Just wondering, if anybody is going to be up in the Catskills July 11th thru July 18th at the Irish Arts Week Music Camp.
I have never been to a week-long Irish music camp and am looking forward to being under tuition with Benedict Koehler in the mornings and then Brian McNamara in the afternoons.
I have met Benedict before as I flew up to David and his shop to get my half-set and from the short time I was there, experience their playing and patience with me and I must say I think both are masters of the pipes. Brian is one of the world’s best so I think I am in for a real treat.
Anyone have any helpful hints that will help me make the most of the time spent with these two master pipers?
Yesss, I’ll be there for the first three days anyway, and very much looking forward to it. A relative inconsiderately scheduled his wedding for later that week, so I’ll have to miss Thursday and Friday, but I’m thrilled at the rare opportunity to spend three whole days at it. Without having the women in my life suggest I leave off that racket and pay them some mind - my four yr. old just depresses the C-nat. key with her death grip until I relent.
I’ve never had tuition from Benedict, Brian or Jerry (why does that sound like a New England Ice Cream company?), but I’m sure each brings marvelous insight to his teaching. Does anyone know if Jerry O’Sullivan’s health will permit him to attend and teach at East Durham as scheduled?
Bring a recording device of some kind (I recommend a mini-disk recorder). If you can learn the basics of the tune that is being taught ahead of time, that will be helpful. Brian and Jerry are both excellent teachers. I’m sure Benedict is too, but when he’s out here, we keep him chained to the reed-making bench
Jerry O’Sullivan will be there and ready to go. I look forward to meeting some Forum Folks, as well. I hope that being at it for a bit over a year I won’t flame out. I would also like a hint at what tunes might be worked on so I can avoid bringing a blank stare to the class.
I’ll be taking basic pipes from Benedict .Looking forward to it,but just a bit nervous.It’ll be the first time I’ve had any real instruction on the pipes.
-Kelly
I would also like a hint at what tunes might be worked on so I can avoid bringing a blank stare to the class.
I e-mailed Brian M. that very question, and he said its hard to pick a tune in advance without knowing the level of all the pipers present - he said just bring a tune you’re working on / want to work on, and he’ll help you stretch yourself with it.
So, just four of us in East Durham with three great instructors at our disposal? Exxxcellent. The rest of youse keep clear, ya’ll hear?
I will be there to add to the noise as well. Bringing 3 of my four children in tow, but they are fidlers so they will be in their own classess. I understand that the UPing classess are nearly full as of late last week (8 per class).
.Looking forward to it,but just a bit nervous.It’ll be the first time I’ve had any real instruction on the pipes.