The Members of Grosse Isle regularly give classes on their respective instruments. In addition to this they each offer a range of lectures and workshops. Below are examples of some of these. Special workshops on a particular topic can be organized on request.
ATLANTIC BRIDGES: SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MUSIC FROM IRELAND AND QUEBEC.
A talk on the origins of Quebecois music, and the strong ties that have existed between Ireland and Quebec for centuries. and how this has been the foundation for some of the music we hear today. In this workshop we also identify tunes which are common to both traditions and demonstrate how they have evolved to very different versions.
What are uilleann pipes and how do they work?
The uilleann-pipes are one of the oldest instruments associated with Irish Traditional Music. Of the hundreds of tyoes of bagpipes around the world, the uilleann-pipes are the most complex with 7 reeds per set. In this presentation, Fiachra O’Regan will dissemble a set of pipes to show all of the working parts, and give a comprehensive history on the instrument as well as demonstrations. If anybody has a set of uilleann pipes they are welcome to bring them and learn a tune after the demonstration.
THE MUSIC OF SAGUENAY-LAC-ST-JEAN, QUÉBEC
A presentation by Sophie Lavoie on the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean style of fiddle playing, Sophie comes from Lac St-Jean and has recently completed a Master’s Degree in Ethnomusicology on this same subject. Sophie is the author of the Melbay book En passant par le fjord: Fiddle Music from the Saguenay river to Lake Saint-Jean.
This presentation is aimed towards an audience who have basic knowledge about, or interest in the fiddle.
INTRODUCTION TO IRISH MUSIC ON THE TIN WHISTLE
A beginners class in Irish music, Anybody is welcome and all will leave with a tune from the Irish tradition. If we know numbers in advance I can provide whistles (at cost price) and the attendees take them home with them.