
Monday
| 8-9:30 am | Farewell Breakfast |
| 10-11 am | Check-out by 11 am |
...see you next year!
