Summer School 2013 Courses

Bodhran | Cape Breton Piano Accompaniment | Fiddle | Eachdraidh nan Gàidheal | Dràma | Na h-Òrain | Naidheachdan | Gàidhlig Aig Baile | Harp | Highland Dance | Piping | Small Pipes | Step Dance | Weaving | Whistle

Bodhran

This Celtic drum is fun, fascinating, and unbelievably capable of providing so many different sounds and rhythms.

New Beginner | Advanced Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced

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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 | Advanced Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced

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DRÀMA / GAELIC DRAMA

No experience necessary, only energy and enthusiasm are required. Children and youth will learn a short play during the course of their March Break 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. Students of all skill levels will work together for this course.

New Beginner | Intermediate/Advanced

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Eachdraidh nan Gàidheal

A history of the Gaels from ancient times to present day, this course will be delivered through the medium of English and is open to all students.

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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 | Advanced Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced

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GÀIDHLIG AIG BAILE (GAB)

Gàidlhig aig Baile(GAB) is an immersion method of Gaelic language instruction used in communities throughout Nova Scotia. All language classes at Colaisde na Gàidhlig will be instructed using this model. The GAB course will provide students with a strong foundation in the language in a fun, social and interactive environment.

New Beginner | Intermediate

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HARP

Accompaniment techniques as well as some tune melodies will be taught.

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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 performing troupes in the province.

New Beginner | Beginner/Novice | Intermediate/Premier | Premier

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*As stated by “Dance! Nova Scotia”

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MANDOLIN

The potential of the mandolin is relatively undeveloped in traditional Scottish music. This course will begin by looking at its contribution to other genres to learn how it can best be used in traditional music. Various picking techniques will be evaluated while introducing the class to the leading pioneers of mandolin not only in traditional music, but across the genres. Traditional and contemporary Scottish tunes will be taught by ear while focusing on the principles of picking technique for Scottish music. It is the aim that the class will not only advance in technique but also come away with a much better understanding of the historical context of this instrument and its role in Scottish music.

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NA H-ÒRAIN / GAELIC SONG

Learn about the song tradition in Nova Scotia Gaelic culture. Work on Gaelic milling songs and mouth music. No prior experience necessary.

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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 | Intermediate / Advanced

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Piping has strong roots in traditional Gaelic language and culture in Nova Scotia and Cape Breton. This style of piping is closely connected to the rhythms of the Gaelic language. The repertoire of tunes is lively, fun, beautiful and at times, challenging. The fundamentals and rudimentary techniques taught are exactly the same as those taught for competitive enthusiasts. With enough student interest and ability during each session, effort will be made to create a Colaisde na Gàidhlig Lawn Band during Summer 2013 programming. Players would be required to have the ability to play the pipes in order to participate in this group. Some of the tunes covered during this course would be tunes played be the College’s piping group.

New Beginner | Advanced Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced

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SMALL PIPES

Small Pipes and Border Pipes are becoming more and more popular for a number of reasons, for one they make for a quieter practice instrument but also they allow pipers to play with other instruments and musicians.

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STEP DANCE

This style of dance is rooted in the Gaelic language. The various rhythms heard and danced in this style are deeply connected to the language. In this class, you will learn how to dance strathspeys, jigs and reels. A style of square-dancing found throughout the Gaelic regions of Nova Scotia will also be taught throughout the course of classes.

New Beginner | Advanced Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced

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In this class, students will be given a choice to work on a floor loom or a table loom (all 4-shaft looms). Students may begin on a loom that is already prepared and will be able to do several patterns. Student projects will include items such as a scarf, wall hanging, small purse or tablemat. Students are also given the opportunity to begin by making their own warp, in their choice of color. They will learn how to dress a loom and read a weaving draft. By the end of the session, they will have completed a project such as tablemats, a runner, a scarf or a bag. The project will depend on the time the student has to spend in weaving class. Materials will be provided to students for the projects mentioned above.

New Beginner | Advanced Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced

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WHISTLE

In this class, students will learn Scottish tunes on the whistle, from jigs and reels to Gaelic airs. The class will also look at the use of ornaments to enhance the tunes.

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