Just wanted to share some good news, and to help make folks here aware of possible resources for supporting our whistling habits. My whistle teacher, James Conway, and I just learned that our application for the Master/Apprentice grant in the Ethnic Arts division of the Illinois Arts Council was accepted. This link gives more information.
Here's part of how we described our apprenticeship plan in the application:
Both of us are motivated by concrete goals: live performances, recording sessions. We like to focus our work together on preparing for these, and we will continue to do so under this apprenticeship, increasing both the performances (possibly developing an ongoing professional performing relationship) and the recordings. The traditional Irish techniques of playing, particularly the wide variety of ornamentation and the characteristic swing, will be the focus. We will apply these techniques to all the major styles of traditional Irish music and learn representative tunes of each: hornpipes, jigs, reels, waltzes, slip jigs, marches, mazurkas, and airs....During the period of the grant, we would meet about two hours a week at a mutually convenient time...
I know. It's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it.
Best of luck to everyone in the C&F community in finding similar opportunities! I'll post my progress from time to time....
Carol
[edited to provide proper link]
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: cskinner on 2002-12-10 09:28 ]</font>
That's really cool, Carol. You don't ordinarily think of getting a grant to do stuff like this but a few years ago a friend of mine got a grant to go down to Indiana and take some lessons from Grey Larsen.
Tell us something.: I used to play pipes about 20 years ago and suddenly abducted by aliens. Not sure why... but it's 2022 and I'm mysteriously baack...
Congratulations Carol. I love the 'mission statement'. That really reads like an academic grant application, which, of course, in a sense it is. I bet they don't get very many applications with that clarity and focus. Must make a change from 'Dohhh ... will ya give me some bread so me an' me mate can, like, play whistle.' (No, I'm not going to tell you who submitted that application.)
Must make a change from 'Dohhh ... will ya give me some bread so me an' me mate can, like, play whistle.' (No, I'm not going to tell you who submitted that application.)
LOL!
Thanks to all for the congratulations. Just wanted to add, noting tyghress's thread on her new whistle teacher, how lucky I feel to have as fine a teacher and player--and as friendly and bighearted a person--as James to learn from.
Tell us something.: Good to be home, many changes here, but C&F is still my home! I think about the "old" bunch here and hold you all in the light, I am so lucky to have you all in my life!
On 2002-12-10 09:26, cskinner wrote:
Just wanted to share some good news, and to help make folks here aware of possible resources for supporting our whistling habits. My whistle teacher, James Conway, and I just learned that our application for the Master/Apprentice grant in the Ethnic Arts division of the Illinois Arts Council was accepted. This link gives more information.
Here's part of how we described our apprenticeship plan in the application:
Both of us are motivated by concrete goals: live performances, recording sessions. We like to focus our work together on preparing for these, and we will continue to do so under this apprenticeship, increasing both the performances (possibly developing an ongoing professional performing relationship) and the recordings. The traditional Irish techniques of playing, particularly the wide variety of ornamentation and the characteristic swing, will be the focus. We will apply these techniques to all the major styles of traditional Irish music and learn representative tunes of each: hornpipes, jigs, reels, waltzes, slip jigs, marches, mazurkas, and airs....During the period of the grant, we would meet about two hours a week at a mutually convenient time...
I know. It's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it.
Best of luck to everyone in the C&F community in finding similar opportunities! I'll post my progress from time to time....
Carol
[edited to provide proper link]
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: cskinner on 2002-12-10 09:28 ]</font>
Good luck, and don't forget to take the taxes out! That's the way Michael Flatley got started! It's also a very well written proposal!
Tell us something.: Good to be home, many changes here, but C&F is still my home! I think about the "old" bunch here and hold you all in the light, I am so lucky to have you all in my life!
On 2002-12-10 09:52, Walden wrote:
Too bad I am a hick in the sticks. 'Twould be nice to have access to such resources.
I'm happy for ye, Carol.
Walden, go look for your local state arts council and call 'em and get information on their programs. You've got an advantage being out in the sticks, and you've got friends here who know how to write grants!
Congratulation Carol! I think it's great that you won support for your music. I read through the sight, <a href=http://www.state.il.us/agency/iac/Guide ... m>Illinois Arts Council Guidelines</a>. You have a cool program supporting traditions in your state. $2000 for the master and $1000 for the student move the music a long by getting some of the economics out of the way.
I also think its great that they are establishing the relationship as an apprenticeship. An appreticeship is usually seen as a level of commitment above the normal "music lessons" relationship. I hope this proves fruitfull for you, James, and your music.
_________________ Enjoy Your Music,<br><br><b>Lee Marsh</b><br>
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: LeeMarsh on 2002-12-10 10:48 ]</font>
Tell us something.: I became interested in the beauty and versatility of Irish whistles and music over 20 years ago when I first found the Chiff boards. Yes, I do have WHOA, and I love my whistles. :)
By the way, after reading your CD review in the latest C & F newsletter, I listened to some of the tracks and was just blown away by the little clip that has whistle on it ("Humours of Ballyloughlin" or something like that). Is there any chance of Mr. Conway putting out a whole CD of whistle stuff, just like this clip? I absolutely loved it and listened to the clip on repeat for hours. Also, what whistle did he use for it?
Thanks for the great review, and good luck with your grant. I'm very happy for you.
Enjoy Your Music,<br><br><b>Lee Marsh</b><br>
