Group Music Class Descriptions
Céilí band Class - Under 15 & Under 18
A céilí band is an acoustic ensemble of musicians that play dance music at events such as a céilí (social gathering with Irish music, song and dance). A céilí band is defined by a strong, rhythmic "lift" and melody instruments playing in unison rather than complex harmony. Bands generally consist of 5 to 10 musicians. The melody section includes instruments such as fiddle, flute, button accordion, concertina, banjo, or uilleann pipes. The rhythm section includes a piano and drum player.
Sarah Ling will teach Under 15 and Under 18 Ceili Band at the Music by Tritone loctions.
Kira Doppel will teach Céilí Band combined with Grúpa cheoil for all ages at the Ogelthorpe location during the week.
Grúpa Cheoil Class - All Ages
Grúpa cheoil (Irish for "music group") is a traditional Irish musical ensemble. Unlike strict céilí bands (which focus almost exclusively on rhythm and strict tempo for dancers), a grúpa cheoil allows for greater creative freedom. Groups arrange their own sets of tunes, incorporate a wider variety of melodic and accompanying instruments (including harp, piano, and bodhrán), and often feature changing tempos, dynamics, and harmonies.
Kira Doppel teaches a combined Grúpa cheoil and céilí band class at Oglethorpe on the weekends - ALL AGES
Youth Song Class - Under 12
This is a 30 minute class for our youth! We will begin our singers with a fast and slow popular Irish songs appropriate for beginners in the english language. We will also teach the Irish National Anthem - Amhrán na bhFiann (translated as The Soldiers Song)in Irish.
Sarah Ling is filling in for Christina (Nina) Dowling for the Fall semester.
Whistle, Song & Dance Class - 4 year olds +
This 45 - 60 minute class is a fun way to start learning more about Irish culture for our youngest! Generally a class with 4 - 7 year olds. Students will receive a school bag with a whistle and the lesson book as part of tuition! We will start by learning old style Sean-nós dance and bit of Whistle & Song to complete the experience. We will divide the class by ability as we grow with new students! Parents will be encouraged to practice with students between lessons or schedule a private lesson to bridge until next class. This is a fun and relaxed class and a great way to expose children to the Irish culture. Students of this class are included in Phoenix School performances and the St. Patricks Day Parade!
This class is conducted by Sharleen, Teresa, Sarah and Christina
Sean-nós & Set Dancing
Includes WORKSHOP Weekends with Sharleen Doyle
Sharleen grew up in the Mourne mountains and learned her dancing there from the age of 4 and by 11 she had her first All- Ireland in set dancing. Sharleen then discovered Sean Nós dancing and travelled to workshops all around the country improving and learning new steps. Sharleen had the advantage of having an excellent teacher and went to Kathleen Mc Glynn for lessons in her kitchen in Co. Louth. Sean Nós surged and competitions started to take place all-over the country.
Sharleen received her 3rd All-Ireland title in 2012 at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in Cavan and went on to start her own dance school in Moate. Sharleen’s passion is good music, good dancing and preservation of the Irish old style dance tradition.
Sean Nós Dance Classes - Under 12 years, 12 thru Adult
Sean-nós means "old style" in Irish. Unlike rigid, highly-choreographed modern Irish step dancing, sean-nós is freeform characterized by a relaxed posture and free arm movements and low to the ground footwork. Advanced Dancers invent their steps on the spot, responding to the energy of the musicians. This form of dance has grown in popularity among the youth in Ireland over the last 5 years.
We offer classes for Youth and Adults and are taught by Sharleen Doyle and Teresa Finley.
Set Dance Classes - 12 years thru Adult
“Sets” are danced by 4 or 8 people in a formation similar to that of American square dancing. Students will learn 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. Youth will begin some set dancing as part of the sean-nós class.
Set Dance class is taught by Sharleen Doyle and Teresa Finley.