Workshops

Now in its 5th year, Féile Frank Mc Gann is delighted to announce that we have a spectacular line up of Ireland’s best tutors in instrumentation, song and dance, as well as a couple of novel workshops in woodturning (bi-lingual) and traditional flute maintenance/repair.

Pre-registration can be made by emailing info@feilefrankmcgann.ie, and this is particularly encouraged for the woodturning class.

Venues:
Scoil Muire, Strokestown

Date/Time:
Saturday 6th October 2007

TUTORS

Flute

Harry Bradley

Harry is one of Ireland’s foremost flautists, playing a very distinctive Northern style with a high level of technique. Still at a relatively young age, he is a veteran in relation to recording, with three solo albums, among others, under his belt. He is of course, highly sought after as a tutor.

 

 

June Nic Cormick

June is another bright star in flute playing circles. She also has a proven track record in recording and playing, particularly with her husband, Micheal Rooney. June, from Co. Sligo, has published an excellent flute tutor book in recent years.

 

 

Button Accordion

Ned Kelly

We’re delighted this year to have the Paddy O’Brien taught Tipp man, who was a good friend of Frank McGann, to tutor the box. Ned is an excellent and popular teacher, and is much sought after at workshops and concerts around the country.

 

 

Whistle

Gavin Whelan

Taking the advanced whistle this year is the talented Dublin whistler, Gavin Whelan. Gavin is a full time teacher and player, and already has two acclaimed solo albums to his credit, with his own distinctive style to the fore.

 

 

Catherine McEvoy

This year Catherine is teaching the beginners/improvers whistlers. She is without doubt, one of the top flute players around, and a very experienced teacher of flute/whistle. Catherine has a wonderful solo CD to her credit, as well as a critically acclaimed duet CD with her brother John, ‘The Kilmore fancy’, and a little bird tells us there is a much awaited second solo CD on the way!

 

 

Fiddle

Antoin MacGabhann

From Co Cavan, but living in Co Meath for many years, Antoin or Tony, could be described as one of the fiddling greats. He has taught many musicians around Co Meath for many years, and has toured all over the World. Antoin’s family are all great musicians also.

 

 

Concertina

Micheal O’Raghallaigh

The concertina master player and tutor is back to tutor again by popular demand. Micheal is a member of the group Providence, with whom he tours extensively, and he has released two wonderful solo albums. He is extremely highly regarded among followers and players of traditional music.

 

 

Bodhrán

Junior Davey

This years class is given by the popular Gurteen, Co Sligo player. Junior teaches all over the country, and he has helped to bring the bodhran to a new level of technique and skill. He also, has his own CD, and has much knowledge on the techniques and style of the Irish drum.

 

 

Harp

Michael Rooney

It is a great honour for the festival to have this fine player and composer of great music to tutor harp this year. Michael has been a prodigy on harp from an early age. He is also a multi instrumentalist and has composed some wonderful music, including the music for a mass. Michael lives in Co Sligo with June, his wife and flute tutor this year. They have also released two acclaimed CDs together.

 

 

Sean – Nos Dancing

Maire Aine Ni hIarnain

Last year this class, proved to be very well attended and informative thanks to the personality and skills of Maire Aine. She is rightly recognised as one of the top tutors on the circuit in this wonderful form of dance.

 

 

Woodturning (bi-lingual)

Mairtin Davey

We are proud to announce that this will be the first bi – lingual class in woodturning ever in the west of Ireland. This class could be very useful to a lot of different people for different reasons. Mairtin is a very experienced broadcaster with Raidio na Gaeltachta, and a talented tutor also.

 

 

Flute Maintenance / Repair

Michael Grinter

This workshop is another novel first for Féile Frank McGann. It will be given by Michael, a brilliant flute maker from Australia, who also has tremendous knowledge on the workings of the flute.

 

 

Sean-nos Singing

Antaine O’ Fearachain

Back again by popular demand comes this very popular and well known singer/gaeilgeoir. Antaine is also much sought after as teacher of the Sean–nos style of singing. He plays fiddle also and is a radio presenter with the Dublin based Raidio Na Life.

 

 

Tutors Recital

Following the classes, from 4 p.m. onwards, the tutors will play a short recital for pupils, parents and enthusiasts. All are welcome.