HELPFUL TIPS FOR PARENTS
These tips have been compiled by Craobh Seán Treacy to help parents to make music a more social based activity outside the confines of the classes on Thursday.
Children will get more enjoyment from playing traditional music if played with other children and adults in friendly informal groups.
The "buzz" and "fun" experienced from participating in group activities of the session type will help to foster a longer term
commitment to the music and build up their social skills.
Children should be encouraged to attend at least one other activity on a regular basis, especially the Friday band and group practice.
We also have a monthly Sunday afternoon session.
MUSIC IN THE HOME
There is no better place to help children to play and socialise at the same time than in the home. It is easier if another member
of the family plays music as they can play together. If not the next best thing is to invite a few of the other children attending
the same or other music class around to practice the new tunes they have learned in the class.
If all children bring their notes from previous classes it is surprising, if done on a regular basis, how quickly the practice
grows from a half hour to an hour. Combine this with light refreshments and you soon have a very enjoyable and painless way
for interested children (and maybe not so keen) to develop their musical skills.
THURSDAY NIGHT CLASSES
Musical instruments and singing classes are held in St Fiachra's National School, Beaumont, between 7.00pm and 9.30 pm.
Classes begin around the 2nd or 3rd week in September. There are two terms, the first ending just before Xmas and the
second term runs from early January to the end of May
During each term a general session or concert of all the students and teachers is held, e.g. before Xmas or Easter to
give everyone an opportunity to play together - details are announced by the teachers during the term.
Parents, relations and friends are welcome to attend and participate in these sessions.
Commencement dates for classes are in the Diary Dates section of the website.
FRIDAY NIGHTS
In addition to the Thursday classes the Branch has céili band and grúpai ceoil practice and classes in traditional
set dancing each Friday night in the Pastoral Centre (beside St Fiachra's Senior School), Beaumont, Dublin 5, between 7.30 pm and 9.30 pm.
This is an opportunity for children to meet other musicians of the same age, to play music together and to
develop their dancing skills. There is a strong tradition of set dancing in the Branch and all the children are
encouraged to attend the dancing class.
MONTHLY SUNDAY AFTERNOON SESSION
Once a month Craobh Seán Treacy hosts an open music, song and dance session. All young persons from the Branch
and from other Comhaltas branches are welcome. The session starts at 4.30 pm sharp with an emphasis on slow
tunes for those who are beginners for the first hour until the break at 5.30 pm. Children are encouraged and
are welcome to bring the notes of tunes they are learning at the classes. During the second half all are welcome
to participate in the genera session or in the set dances or volunteer to sing. The session ends approx. 7.00 pm.
Dates for future sessions are available on the Diary Dates section of the website.
VISITS TO OR BY OTHER BRANCHES.
In recent years the Branch has arranged day trips and weekend visits to other branches around the country for a weekend of music, dance and socialising. These have been very successful. Return visits are also hosted. These visits offer an ideal opportunity to join in a large group session regardless of your level of playing ability.
Recent visits have included Ennistymon, Co. Clare; Inis Oirr and Clarinbrige, Co. Galway; Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford; Brú Ború, Cashel, Co. Tipperary; Roundwood, Co. Wicklow, Ballymore, Co. Westmeath. Trips abroad have included the Festival Interceltique de Lorient, Brittany, France.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Workshops and other activities will be brought to your attention through the year.
EXTERNAL COMPETITIONS
Remember participation in competitions and workshops on an individual or group basis helps the young person to focus on their playing. The following are a sample of the events
FEIS ÁTHA CLIATH
Around the 2nd or 3rd weekend in Márta at a selected school.
DUBLIN FLEADH CHEOIL
Around the 2nd weekend in Bealtaine, organised by different Branches of Comhaltas and at a selected school.
FLEADH LAIGHEAN
Around the 1st or 2nd weekend in Iúil at different venue each year in Leinster.
FLEADH CHEOIL na hÉireann
The finalists from the provincial and other regional finals compete - around the last weekend in August.
Preceded by Scoil Éigse, classes, concerts and sessions for a week commencing on the Monday before
the Fleadh Cheoil proper. Different venue every two years.
See Diary Dates for precise dates for each of these competitions.
SETS OF COMMON SESSION TUNES
The music teachers compile a short list of tunes which will be taught to all classes before the
end of term. This is to help children to play together in a group. It is hoped to develop this
list of common tunes during future terms.
To date, the tunes selected are -
Term ending May 2006
Beginners - Polkas
Terry Teahans,
Peata Beag mo Mháthair
Intermediate - Jigs
Father O'Flynn,
The Blackthorn Stick,
Advanced - Jigs
The Wandering Ministrel,
The Bride's Favourite
Term ending May 2007
Beginners - Mazurkas
3 Mazurkas beginning with Sonny's Mazurka
Intermediate - Jigs
The Kesh Jig,
Paddy's Return,
Old Joe's Jig
Advanced - Reels
Christmas Eve,
Greig's Pipes
Term ending December 2007
Beginners
Na Ceannabhain Bhána - slip jig
Auchten House - Hornpipe
Intermediate - Reels
Tinker's Daughter
Tom Ward's Downfall
NOTES AND CDS
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann has published two volumes of sets of tunes "Foinn Seisiún, Books 1 and 2".
These publications contain the notes of common sets of tunes and are a great help to beginners and
improvers who wish to play in sessions. CDs of all the tunes are available separately.
Books and CDs may be purchased on Thursday nights in St Fiachra's School, €10 each.
Scrúdú Ceol Tíre (SCT)
Comhaltas Ceoltóiri Éireann devised a Syllabus for Traditional Irish Music Examinations to ensure
that Irish music receives the fullest recognition and equality within the education system.
Young people also welcome a challenge to improve their skills and raise their standards. In all
there are 12 Levels in Elementary Cycle, Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle combined. Exams are generally
held twice a year, i.e. mid January/mid February and mid April/ mid May.
See Diary Dates for deadlines for receipt of applications.
The syllabus booklet, which is available from Comhaltas head office, contains a lot of useful
information, including suggested melodies for each of the three cycles, list of recordings and
listening material, music collections and musicians.
Train to be a Music Teacher
Comhaltas also organises courses and exams (Teastas i dTeagasc Ceolta Tíre - T.T.C.T) to increase the number of teachers of Irish music.
Students must be over 18 and have passed the highest level in the SCT or equivalent to be eligible to participate in the teacher training courses
TUESDAY NIGHTS
For the parents and anyone over 18 there is the Tuesday night session and set dancing, Greenfield Park Community Club,
Shanliss Ave., Santry, from about 9.30pm. Bring your instrument.
HOLIDAYS AND MUSIC!
Dates and some other details for summer schools and workshops of longer duration are available
in the Diary Dates section of this website if you wish to combine annual holidays and music.
Many families do this and it is possible for the children to form lasting friendships with
fellow musicians from all parts of the country when these events are attended on a regular basis.
All that is necessary is to arrange accommodation which can range from camping, caravanning,
self-catering and upwards and register on the first morning of the school or workshop.
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