K - 2nd Grade

Instructor: Shannon Dunne

10:30 AM, Saturdays (50-60 minutes)

A fun way to start learning more about Irish culture for our youngest! We will start learning the Irish tin whistle, traditional Irish songs and old style Sean-nós dance. All music is taught by ear.

Grades 5 - 12

Instructor: Jackson Makarewicz

10:45 AM, Saturdays (45 minutes)

This class is designed for the beginner and will focus on fundamentals with an emphasis on accompaniment for irish traditional music.

Grades 6 - 8

Instructor: Kira Doppel

11:15 AM, Saturday (60 minutes)

This is a class for youth instrumental musicians that are interested in learning traditional Irish music and performing shows in the Atlanta community. Tunes will be taught both by ear (in the traditional way) and with sheet music to build a basic tune repertoire of Jigs, Reels, Hornpipes and Polkas, etc. Additionally, students will learn how to work as a team to meet goals, leadership and performance skills as well as have a lot of fun with music!

Grades 3-5

Instructors: Shannon Dunne

11:30 AM, Saturdays (45 minutes)

This 45 minute class will focus on learning the Irish Tin whistle. Tunes will be taught by ear (in the traditional way). Students will be performance ready and will be invited to play at IrishFest Atlanta and other opportunities across Atlanta. Students are encouraged to also take the Youth Sean-nós Dance Class following this class.

All Youth

Instructor: Christina Dowling

1:30 PM, Saturday (60 minutes)

Irish Voice and Song is an introduction to traditional Irish song. Christina will teach common traditional Irish and Irish-American songs on a beginner level, so no prior vocal experience is required. Students in this class will also study proper vocal technique and have the opportunity to learn and perform Irish Gaelic songs!

Adult and 14+

Instructor: John Maschinot

11:30 AM, Saturday (60 minutes)

John Maschinot will teach this 60 minute beginner whistle class focusing on the basics of traditional Irish music on the tin whistle. Focus will be put on learning tunes “by ear”. No music experience required. Open to ALL ages! A tin (penny) whistle in the key of D is required.

Grades 9 - 12

Instructor: Kira Doppel

12:15 PM, Saturday (60 minutes)

A class for teen instrumental musicians that are interested in learning traditional Irish music and performing shows in the Atlanta community. Tunes will be taught both by ear (in the traditional way) and with sheet music to build a basic tune repertoire of Jigs, Reels, Hornpipes and Polkas, etc. Additionally, students will learn how to work as a team to meet goals, leadership and performance skills as well as have a lot of fun with music!

Grades 7 - 12

Instructor: Jackson Makarewicz

12:15PM, Saturday (60 minutes)

This class is designed for intermediate/adv players interested in performing with Irish traditional musicians or singers. The focus will be on accompaniment and arrangement to provide backup with subtle variations to enhance the overall performance.

Adult

Instructor: John Maschinot

12:30 PM, Saturday (60 minutes)

This class is geared towards adult musicians who have some basic proficiency at their instrument and want to become more comfortable playing in Irish music sessions. and work towards participating in ceili bands. Students will learn on how to build a strong repertoire of session & ceili band tunes while strengthening one’s own musicianship. This class is geared towards learning melody, not accompaniment, and learning the music "by ear”.

Grades 3 - 8th

Instructor: Shannon Dunne

12:15 PM, Saturdays (45 minutes)

This 45 minute class will focus on Sean-nós dance. Take a look at the video under the ABOUT TAB. No prior dance experience required! Join in to learn the basic steps or review what you learned last semester. Shannon will focus on the history of Sean-nós while building individual skills and technique. Dance shoes are recommended (No taps or hard Irish dance shoes please.) Students are encouraged to sign up for Set Dance class as well!

Adult and 14 years+

Instructor: Shannon Dunne

1:30 PM, Saturdays (60 minutes)

“Sets” are danced by eight people in a formation similar to that of American square dancing. Students will learn or review the valuable foundations for Irish set dancing: how to find the groove of the dance, participate in the figure, and punctuate that groove with moments of battering, using their feet as percussion instruments. Dance partner not required. Bring comfortable, slip soled shoes (No taps or hard Irish dance shoes please.) Beginner Sean Nós Dance class is recommended as a compliment but not required.

Adult and 14+ years

Instructor: Shannon Dunne

2:30 PM, Saturday. (60 minutes)

Join this class is for BOTH beginners and advanced Sean-nós dance and old style dances such as Priest & His Boots, Maggie Pickie and The St. Patrick’s Day and other traditional dances. Basic steps will be taught and will also be intended for students who are ready for more advanced rhythms and are ready to develop a unique style. The class will focus on advanced technique, skill-building and fluency. Dance shoes are required. (No taps or hard Irish dance shoes please.)