The Comhaltas Session
29 November 2006, 4:11 PM GMT
Comhaltas sessions are run by local branches on a regular basis, perhaps weekly or monthly. Most sessions by their nature have a particular ethos and the Comhaltas session is no exception. It will normally be structured to include a wide range of activities depending on the interests and talents of the local branch membership. Some pointers worth considering in running a good Comhaltas session are outlined below.
- Do all musicians participate?
- Make time available for the younger, less experienced players during the course of the session (we all have to start somewhere!).
- Remember the singers
- Traditional singing is also a very important part of our cultural heritage and a song or two throughout the evening is always very welcome in any session.
- Are there dancers present?
- Where dancers are present, musicians should be asked to play for at least one set and/or céilí dance during the night.
- Are visiting musicians present?
- Always make visitors welcome and encourage them to participate fully in the session.
- Fear a’Tí/Bean a’Tí
- Probably the most important consideration in running a successful Comhaltas session is the availability of a good Fear a’Tí or Bean a’Tí. It’s a difficult role to fulfill as it requires someone who monitors proceedings to ensure everyone is catered for without overtly interfering with the session. Maybe one of the musicians or a singer might take on this task on a given night - perhaps the session leader. Alternatively one of the branch officers might volunteer for it.
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