March 8 - 11 2013
Cape Breton Piano Accompaniment
The piano was introduced as an instrument of accompaniment several decades ago and has since become the most common instrument of choice in accompanying fiddlers in the Cape Breton style. Walking bass lines, and syncopated rhythms in the right hand emulate the sounds of the Gaelic language of Cape Breton Island, and Nova Scotia. Students in this class will learn techniques used in accompanying fiddlers and pipers in the Cape Breton style of music. Chording approaches for marches, strathspeys, jigs, and reels will be explored during this class.
New Beginner
The very basics of the piano will be introduced in this class. Students will work on recognizing notes on the piano and learn how to build 3 chords. The basics of chording to any one or two of a march, strathspey, jig or reel will be introduced in this class.
Prerequisite: No prior experience necessary.
Advanced Beginner
Student will receive an introduction to basic playing techniques for Cape Breton-style piano accompaniment.
Prerequisite: Has a working knowledge of basic chords in 3 major keys and 2 minor keys.
Intermediate
Student will work on refining basic rhythms and further developing the fundamental playing techniques for Cape Breton piano accompaniment, including more syncopated rhythms.
Prerequisite: Able to build upon the basic chord patterns and rhythms from the Advanced Beginner level.
Advanced
Much time will be spent in this class listening to the various types of tunes which exist in the Gaelic style of music that is authentic and traditional to Cape Breton Island. It is the ear training that is required in identifying those chords that will allow the accompanist to chord along to another instrumentalist, all the while enhancing the delivery of music. Class time will be spent working on developing excellent timing as well.
Prerequisite: Knowledge of most key signatures and associated chords. Previous experience in CB Piano accompaniment required. Familiar with technique and specific chords. Accompaniment should be steady, strong and supportive, not domineering, with focus on timing.
Dràma / Gaelic Drama
The goal of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to enhance the Gaelic language acquisition process through the use of stories and skits. Students of all skill levels will work together for this course.
New Beginner
Students will work on short Gaelic skits and will pick up basic Gaelic vocabulary.
Prerequisite: No prior experience necessary.
Intermediate / Advanced
Activities will be conducted through the medium of Gaelic. Students will learn a short play during the course of their stay. The goal of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to enhance the Gaelic language acquisition process through the use of stories and skits.
Prerequisite: Basic understanding in the Gaelic language is required.
Fiddle
This style of fiddle music is unique throughout the world, in all Celtic circles. Classes offered in Cape Breton Fiddle will focus on techniques such as bowing, grace notes, tempos and the swing that is so reminiscent of the Cape Breton style of music; a style rooted in the Gaelic language of Cape Breton Island and Nova Scotia. Time will be spent discussing and learning some of the various types of tunes including airs, jigs, marches, strathspeys, and reels. Sheet music will be used in class, but time will also be spent teaching music by ear, as this is a common method of learning for many Cape Breton musicians. The traditional Gaelic language, music & culture of Cape Breton Island and Nova Scotia are based on oral transmission.
New Beginner
The very basics of fiddle will be taught at this level. Fundamentals include how to hold the fiddle, how to hold the bow, what the strings are on the fiddle, as well as your first notes will be covered. A basic tune with a simple melody will be taught in this class. Sheet music will be used and ear-training techniques will also be employed.
Prerequisite: No prior experience necessary.
Advanced Beginner
In this class students will learn two or more of the following: strathspey, march, jig, reel, air. Sheet music will be used and ear-training techniques will also be employed.
Prerequisite: Able to play 2 -3 tunes at a slow to moderate pace.
Intermediate
In this class, students will continue to develop their bowing techniques, they will build upon their existing repertoire of tunes (in at least 3 keys). A strong emphasis will be placed on timing. Sheet music will be used and ear-training techniques will also be employed.
Prerequisite: Have a good knowledge of marches, strathspeys, reels, and jigs in the common major and minor keys. Be able to play tunes at a moderate pace.
Advanced
At the advanced level of instruction, time will be spent looking at the very intricate components of this Gaelic style of fiddle playing. Grace notes, slurs, cuts, doublings and more of the detailed embellishments that define the style will be the focus of this class. Additionally, emphasis will be placed on developing timing. All types of tunes representative of this style, in many different keys, will be taught. Sheet music will be used and ear-training techniques will also be employed.
Prerequisites: Have the ability to read music quite well. Be able to play all tunes at full tempo.
Gaidhlig Aig Baile (GAB)
Gàidlhig aig Baile(GAB) is an immersion method of Gaelic language instruction used in communities throughout Nova Scotia. The GAB course will provide students with a strong foundation in the language in a fun, social and interactive environment.
New Beginner
An introduction to Nova Scotia Scottish Gaelic in an immersion environment, this course will introduce students to basic Gaelic vocabulary, handy phrases, and the Gàidhlig Aig Baile style of instruction.
Prerequisite: No prior knowledge of Gaelic language is required.
Advanced Beginner
Knowledge of basic vocabulary around common greetings and phrases is required. The student would have previously taken an introductory course in Gaelic language in the GAB methodology. Gaelic will be the only language employed in the classroom.
Intermediate
This course is aimed at students who have an established foundation in the Gaelic language. They are familiar with everyday vocabulary and basic phrases. Students in this level will build on vocabulary in an immersion setting.
Gaelic will be the only language employed in the classroom.
Prerequisite: Able to comfortably carry on simple conversation about day-to-day matters. Can speak in and respond to questions in the different tenses.
Highland Dance
Described by some authorities as one of the most sophisticated forms of national dance in the world, Highland dance is a mixed heritage of war and ceremonial dance, competitive solo dances and social dances. Danced in competitions and Highland games all over the world, Highland dance is characterized by sharp precise leg movements and foot work, hops and leaps, and the use of both turn-out and a pointed foot. The most familiar dances are the Highland Fling and the Sword Dance; but Nova Scotians are pioneering a new form; choreographed Highland dances, and there are several Highland dance performance troupes in the province.
*From “Dance! Nova Scotia”
Novice
Class time will be spent working on dances and developing the skills which are necessary to perfect them.
Prerequisite: Student knows three dances (Fling, Sword, Sean Triubhas) and is currently working on at least two National Dances, Lilt, and Flora, as well as the Reel.
Intermediate
Students will be primarily working on technique, timing, stamina, and presentation. Class time will be spent working on these dances and developing the skills which are necessary to perfect them.
Prerequisite: Dancer is competing at the intermediate level, and has competed in all four Highland Dances, as well as National Dances, the Jig, and Hornpipe.
Premier
This is the top level in Highland dance. Students will primarily work on technique, timing, stamina, and presentation in various dances.
Prerequisite:
Na h-Òrain / Gaelic Song
Learn about the song tradition in Nova Scotia Gaelic culture. Work on Gaelic milling songs and mouth music.
One Level Only
Prerequisite: No prior experience necessary.
Naidheachdan / Gaelic Storytelling
This course introduces students to the vibrant and ancient art of Gaelic storytelling. Students will hear and learn humorous anecdotes, ghost stories, fairy stories, oral history and will be introduced to our famous Gaelic heroes. This course is open to all learning levels.
New Beginner
Students will work on listening and retelling stories from the Nova Scotian Gaelic storytelling tradition.
Prerequisite: No prior experience necessary.
Intermediate / Advanced
Students will learn stories from the Nova Scotian storytelling tradition. Activities will be conducted through the medium of Gaelic.
Prerequisite: Basic understanding and conversational skills in the Gaelic language are a requirement.
Piping
Piping has strong roots in traditional Gaelic language and culture in Nova Scotia and Cape Breton and is closely connected to the rhythms of the language. The repertoire of tunes is lively, and at times, challenging. The fundamentals and rudimentary techniques taught are exactly the same as those taught for competitive enthusiasts.
New Beginner
Learn to play the scale and basic grace notes with a focus on good finger posture and aiming for consistency. Learn one or more basic tunes.
Prerequisites: No prior experience necessary.
Advanced Beginner
Improve basic technical fundamentals while learning simple tunes. Learn early blowing and posture fundamentals.
Prerequisites: Have learned fundamentals (doublings, triplets, grips, burls, etc.). Basic music-reading skill and ready to begin or already beginning on pipes.
Intermediate
Improve your technical consistency and discover how to bring more musicality to your playing by learning a range of tunes suited to your needs. Gain a better, hands-on understanding of bagpipe maintenance.
Prerequisites: On pipes for 1 or 2 years. Able to play several tunes by memory. Able to read pipe music.
Advanced
Expand your tune repertoire and work on technique, according to your individual wants/needs and with a focus on the Gaelic/dance piping style. Develop your understanding of how this style relates intrinsically to Gaelic song and dance.
Prerequisites: On pipes for 3 or more years. Play by memory. Strong ability to read music. Ability to play all tune forms (ie. jigs, strathspeys, marches, reels, airs).
Step Dance
The Cape Breton style of dance is rooted in the Gaelic language. The various rhythms heard and danced in this style are a direct translation from the language. In this class, you will learn how to dance strathspeys, jigs and reels. Cape Breton square-dancing will also be taught throughout the course of classes.
New Beginner
Students in the new beginner level for step-dancing will learn the first basic steps for a strathspey, jig and reel. They will also learn at least one figure to a traditional square set which has its origin in Gaelic settlement areas of Cape Breton Island and Nova Scotia.
Prerequisite: No prior experience necessary.
Advanced Beginner
Advanced beginner step dance students will continue to develop their repertoire of strathspey and reel steps. The foundation for a routine will be laid out in this class. Particular attention will be made to teaching proper timing. Students will also learn at least 2 figures to a traditional square set which has its origin in Gaelic settlement areas of Cape Breton Island and Nova Scotia.
Prerequisite: Knowledge of 2 basic strathspey, jig and reel steps.
Intermediate
The intermediate step dance student will spend time in class working on the first of several intricate rhythms. Emphasis will be spent on developing good timing and ensuring that beats are not missed. Further development of a routine will take place, and sets will also be danced as part of this intermediate level class.
Prerequisite: Confidence in 5 - 10 strathspey & reel steps as well as 3 or 4 jig steps.
Advanced
The advanced student will continue to learn additional steps. The Scotch Four traditional dance may be taught to the advanced level dance class. Teaching efforts will concentrate on developing excellent timing, expertise in dance and having fun.
Prerequisites: Students in this level will have been step-dancing for 5+ years. They are extremely familiar with the timings & rhythms associated with all forms of Cape Breton music. Students will also be familiar with two of the more dominant square sets on the Island. Students have at least 10 strathspey and reel steps and can dance the jig comfortably.
Gaelic Immersion
Three-day long intensive Gaelic immersion program aimed at intermediate/advanced level language students. Participants must have basic conversational Gaelic skills and must be familiar with the Gàidhlig aig Baile program. Program will hands-on and will provide students with useful, everyday language. Open to Nova Scotia students aged 10 to 17. For more information on the March Break Gaelic Immersion program, click here.
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