Tue, 10 Feb 2009
Bree Fiddle Workshop Announced
Katie Lawrence giving a workshop
Bree Fiddle Workshop – Saturday 21st February 2009
Philip Christian Centre, Derby Road, Peel
On the first Saturday of the Spring half term, Bree will be holding a special workshop for young fiddle players. This event is open to current Bree participants and to other violinists in school years 6 to 11 who are interested in learning about traditional music.
One of Bree’s expert tutors, Katie Lawrence, will be leading the fiddle workshop on Saturday 21st February at the Philip Christian Centre in Peel. Katie is a primary school teacher who also teaches fiddle and piano, and she has an MA in traditional music performance from the University of Limerick. She has performed Manx music from an early age and with her sister Kirsty on whistle, ‘cello and piano, released a CD of traditional and original material called ‘Three Baatyn Beggey’ in 2006. She also plays with local folk-rock band The Ballaghs and Celtic group Sheear.
During the one-day fiddle workshop the students will explore traditional playing techniques using Manx music (including some of Katie’s own tunes) and work on harmonies and arrangements to perform as a string ensemble. As a first event of its kind in the Isle of Man, Bree hopes that this fiddle ensemble may continue as an off-shoot of the umbrella group.
The workshop starts at 10am and concludes with a concert for family and friends at 3pm. The event is free of charge but students must register with Bree co-ordinator Chloë Woolley in advance (form below) and bring their own violin (i.e. fiddle!), music stand, Kiaull yn Theay books*, packed lunch and refreshments for the day. Under 16s must bring written permission from parents/guardians if they need to leave the building during the day.
Bree was established by the Manx Heritage Foundation in 2006 as an umbrella group of young musicians, singers and dancers interested in performing the Island’s traditional music and using Manx Gaelic. It is currently open to secondary school age musicians but organisers hope to soon bridge the gap between primary and secondary education by including year 6 musicians. Since its inception, Bree members have met once a year for a weekend of educational workshops led by local Manx musicians, once a month for the informal music session currently based at Green’s restaurant in Douglas and for other performances at community and charity events. New members are welcome to join the group at any time throughout the year and should contact Chloë or Breesha for more details.
To download an application form for the forthcoming Workshop, follow the link below and click on the 'click here for application form...' line.