The web site for the O'Neill-Malcom Branch of
Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann (CCÉ)

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Instrumental Class Lessons
Morning (10:00 - 11:30 AM) and Afternoon (1:30 - 3:00 PM)   

Fiddle Classes  

CCÉ MAD Week is pleased to feature the fiddling and class teaching of Kevin Burke, Tony DeMarco, Rose Flanagan, Patrick Mangan, Cleek Schrey and Donna Long for the entire week.

Fiddle classes are designed to accommodate beginning, intermediate and advanced fiddlers and violinists of all ages and levels of experience. We hope to have sufficient enrollment and age distribution to offer two classes for each level - one for those under sixteen years of age and another for those seventeen and over. The beginning fiddle class for CCÉ MAD Week is best suited for the student who has studied the violin or fiddle for 8 months to a year, not a complete beginner. If you have substantially completed Book I of the Suzuki or Mark O’Connor methods or can play well in the keys of A, D and G, have a good ear, sense of rhythm and tempo, then you are well-prepared for a great week! The intermediate class is designed for violinists or fiddlers with two to four years experience. The advanced class is for fiddlers with four or more years experience.

Traditional Irish Flute Class
Times Listed below:

CCÉ MAD Week is pleased to offer a variety of classes for students of all levels and experience with Irish flute and tin whistle.

Tin Whistle for Complete Beginners
This half-day (M-F, 10-11:30 AM) class is a great opportunity for both total newcomers to Irish music and for those who want to learn an additional instrument. (Attention all rhythm instrument players/backers who always wanted to learn a melody instrument!) Students will learn the fundamentals of the tin whistle and will be playing several basic tunes by the end of the week. Please bring a D whistle and a recording device. Whistles will also be for sale at MAD Week. No experience necessary. Class teacher: Laura Byrne

Beginning Flute/Whistle
This half-day (M-F, 1:30-3 PM) class is open to both flute and whistle players at the beginning level. An ability to play a D and/or G scale and perhaps a few easy tunes at a slow pace is all the experience required. Students will learn several tunes and how to ornament them as well as a few simple variations. Rhythm, phrasing, breathing and tone will also be covered. Please bring a D flute and/or tin whistle and a recording device.  Class teacher: Laura Byrne

Intermediate/Advanced Flute and Whistle
This class (M-F, 10-11:30 AM and 1:30-3 PM) is designed for intermediate to advanced flute and whistle players who have studied the instrument for two to three years and are familiar with traditional Irish performance styles. Students should bring whistles and wooden flutes, although silver flutes are acceptable.  Classes will be taught traditionally—by ear—with phrases/sub-phrases demonstrated and repeated at slow and intermediate tempos. Recordings and transcriptions of all tunes will be provided by staff to help facilitate learning. Teacher: Kevin Crawford

Uilleann Pipes Class

M-F, 10-11:30 AM and 1:30-3 p.m

CCÉ MAD Week Uilleann Pipe class is designed for intermediate to advanced pipers who have minimum of two years of experience with the instrument. Jerry O’Sullivan will lead two classes each day from 10-11:30 AM and 1:30-3 PM Classes will be taught traditionally—by ear—with phrases/sub-phrases demonstrated and repeated at slow and moderate tempos. Recordings and transcriptions of all tunes will be provided by staff to facilitate learning. We are proud to report that Jerry O’Sullivan will be inducted to CCÉ’s Mid-Atlantic Region’s Hall of Fame for his contribution to traditional Irish music in the U.S. this coming May. Congratulations Jerry!

DADGAD Guitar Class

M-F, 10-11:30 AM and 1:30-3 PM

CCÉ MAD Week guitar classes are designed for guitarists who are accomplished players in standard or other tunings. DADGAD is a popular alternative tuning among traditional Irish guitarists. It’s not too difficult to pick up, especially if the student is accomplished using standard tuning. Classes will be taught traditionally—by ear. All students will be able to re-enforce what they learn in class by participating in morning and lunch hour sessions. Josh Dukes, All Ireland champion in guitar accompaniment in Tullamore in 2009, will be leading the class again this summer.

Button Accordion Class

Wednesday 7/11 only - 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and 1:00-3:00 PM

CCÉ MAD Week button accordion class is designed for intermediate and advanced students of the instrument. Students should have a working knowledge of the keyboard, basic scales, bass notes, chords, and arpeggios. Class teachers Billy and Sean McComiskeywill teach tunes traditionally, breaking them down into easy-to-learn sections at slow and moderate tempos. Ornamentation and bass accompaniment options will be demonstrated and discussed, as well as alternate fingerings and styles of play. Button accordion classes will take place on Wednesday, 7/11 from 10-11:30 AM and 1:30-3 PM Tuition is $50 per class or $80 for both.

Bodhran - Irish Drum Class
M-F, 10:00-11:30 AM

Learn to play bodhran - Irish drum - from one the best! Jesse Winch, founding member of Celtic Thunder, will be leading this morning-only class in which participants will learn basic and advanced beat and rhythm patterns for all traditional Irish dance tune types. Bring your own drum and tipper or use one that will be provided by the House of Musical Traditions. If you want to learn how to play the bodhran, don’t miss this opportunity to study with a masterful player and teacher and CCÉ Mid-Atlantic Region Hall of Fame Inductee. Congratulations Jesse!

Tenor Banjo
M-F, 10-11:30 AM and 1:30-3 PM

Keith Carr is a multi-instrumentalist who performs as half of the Irish traditional music duo "Lilt" (with Tina Eck). He plays the tenor banjo, and is also proficient on ten-string cittern (bouzouki) and mandolin. His musical background includes many years as a performing guitarist, plus extensive classical training in trumpet and piano.

In addition to performing, he teaches bouzouki, banjo, and mandolin, and is on the faculty of the Washington Conservatory of Music program at Glen Echo Park. He is a graduate of the State University of New York at Albany and the University of Oregon, and earned bachelor's and graduate degrees in geography. On a career sabbatical, he is on the staff of the House of Musical Traditions in Takoma Park, MD, where he is the “Irish music guy”. He lives in Falls Church, VA.

Sean-nos Step Dancing and Group Set Dancing Class
Times Listed below:

CCÉ MAD Week sean-nósnós (M-F, 10:00 -11:30 AM) and set dancing classes (M-F, 1:30-3:00 PM) are designed for those whose instrument is their body/feet! 

In order to better promote both dance styles to the next generation, all dance classes are offered to all registrants under 18 years of age at a preferred rate of $150 for single class or $250 for both!

Sean-nós (old-style) Irish dancing is a battering style stepdance, danced close to the floor with a loose upper body and playful musicality.    Dancers learn to dance the tune, and are as much a part of the music as any percussionist.    Sean-nós Irish dancing classes will be held daily 10-11:30 AM and led by Shannon Dunne.

Group Set Dancing combines multi-person figures and footwork to create a fun social dance.  Set dancing classes will be held daily 1:30-3 PM and led by Marilyn Moore and Shannon Dunne.

Both of these true folk forms have been kept alive at ceilis, in kitchens, pubs, community centers, and street corners.  No experience or special shoes necessary. 

Sprouting Celts Class
For kids Ages 7-9, M-F, 1:30-3:00 PM

CCÉ MAD Week is pleased to collaborate with Karen Ashbrook to bring you the Sligo Creek Hedge School’s Sprouting Celts Class. The class is an opportunity for kids, ages 7-9, to spend an afternoon being introduced to various aspects of traditional Irish music and culture. Children will learn some pennywhistle and beginning bodhran with drums they make from pizza boxes. We’ll do singing, writing poetry and simple crafts. As a stand alone class or a compliment to the morning classes, this is a fun group for your sprouting Celt! Bring a D pennywhistle or buy one from the instructor for $7 at the start of class. Taught by Karen Ashbrook, director of the Sligo Creek Hedge School.

Introduction to Celtic Harp
Thursday Only, 10-11:30 AM and 1:30-3 PM

Five harps are available to use in this introductory class offered by Sue Richards. Sue will demonstrate
and answer your questions about how to play, where to buy harps, and what to look for in a purchase, where
to find a teacher, and how to join and become involved in your local harp society. The class will name the strings
and pick out "Twinkle". Beginners with harps are also welcome.

Singing and Song-writing/Song-Accompaniment

Singing and Song-writing (M-F, 10:00-11:30 AM)
Have you ever wanted to write a song but did not know where to begin? This workshop with Robbie O’Connell will cover the stages of song writing from the initial idea to the finished song. We will discuss the tips and tricks for increasing your creativity and becoming a songwriter. Bring a recorder, a notebook.

Guitar Accompaniment for Songs (M-Th, 1:30-3 PM)
Explore various types of accompaniment for songs in standard and alternate guitar tunings. Learn how to find the correct key to sing in and create musical introductions and links. Led by Robbie O’Connell, this class will show you how to take a song from its initial raw state to a professional level, ready for performance. Bring a recorder, a notebook.

Lunchtime Electives
Daily, 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM

To enhance your experience of traditional Irish culture, music and dance, CCÉ MAD Week offers the following classes as lunchtime electives. Full-day and half-day registrants are encouraged to participate in any and all electives as your time and schedule permits. All are great ways round out your day. Don’t forget to eat lunch too!

Ceili Band
Monday through Thursday only, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

CCÉ MAD Week is pleased to offer a ceili band class for advanced instrumentalists. The class will be led by Jesse Winch, expert drummer and founding member of Celtic Thunder, the critically acclaimed band that helped popularize Irish music from the ‘70s through the Millennium. Jesse started the ceili band program at Elkins, and continues to play for various ceilis with a number of bands in the local area. We’re lucky to have him with us this year to share his experience with the class and provide an overview of ceili protocols, dance types, tempo requirements for dance figures as well a hands-on tutoring session for kit drummers interested in learning ceili drumming styles. Participants in this ceili band class will become the core of the band that will accompany the Greater Washington Ceili Club (GWCC) at their regularly schedule ceili at the Frost Center in Rockville on Thursday evening, July 12.

Celtic Crafts
Daily, 11:30-1:30 PM Daily schedule TBA

Sandy Hoar will be leading fun-filled classes in Celtic crafts each day from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM Sandy will have some interesting and engaging Celtic arts and crafts activities for kids and adults alike. The projects are not only fun, but you’ll learn things about Irish culture and produce works of art that you’ll be proud to take home! Great fun for all.

Irish Songs and Ballads – Singer’s Circle

M-Th, 12:30-1:30 PM

CCÉ MAD Week will again offer a song circle for those ready, willing, and able to exercise and stretch their vocal chords with a few Irish ballads. Singing is a rich musical tradition in Ireland. It's a rare session in Ireland that doesn't feature a few good songs from local balladeers and talented singers. Share a song or learn another. You’ll be working with Robbie O’Connell, one of the best in the world. Singer’s Circle is available as a mid-day elective to all full and half time registrants and to external audiences as a separate workshop. Please see registration form for workshop registration and fees.

Sean-Nos and Set Dancing

M-F, 12:30-1:30 PM

Sean-nós (old-style) step dancing is a battering style dance. Stylistically, it is danced close to the floor with a loose upper body and playful musicality.    Dancers learn to dance the tune, and are as much a part of the music as any percussionist.  Irish Set Dancing combines multi-person figures and footwork to create a fun social dance.  Both of these true folk forms have been kept alive at ceilis, in kitchens, pubs, community centers, and street corners.  No experience or special shoes necessary.     

Introduction to Celtic Harp
Thursday Only, 12:30 - 1:30 PM

Five harps are available to use in this introductory class offered by Sue Richards. Sue will demonstrate
and answer your questions about how to play, where to buy harps, and what to look for in a purchase, where
to find a teacher, and how to join and become involved in your local harp society. The class will name the strings
and pick out "Twinkle". Beginners with harps are also welcome.

Dates and Times

Daily Schedule

A public faculty concert will take place Wednesday 7/11 at 7:30 PM, venue TBD. Faculty recitals Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 3-4 PM). Student recital on Wednesday, 3-4 PM with final graduation concert on Friday afternoon at 4 PMat Cedar Lane. These events are open to family members.

There is one free lunch (pizza on Wednesday) for all registrants. All other days will be “brown bag” or BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch).

Location

Classes and graduation concert will take place at Cedar Lane Unitarian Church 9601Cedar Lane, Bethesda, MD

Are you from out of town? Please let us know if you’re interested in special rates at a nearby Marriott hotel. Depending on the number of out of town registrants, transportation to and from the hotel can be arranged.

Faculty Recitals and Public Concert
Members of CCÉ MAD Week Faculty will be featured at recitals from 3:00-4:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Parents are encouraged to join us for these extraordinary performances. Faculty will also be featured in a public concert on Wednesday evening July 11 as a joint production with The Institute of Musical Traditions. All full-time registrants will receive a single ticket to that event as part of tuition. Additional tickets will be made available to families at discounted rates

Cost Information

Tuition for CCÉ MAD Week 2012 is $420. However, there is an early registration discount of $50 for all paid registrations postmarked or delivered by April 30th. (extended to) May 21st. Your early response helps us better anticipate the needs of each class and saves you money!

Note: In order to promote traditional Irish dance to the next generation, CCÉ will subsidize Sean-nós step dance and group set dance classes. Full time dance registrants may participate in the full week at the half day rate ($250). Dance registrants must be at least seven (7) years old unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Half-day dance classes are available at a special rate of $150 per class per week.

All half-day instrumental class registrants may participate in afternoon or morning dance classes at no extra charge. We hope this will make it possible for more families to participate this year!

Safety/Medical/Emergency Information
Safety, medical and emergency information questions on the registration form must be completed by parents or guardians of all CCÉ MAD Week registrants who are minors. These forms will be maintained in strict confidence by Sandy Hoar, Physicians Assistant and CCÉ MAD Week staff medical director.

Registration forms, including Safety/Medical/Emergency Information line items must be completed and signed by a parent or guardian in order for a minor to participate!

Financial Assistance

The O’Neil-Malcolm Branch of CCÉ is pleased to announce that some funds are available from last year to help registrants in need of financial assistance. For application requirements, please check the appropriate box on the registration form and information will be sent to you. Additional financial assistance is also available through two scholarship funds established last year:

Lisa Dale Memorial Scholarship Fund
Gordon Todd Dale generously established this fund in loving memory of his wife, a long-time MAD Week fiddler. Passionate about life, her family, and traditional Irish music, Lisa will always be with us in spirit.

Mike Rafferty Memorial Scholarship Fund
Mike Rafferty, the legendary traditional Irish flutist from Ballinakill, East-Galway passed away September 13, 2011. Mike was teacher and mentor to many, and in 2009 received the National Heritage Fellowship “Lifetime Achievement” Award from the National Endowment for the Arts for his contribution to traditional Irish music. The O’Neill-Malcom Branch of CCÉ established this fund in his honor.

If it is within your means and willingness to support the work of CCÉ MAD Week, please consider making your tax deductible contribution to either or both of these funds. Please designate to which fund you wish to contribute. A receipt and note of thanks will be sent to you for your tax records. Thank you in advance for your support of CCÉ MAD Week through these scholarship funds!

Download the CCÉ MAD Week 2012 Registration Form. You can print and send with your check to Mitch Fanning at the address listed below... or

Register now online and pay via PayPal. No PayPal account necessary.

Go here for Bios and info about our guest artists.

Download a complete full-color brochure with all the information about the 2012 CCÉ MAD Week.

Help us promote CCÉ MAD Week among your friends and associates! Click here to download a 1-page flyer to forward to your friends or post at your school, community center, house of worship or place of business. Thanks for helping us spread the word!

Click here for an article about CCÉ MAD Week that appeared in last month's Treoir magazine, the official publication of CCÉ headquarters in Dublin.

Return the Registration form and appropriate payment to:

Mitch Fanning/9824 Rosensteel Avenue/Silver Spring MD 20910
http://www.ccepotomac.org

CCÉ MAD Week Disclaimers:
CANCELLATION - REFUND - TRANSFER POLICY - To qualify for a full registration refund, a written cancellation must be received by the CCÉ MAD Week Registrar by close of business on May 14, 2012. For cancellations received by close of business June 11, 2012, a 50 percent refund will apply. After June 11, 2012, no refunds will be issued. No-shows will not be issued a refund. Registrations are transferrable. Requests to transfer must be made in writing to the CCÉ MAD Week Director by June 11, 2012. All requests for refunds will incur a US $50.00 administrative fee per registration.

Cancellations for medical emergencies after the above deadlines will be considered on an individual basis and will require a physician's signed letter.

CCÉ MAD Week, or its contractors, may photograph or videotape classes and events during CCÉ MAD Week. By attending CCÉ MAD Week, attendees understand and agree to allow their image to be used by the O’Neil Malcom Branch of CCÉ in publications, on the website and in marketing or promotional materials. Images may also be shared with the media. Attendance at CCÉ MAD Week waives the O’Neil Malcom Branch of CCÉ from liability resulting from their uses.

In the unlikely event the O’Neil Malcom Branch of CCÉ finds it necessary to cancel the entire Week, 100 percent of the registration fees paid will be refunded. The O’Neil Malcom Branch of CCÉ assumes no liability for any penalty fees on transportation tickets, deposits for hotel accommodations or any other fees, charges, penalties, or other incidental costs that a registrant might incur as a consequence of this event being canceled.

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updated: 5/15/12

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