Center for Irish Music
Newsletter – Spring 2009
Dedicated to Handing Down the Tradition
Class Notes
All CIM classes and events will continue at the Wellstone Center
until further notice regarding our new location.
CIM @ The Paul & Sheila Wellstone Center/ Neighborhood House
197 Robie Street East
St Paul, MN 55107
* YES - The Center for Irish Music is moving! BUT we will not be in our new space at the beginning of the
term. We anticipate that we will move there by May 1, maybe sooner. CIM will keep you up to date on all
developments – or, of course, call with questions anytime! Thanks for your patience and understanding! -
Kate Dowling 612-669-3013
Dear CIM Supporter! Thank you for your interest in the Center for Irish Music. CIM has a lot of activities
planned this month. Our Spring 2009 Catalog is available. The term begins March 23 - register now! We have
expanded our offerings as well as our activities. Be sure to check out our upcoming special events. CIM is
participating in many St Patrick's Day activities. Visit us at a parade or at the IMDA's celebrations at the
Landmark Center. Read the full newsletter HERE. We hope you enjoy the new format of this e-newsletter as
well as the expanded content. Let us know how we are doing. Sincerely, Kate Dowling
Spring term runs from March 23 through May 30, 2009
Register On-line NOW!
NEW CLASSES! NEW TEACHERS!
We are now offering private lessons on banjo, mandolin, bouzuki, piano accordion, accompaniment and
theory. Our classes for kids have expanded AND we’ve added an additional late afternoon version of our very
popular Singing Sweeties class. If you haven’t tried these classes yet, check them out! We will continue to
offer our favorite group classes, of course, such as Bodhran, Tin Whistle, Performance Ensembles and more.
Don’t forget – we offer Harp and Uilleann Pipe lessons too!
The Center for Irish Music would also like to extend a very warm welcome to two new instructors: Tony
Comeau (available for fiddle lessons on Thursdays & Saturdays) and Fern Lerwick (Fairies and Friends – story,
crafts & myths class for kids!)
See the full catalog online!
The Center for Irish Music
PO Box 7034, St Paul, MN 55107
651-493-2022 irish.music@comcast.net www.centerforirishmusic.org
NEW! Fairies and Friends
This class will explore Irish culture through stories and crafts. We will meet the magical creatures and heroes
of Irish legends. Learn the tales and rhymes of Ireland and create treasures to take home. Be prepared to
make a mess. Fun for ages 2-5 Yrs. 2year olds can bring an adult friend.
Saturdays 11:00-11:45 10 weeks March 28-May 30 with Fern Lerwick. (Tuition: $50.00) Special
introductory offer, buy 2 get one free!
NEW! Accompanying Irish Music on Guitar & Bouzuki:
Do you want to strum along with jigs and reels or back yourself up while you sing your favorite Irish songs?
This class will introduce the basics of accompanying traditional Irish dance music and songs on guitar or
bouzouki (or other mandolin family instruments). We will discuss the history of accompaniment in Irish music
while working on a subtle, non-intrusive, yet improvisational and fun approach to accompaniment. Students
will learn strumming patterns for various dance tune types and a few tricks of the trade.
Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30pm 8 weeks: March 31 – May 19. with Brian Miller (Tuition: $100)
NEW! Music Theory for Traditional Musicians
This class will cover some of the concepts of music theory as they relate to playing Irish traditional music. We
will discuss key (including how to determine what key you’re “in”), scales (including modes and pentatonic),
chords (in both accompaniment and in melodies) and rhythm (dance tune types and rhythmic feel). Students
will engage in discussions and take home assignments that illustrate ways to apply these concepts to their
own music making. Appropriate especially for accompanists but also for advanced melody instrument players
and students of Irish music that have a background in the music theory of other genres.
Mondays, 7:30-8:30pm 5 weeks April 6 – May 4. with Brian Miller (Tuition: $65)
Singing Classes
Sprouting Songsters - a singing class for kids ages 6-12
This class will focus on traditional Irish songs for children, in English and Irish Gaelic. Have fun developing your
voice, ear, and memory while getting an introduction - or more - to the rich tradition of Irish music and dance.
Classes will be lively and engaging, with songs chosen from a large pool of traditional material and geared to
the interests of the class. Learn challenging songs about field mice, fairies and faraway places!
Tuesdays, 5:45-6:30pm, w. Shawn McBurnie & Friends. 10 weeks (Tuition $135)
SPECIAL EXTENDED TERM! Songs & Poetry in Irish & English
This class is the Center for Irish Music’s secret gem. Don’t tell anyone! No previous singing experience
necessary. Learn songs in English and Irish, their history and their poetry from West St Paul’s own, one and
only, world renowned master musician and guru of Gaelic, Daithi Sproule. This is a really fun, social class and
is an excellent way to spend a Thursday evening.
Thursdays, 7-8pm. 10 weeks. with Daithi Sproule, (Tuition $225)
NEW PM CLASS! Singing Sweeties – a small child + big-person class
This class is by far the sweetest class we offer! It’s perfect for bonding with your wee one, watching them
learn and explore – and you’d be surprised – the big people in the class learn too! Singing Sweeties is a music
and movement class for small children and their families. Irish songs and simple dance movements will be
The Center for Irish Music
PO Box 7034, St Paul, MN 55107
651-493-2022 irish.music@comcast.net www.centerforirishmusic.org
taught and traditional instruments introduced. No experience is needed! Ideal for children ages 2-5 and their
big people.
Tuesdays, 10-10:45am. 7 weeks: April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19. w. Brian Miller & Friends. (Tuition
$85)
NEW! PM CLASS: Tuesdays, 4:45-5:30pm. 7 weeks: April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19. w. Brian Miller &
Friends. (Tuition $85)
See the full catalog online!
CIM Special Events
SPECIAL TO CIM: BRACING BANJOS WITH 4 TENORS
April 11, 2009 – a banjo workshop taught by the FOUR TENORS. Extra banjos will be on hand for you to try
this fun instrument. Fiddle players are especially encouraged to participate.
Taught by Tom Lockney, Paul Wheling, David Rhees and Pete Tritz (Tuition: FREE for students currently
registered at CIM, $5 for non-members)
MEET THE INSTRUMENT SERIES
A few times a month, we will have an open class where you can come and learn about a new instrument.
Taught by CIM instructors, you will learn more about harp, Uilleann pipes, Bodhran, accordion – you name it,
we will present it to you with a demonstration, discussion and hands-on exploration time. Open to all ages, all
levels.
Wednesdays: April 22, May 6, May 27, June 3. 6:30-7:30pm. (tuition: donation suggested)
FAMILY SESSIONS
A monthly community gathering for all CIM students, all ages and levels. Sundays: 3-4pm. 2009 Dates: April 5,
May 17, June 7, July 12, August 2, September 13, October 4, November 15, December 6.
KIDS CEILIS
These are family dances twice month for all CIM students & their families, all ages and all levels. We
encourage students to play for the dancing or to participate in the dances. Tentative dates set for: Saturdays
April 18, May 2, May 16 (May 16 is in a special location - see Barn Dance below!), June 6. 2:30-4pm.
BARN DANCE!
May 16, 2pm-10pm: Join us at the home of Bill Gary and Mary Sullivan in River Falls, Wisconsin. We will have
a session, potluck bbq, a bonfire and a real barn dance! Students are invited to play for the dance or dance
themselves. This event is open to ALL community members. More information and directions on this event
coming soon!
ALL-SCHOOL RECITAL
Twice yearly opportunities for student performances – open to all CIM students, voluntarily. May 31, 2009,
2pm.
The Center for Irish Music
PO Box 7034, St Paul, MN 55107
651-493-2022 irish.music@comcast.net www.centerforirishmusic.org
Young Irish Musicians Weekend – June 19-21, 2009. Save the date!
YIM is an international music festival for traditional Irish music in St. Paul. Lessons, concerts &
sessions for all instruments and ages. Features master artists from Ireland. Financial aid
available. More information available soon!
Discounts available to CIM Families ONLY!
Let’s Play Together: Mixed-Instrument Group Classes for Beginners-Intermediates
Have you been playing Irish music for a while and wanting to try to expand your repertoire? Are you
interested in playing with other people but don’t know where to start? Try this: our new Let’s Play Together
Mixed-Instrument Group Classes! These classes are open to any beginner to intermediate level students
taking private or group lessons on their instrument. Must have had at least 1 semester of instruction and able
to play their instrument a bit. Class will be very flexible and fun. Students can “graduate” into our ensemble
classes for advanced players (below). You need to have a recording device.
Adult Mixed-Instrument Group (over 21) Thursdays, weekly, 8-8:45pm
Student Mixed-Instrument Group (8-14 yrs), Saturdays, weekly, 11– 11:45am
Both classes lead by Kate Dowling (Tuition, FREE for those registered for other CIM
classes, ONLY $50 for non CIM students. 10 weeks).
SUMMER CAMPS, 2009
NEW! Summer Camps 2009 with artist-in-residence from Ireland!
We are hoping to secure a college-aged student who is studying traditional Irish music to come and teach and
perform during late July and early August 2009. This project is in cooperation with the Central Missouri Celtic
Arts Association summer project, which they have been pursing for many years.
We will be offering two weeks of daytime camps for kids, PLUS a week-long night camp for adults. Classes will
be taught by CIM staff and our ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE from Ireland!
Tentative dates set for July 20-August 1, 2009 with a special performance intensive camp (leading up to the
Irish Fair of Minnesota) August 3-6, 2009.
More information coming soon!
Save FOR CURRENT CIM FAMILIES ONLY: refer a friend for the Spring 2009 Term and receive 10% of YOUR entire
tuition for the Spring term. You must refer the friend by March 20, 2009 for classes beginning the week of
March 23, 2009.
10%
Refer your friend by: March 20, 2009
CIM has a MySpace! Be our friend! www.myspace.com/thecenterforirishmusic
The Center for Irish Music
PO Box 7034, St Paul, MN 55107
651-493-2022 irish.music@comcast.net www.centerforirishmusic.org