Irishfest-La Crosse

Saturday, August 12, 13, & 14
South Side Fest Grounds - Harp Stage

Workshops

Instructors

Registration

Harp Circle

WORKSHOPS
Schedule and instructors subject to change


Intermediate Fiddle Workshop Saturday, August 13, 12:30PM - 2:30PM		Joni Welda
This workshop will explore ways to Improve Left and right hand techniques, Embellishments and Improvisations and Different fiddle styles. The instructor with also assist students in Improving their listening skills and tune retention. Resources for fiddle tunes with be provided.

Beginner / Intermediate Fiddle Friday, August 12, Noon – 2:00PM		Jessica Kalember
This workshop will have different styles of ornamentation (rolls, cuts, etc.), technique tips, ways of expanding your repertoire, and different types of tunes will be explored during this class. This class is for students who know the fundamentals of playing the violin/fiddle, such as how to hold their instrument and play notes in basic keys (D and G Major). Students are encouraged to bring their own recording device or a music stand, if needed. We will learn tunes mainly by ear, but sheet music will also be provided. Best for adults and children ages 8 and up.

Vocal Accompaniment Sunday, August 14th, Noon – 2:00PM		Barry Byrne
In this workshop you will gain a passing familiarity with Ireland's great patriotic songs just in time for the hundredth anniversary of the 1916 uprising that lead to Ireland gaining its freedom from England. With a special focus on different ways to accompany singing, such as guitar, bodhran, and harp, Barry will present essential songs from Ireland's history of struggle for independence and nationhood. "God Save Ireland", "Patriot Game", and "Men Behind the Wire" are just a few of the great "rebel" songs that will be presented."

Bodhrán Friday, August 12, from noon - 2:00PM		Asher Gray
The Bodhrán class will focus on active listening and melodic awareness, as applied to percussion. Bodhrán players will be asked to adopt the mindset of a melody player and consider how that might influence their rhythmic choices on the drum. The goal of the workshop will be to challenge players to think in rhythmic, structural ways while also applying unique melodic embellishments to each tune.

Guitar Friday, August 12, from 2:00PM - 4:00PM Saturday, August 13, from 10:30 - 12:30PM		Randy Gosa
The Guitar class will be taught in DADGAD tuning. We will look at picking hand techniques and talk about popular rhythms and strumming patterns while using a collection of fundamental chord shapes in the DADGAD tuning. Keeping the picking hand in mind, we'll look at ways to alter and "re-voice" chords that are being used for any given progression. We'll also focus on chord substitution and when/why to use them.

Tin Whistle for Newcomers Friday, August 12, from 2:00PM - 4:00PM Saturday, August 13, from 12:30PM - 2:30PM		Brett Lipshutz
This course is for those who have no experience on the whistle and would like to play simple tunes. The course will require a "D" tin whistle. We will learn how to hold the instrument, identify the notes and play a few simple tunes. If time permits, we may learn a couple of Irish ornaments. This course is all about fun and should be fairly stress-free.

Tin Whistle - Intermediate/Advanced Saturday, August 13, from 10:30AM - 12:30PM		Brett Lipshutz
In this class, we will concentrate on technique. Through looking at several different kinds of tunes (hornpipe, reel, jig, slip jig, polka and slow air), we will cover the basics of rolls, cuts, crans, slides and tonguing and how these techniques fit into the tunes. We will also look at a few secrets for learning by ear. Students should be able to play a few tunes at a moderate tempo. Please bring a 'D' whistle.

Irish Flute - Intermediate/Advanced Saturday, August 13, from 9:00AM - 10:30AM		Brett Lipshutz
In this class, we will work on breath pulsing, ornaments such as taps and double taps, slides, etc. We will look at different flute styles and learn some tunes (reels and jigs but also couple of barn dances and waltzes). The student should already have knowledge of some basic Irish ornaments and be able to play tunes at a moderate tempo appropriate for the tune type. Silver flutes welcome, but the instructor will play the Irish flute.

Harp - "The Wire Strung Harp: A Legendary Instrument" Friday, August 12, from 4:00PM - 6:00PM		Patrick Ball
In this workshop we will delve into the lore, the mysteries, and the music of this most enchanting of instruments. We will explore the challenges of arranging for this very unique instrument. And we will discuss such contemporary issues as touring and travelling concerns, amplification techniques, and care of your wire-strung harp.

Harp - "Taking the stage: How to Craft a Concert Performance" Saturday, August 13, from 4:30PM - 6:30PM		Patrick Ball
In this workshop we will discuss how to take your harp, your music, your stories...and your own very individual qualities...onto the stage and create an engaging, dynamic and memorable performance.

Harp - "Fun Beginnings for Harpers" Saturday, August 13, from 9:00AM - 10:30PM		Turner Collins
This class will feature fun, easy harp work. Music reading ability not required! Included in the class will be a brief history of the "Celtic Harp", tuning your instrument, plucking techniques, singing with your harp as well as a list of resources and internet links for your use.

Harp - “Ancient and the Modern Tune” Saturday, 13th, 2:30PM – 4:30PM		Turner Collins
The workshop will focus on technique, both old and new; "ancient" and "modern" tunes will be explored. We'll learn how to accompany songs effectively. Discussion will include Irish & Scottish dance tunes/rhythms: jigs, reels, hornpipes, polkas, marches, strathspeys.

Irish Dance - * Basic Beginner Friday, August 12, from 4:00PM - 6:00PM Saturday, August 13, from 2:30PM - 4:30PM Sunday, August 14, from Noon - 2:00PM		Janelle Glenna
This class will cover basic, easy-to-learn beginner steps and dances, Appropriate for all ages... a great couples or family activity! STEPS: Advancing, Retiring, Sevens, Arches, Basket, Spin, Weaving, Star Formation & Rising. DANCES: Every Man's Chance, Crossing the Shannon, Gallagher's Frolics, and Haymakers

Irish Dance - * Advanced Beginner Saturday, August 13, from 4:30PM - 6:30PM		Janelle Glenna
This advanced beginner class is for those having a knowledge of the basic Irish dance steps and desiring to learn more. STEPS: Sevens in a Square & a Diamond, Sevens with Partner, Hop sevens, Rising, Sevens in Circles, Around the House DANCES: Ferry Reel, the Ceili, Haymakers, Light the Fire, and Irish Line Dance

Irish Dance - * Advanced Sunday, August 14, from 2:00PM - 4:00PM		Janelle Glenna
This advanced class is for those having had previous instruction and/or experience in Irish dance, having learned the steps covered in the beginner's classes and ready for more difficult steps and dances. STEPS: Leap 2-3's, High-High Leap 2-3's, Rising, Sinking, Point 2-3's, Advancing Diamond, Fast Sevens, Split the couple, Right-left chain DANCES: Four Hand Reel, Dance of the Celts & Irish Rebels

* NOTE: The steps and dances to be covered in each class are dependent upon the ages and skill level of the entire class. Every attempt will be made to help each student attain a good understanding of dance skills and techniques, putting them to use in as many dances as class time allows!

INSTRUCTORS

	Patrick Ball - Wire Strung Harp
	Patrick Ball is one of the premier Celtic harp players in the world and a captivating spoken word artist. In playing the ancient, legendary brass-strung harp of Ireland with its crystalline, bell-like voice, and in performing marvelous tales of wit and enchantment, he not only brings new life to two cherished traditions, but blends them in concert to create "a richly theatrical and hauntingly beautiful performance."

	Turners Collins - Harp (Beginners)
	Turner Collins was born in 1960 in Nacogdoches, Texas, and raised in a folk-music family. He began his journey into the Celtic roots of the Ozarks music and culture while in his teens. At that time he discovered a group of like-minded people of various generations enjoying Celtic and Ozarks folk music traditions. Turner began his performing career with the Chameleon Puppet Theater in the early-1980s and progressed to the festivals and fine arts series he enjoys today.

	Janelle Glenna - Irish Dance
	IRISH DANCE spans ALL ages and boundaries, as dancers and observers alike are caught up in the joy and beauty of Celtic Irish music and dance! Janelle loves Irish dance - the captivating music and rhythm, the beauty and culture, the discipline and FUN!- and loves sharing it with others!! Teaching Irish dance for five years, she has taught more than 150 students, ages 3 to adult, instructing them in beginning to advanced levels of skill in both traditional and personally choreographed soft-shoe and hard-shoe dances. Sharing their talents in multiple places, Janelle and her dance students have performed at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair, the Mabel Tainter Theatre of Menomonie, civic clubs, retirement centers, nursing homes, and seniors' groups, and at high school and St. Patrick's Day events, as well as at their annual spring recital! She join the summer school with the aid of a few of her advanced students, to offer you instruction in classes from basic beginner steps to more advanced steps and techniques, all taught in a fun and festive atmosphere!

	Randy Gosa - Guitar
	Randy has studied music with several musicians such as Liz Carroll, Silé Shigley, Andy Irvine, Tony Nother, and has studied at the University of Limerick, Ireland with Niall Keegan and Sandra Joyce. In addition to being a string musician since the age of 12, Randy is a graduate of Visual Art and Celtic Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He is also an active céilí and set dance musician in Milwaukee and teaches at the Irish Fest School of Music.

	Asher Gray - Bodhrán
	Asher has been playing traditional Irish music for over 10 years and was a founding member of two Milwaukee-based groups, Anam Rí and Cé. As well as winning numerous competitions at the Midwest Fleadh Cheoil, Asher was also the recipient of the Ed Ward Scholarship in 2000, presented yearly at Milwaukee Irish Fest for accomplishments in Irish music. Asher recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with an arts degree and continues to be heavily involved in the Milwaukee session scene. In addition, Asher teaches music at the Irish Fest School of Music.

	Jessica Kalember - Irish Fiddle
	Jessica Kalember has been playing Irish fiddle since a child. Jessica performs occasionally with La Crosse’s Coulee Celtic Band. She teaches privately and coaching the La Crosse Youth Symphony Orchestras. Jessica has also worked for organizations which include Viterbo Preparatory School of Arts, UW-L Suzuki String Academy, the School District of La Crosse, and the WiSTA Elementary Orchestra Campus.

	Brett Lipshutz - Tin Whistle
	Brett has been playing traditional music for over 20 years. He released his first album at 22 and since then has twice played at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil and toured with the Trinity Dance Company. Brett has been involved in theater projects, school outreach programs and many recordings and radio broadcasts. His list of collaborations includes Maria Terres, Kim Robertson, Macdara Vallely and Sean Cleland, as well as the US premier of Charlie Lennon's Island Wedding with fiddler Liz Carroll. He is an experienced teacher and enjoys playing for dancing, as well as creating intimate settings for the music he plays. Brett has performed and taught around the world, including a stint in Paris, France, where he taught flute and whistle at the Association Irlandaise and alongside Paul McGrattan at the Brooks Academy weekend. In addition to playing music, he currently teaches French at University School of Milwaukee.

REGISTRATION

For a printable registration form (pdf) click here

For more information about the 2011 Summer School
of Celtic Music, please email wi.harpist@gmail.com

HARP CIRCLE

Note for Participants
08/03/2011
Please review the 2011 Harp Circle Agenda and bring with you any of the 3 books, should they have them? Woods's 50 Irish Melodies especially may be something people will already have.

The Harp Circle is open to any Harpers of any level at Irishfest - La Crosse's Harp Stage on Saturday August 13, 2011 at 11:00 AM.

This a no fee event and no registration is required.

The 2011 Irishfest - La Crosse is being led by the Heart Strings Harp Circle, from the La Crosse, Winona, and Lanesboro area, consisting of 13 harpers who perform together at various events through out the area.

Harpers are encouraged to share their music with other member of the circle and techniques.

While all members will be sharing. Heart Strings Harp Circle has asked all harpers obtain Nancy Hurrell's music book "A Circle of Harps" They plan to have the Irishfest Harp circle play these tunes from Nancy Hurrell's book:

Rosin the Beau
Braigh Loch Iall
Be Thou My vision
Dargason.