Classes - Spring 2021

Teen Flute & Whistle Class (ages 10-16)

Fiona Balestrieri

Tuesdays 4:00 p.m.- Zoom meeting

8 Weeks

$200 (BRIMS members pay $180)

This class will cover standard session repertoire, as well as tunes played by the Trad ensemble.  We will discuss playing technique (when -do- you breathe, anyway?), work on our ornamentation, and put some sets of tunes together for session playing or performance.  Just as importantly, we will keep things at a friendly pace and have fun!

Older students are welcome depending on level, please drop a line to inquire to brimstunes@gmail.com

Trad Ensemble

Alex Davis & Augie Fairchild

Tuesdays 5:00 p.m.- Zoom meeting 

8 Weeks

$200 (BRIMS members pay $180)

Note: This class is free to any student taking another paid 8-week BRIMS class

In this class we will work on both new and current repertoire for the performing arm of BRIMS. This semester we will review and practice songs and tunes that are already played by the Trad Ensemble, as well as learn new songs and tunes. We will also make some exciting music videos to showcase our efforts by the end of the semester.

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Session Workshop Class

Alex Davis 

Tuesdays 6:00 p.m.- Zoom meeting

8 Weeks

$200 (BRIMS members pay $180)

In this class we will learn some common and not so common tunes that can be played in a traditional Irish session. The focus of the class is primarily learning by ear, though ABC notation and "the dots" or staff notation may be used as a learning aid. Each week the class will receive an instructional video with a tune for students to learn individually. On the class Zoom sessions we will review the tune together and troubleshoot any roadblocks! All levels and instrument types are welcome in this workshop, although basic instrument proficiency is expected. Generally, the focus is on learning melodies, however, accompaniment instruments are also welcome!

Irish Fiddle for Beginners

Marie Borgman

Tuesdays 5:00 p.m. - Zoom meeting

8 Weeks

$200 (BRIMS members pay $180)

Learn Irish fiddle technique and common tunes. Students must have basic violin skills. 

 

Irish Fiddle-Intermediate

Marie Borgman

Tuesdays 6:00 p.m.- Zoom meeting

8 Weeks

$200 (BRIMS members pay $180)

Learn Irish fiddle tunes, Irish technique, ornaments and bowing. Ideal for students with at least a few years of fiddle or violin training. 

Sean-nós Dance, Ages 10-Adult

Fiona Balestrieri

Tuesdays 6:00 p.m.-Zoom meeting

8 Weeks

$200 (BRIMS members pay $180)

Sean-nós or “old-style” dancing is an improvised percussive dance style that shares roots with flatfooting, clogging, and modern Irish hard shoe. In this class, you will learn the “basic” foot rhythms of Jigs and Reels and build a repertoire of “steps.” Together we will teach our feet to speak the rhythms of Irish traditional music, and gain confidence in improvising our own steps. All skill levels welcome! 

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Ballads and Songs of Ireland

Fiona Balestrieri

Tuesdays 7:00 p.m.-Zoom meeting

8 weeks

$200 (BRIMS members pay $180)

In this class we join in a vast and diverse oral tradition of song that links Ireland to its many diasporas. We will build a repertoire of songs in Irish and English, and use them to explore vocal ornamentation and harmony singing. As we sing, we will also work on relaxing the tension that many of us bring to singing through deep breathing and mindfulness. I hope that each one of you will come out of the class your own versions of the songs we learn and the heart to sing them with confidence in the shower, the pub, or wherever songs are sung.

Tenor Banjo - Ages: All

Seth Swingle

Mondays  6:00 p.m.-Zoom meeting

8 Weeks

$200 (BRIMS members pay $180)

This class will cover the basics: rhythm, ear training, triplets and where to deploy them, different time signatures, etc. Expect lots of repertoire, with a few rare tunes among the session favorites. We can also spend some time on banjo history, instrument setup and any specific banjo questions/issues students might have. 

Scoil Sampler Class for ages 5-11

Lori Madden and Guests

Wednesdays 4:30-5:15 p.m.- Zoom meeting

8 Weeks

$180 (BRIMS members pay $160)

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Pronounced skōl, Scoil is the Irish word for school.

BRIMS’ Scoil Sampler is a class for the young beginner with an interest in Irish culture. The course includes music, singing, dance, crafts and a window into Irish culture geared towards young students. Scoil Sampler class includes:

 

• Music

  • Tin whistle for absolute beginners (BRIMS provides tin whistles).

  • Fiddle (student must already play some violin to choose this option).

• Songs

  • Fun and silly songs from Ireland! We’ll provide the audio and lyrics to print.

• Crafts

  • BRIMS provides craft supplies and tin whistles through contactless delivery via mail or pre arranged pickup times/locations.

• Videos

  • Scoil students will have access through the website.to an array of videos including stories, songs, dance steps, craft instructions and more!

• Weekly Zoom Meeting, Wednesdays 4:30-5:15 p.m.

  • Students will participate in weekly Zoom meetings to visit with fellow students, go over material in videos, sing & play music, show off their crafts and more!