Making Harp and Fiddle Sing

 

In response to the increasing interest in Celtic music and dance, a community-based association, Ceilidhs for Guelph, recently expanded its folk music school. The Guelph School of Traditional Music opened last year, offering Monday night group lessons at Norfolk United Church. Starting January 10, 2000, there will be eight weekly classes on Monday and Tuesday evenings. In addition to the celtic harp, tin whistle and fiddle lessons which were offered last year, this year’s lessons include the mandolin and bodhran, the Irish hand drum. These small classes are open to people of all ages and ability.

 

The School is delighted with the depth of musical expertise that the respective teachers bring with them to the classes. Kate Dunlay, a professional fiddle teacher, will put her knowledge of the traditional Celtic violin music of Cape Breton to good use in teaching fiddle. Harp will be taught by Mary Anderson-Buchanan, a well-known local harpist, and Cecile Denis who has playing harp for over 28 years. Local lawyer Charles Davidson, a leading member of the Upper Canada Ceili Band, will teach the tin whistle classes while Steven Todd who plays with the Kitchener band Failte will teach the bodhran.

 

For those who want to know more about the Guelph School of Traditional Music or want to register for the upcoming classes, call (519) 821-7588 x2, or e-mail bmacd@freespace.net.