Scoil Éigse 2012
30 June 2012, 3:06 PM GMT
The 40th Annual Scoil Éigse organised by Comhaltas takes place in Cavan Town, August 12th to 17th, the week preceding Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. At Scoil Éigse – CCÉ’s annual international Summer School students of all ages register for the various instrumental music, singing, dancing and Irish language classes. Scoil Éigse (meaning a learning experience focused on cultural discussion and participation) implies, this annual event, preceding Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, provides a broad-based cultural educational experience for students, their families, other visitors and the general public. Daily classes are central to the week’s purpose – students are placed in appropriately graded instrumental music classes (fiddle, flute, whistle, button-accordion, concertina, banjo, harp, uilleann-pipes and piano-accompaniment), traditional singing and amhránaíocht classes, dancing (set, sean-nós and céilí dancing) and conversational Irish classes. A mixed-instrument class also exists for adults only. The team of international tutors are all master performers with proven track-records as teachers and educationalists. These tutors have a wealth of artistic experience and knowledge, which, reflecting the underlying educational philosophy of CCÉ, they share with students in an atmosphere which promotes both active and reflective discerning participation. From it’s inception Scoil Éigse promoted quality teaching of quality material in a family/youth-friendly cultural immersion setting and as a result it gained in popularity primarily through word-of-mouth, the event itself being it’s own best advertisement!
WHO MAY TAKE PART?
There is no age limit at the Scoil Éigse and certainly no generation gap. Enthusiasm knows no age barriers and whether you are keen on learning sets or making a comeback on the accordion you will find fellow pupils to join you in a session, to exchange tunes, songs or steps. Beginners are accepted only in the dancing and traditional singing streams. On the various instruments only those who can play reasonably well are accepted, and the emphasis is on improving their traditional techniques and their knowledge and understanding of the music. There are two or more classes on each of the instruments (listed in paragraph 1), catering for pupils who might be respectively described as ‘improvers’ and advanced. Of course ‘advanced’ pupils in traditional singing and dancing are also catered for.
CLUB
Club na hÉigse takes place each night at 8.30pm to 10:00pm. All are welcome to join in lively sessions of traditional music, singing and dancing. Solo items from top-class artists also feature each night.
FOINN SEISIÚN AT SCOIL ÉIGSE
Foinn Seisiún will precede Club Éigse on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evening.
SCHEDULE
Schedule includes class tuition, lectures, workshops on slow-air playing, afternoon recitals, Club Éigse and the concert. Class tuition is Mon. 9.15am-3.30pm, Tues-Thurs 10am-3pm and we end with the Scoil Éigse Concert on Fri. morning 19th August at 10.15am. The workshops are designed to give participants a broad understanding and appreciation of the more important elements in Irish traditional music.
ENROLLING
The enrolment fee details are shown on the application form. Those who pay the full fee before August 1st may do at the special early registration rates. The fees cover attendance at all Scoil Éigse classes and workshops including Club na hÉigse. NB Because of the difficulties caused by the last-minute enrolments in recent years, it has been decided that only those who enrol by August 5th can be guaranteed places at the Scoil Éigse.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Comhaltas Scholarships are offered to those qualifying for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in the 12-15 and 15-18 grades in the singing and solo instrumental grades (instruments listed in paragraph 1 above), and Comhrá Gaeilge (11-13, 13-15 and 15-18) competitions. Scholarship applications must be received at Comhaltas headquarters by 29th July. Scholarship students paying for accommodation and meals are entitled to the accommodation for 5 nights arriving Sunday and departing on Friday morning. Meals included are Breakfast, packed lunch and an evening meal. Parents/Guardians and Scholarship students are advised that whilst the student is staying with the host family, they must respect house rules without exception. Students must also act in an appropriately responsible manner during unsupervised times. Failure to adhere to these expectations will result in appropriate actions being taken by authorized CCÉ personnel. Note that Scholarship Accommodation is only available to students over 12 years and not more than 18 years of age.
APPLICATIONS
Download an Application. Completed application forms should be returned to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, 32 Belgrave Square, Monkstown, Co Dublin not later than August 6th. Note that places can only be guaranteed up to August 3rd
ACCOMMODATION
General enquiries about accommodation for the period of the Scoil Éigse should be directed to the Fleadh Office. See www.fleadhcheoil.ie For accommodation information phone +353 (0) 49 437 8541 or email [email protected]. Early booking of accommodation is advised.
FLEADH CHEOIL NA hÉIREANN IMFORMATION OFFICE
For general information: See www.fleadhcheoil.ie, phone +353 (0)49 437 8541 or +353 (0) 87 9865704 or email [email protected] .
Posted By Eolas
