Today we were very excited to welcome All Ireland Fiddle champion and Ceoltás teacher Niall McClean to a special P3-7 assembly.
We are delighted that Niall has agreed to give group music lessons to our children in a range of traditional Irish musical instruments including the tin whistle, bodhrán and fiddle.
He gave us a demonstration of each instrument and allowed some pupils to beat a rhythm on the bodhrán… well done Ruaírí and Jesse - we were all very impressed!!
All the classes showed their ability to clap in time to a reel played by Niall, while our lovely Irish dancers from P5-7 danced along without any preparation … such natural talent girls, showing a lot of dedication and hard work!
This is a wonderful opportunity for our pupils and absolutely great to get trad music back to Portaferry, where Ceoltás was formed many years ago!!
Below is some information from Niall about the upcoming music lessons, scheduled to begin next Friday 17th January. Money does not need to be paid immediately, but will be taken in one lump sum for the 13 weeks (£104).
Hi folks
I’m very excited to get started in St Mary’s on Friday 18th Jan and looking forward to meeting all the wonderful pupils.
Some general info below on trad music lessons in St Mary’s.
There will be 13 lessons up until Easter.
If a day or time needs changed by me or the school, I will update you and all lessons will be fulfilled.
Lessons are multi instrumental with the goal of getting the children playing together as a group.
The groups when experienced will then play at various school events throughout the year.
If anyone needs measured up for an instrument I will do that on the first week and send the info home on what you need to purchase.
I will have spare instruments available for the first couple of weeks.
I will also send home video tutorials if required.
For anyone playing the whistle you will need a standard D whistle (cheap ones are perfect for starting approx £8)
A second hand fiddle is best as it has already been ‘played in”. These are approx £40
Junior bodhrán £40
Mr Gilchrist or your teacher will let you know your time on a Friday (it will be in during the school day)
Feel free to ask for any further info.
Many thanks,
Niall Mc Clean
