Classes - Winter 2021
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Scholarship available: email to brimstunes@gmail.com
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Multi-class & Family Discounts Apply
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Membership: Yearly BRIMS membership is $70/ family and $45/individual
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Unless otherwise noted: “Classes” will consist of one instructional video that can be accessed whenever and however many times a student would like. followed within a week by a Zoom meeting with the instructor to go over material, ask questions, etc.
TUESDAY CLASSES** (begin January 19th)
For questions regarding class levels and placement, please email to
** Tenor banjo class is on Monday
Teen Flute & Whistle Class (ages 10-16)
Augie Fairchild
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.
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!
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
Monday 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.
THURSDAY CLASSES (Begin January 21st)
For questions regarding class levels and placement, please email to
Advanced Beginner Youth Irish Dance
Lori Madden
Thursdays 4:30 p.m.-Zoom meeting
8 Weeks
$200 (BRIMS members pay $180)
This class is for students who have covered the very basics of Irish dance, including skipping, side step and another step or two.
Scoil Sampler Class, Ages 5-10
Selection of videos will be available including:
Craft, song, story, easy dance, tin whistle
Once-a-month Zoom dates TBA
$180 (BRIMS members pay $160)
Teen/Adult Advanced Hybrid (soft/hard shoe) Course
Carolyn Ward
Thursdays 7:30 p.m.
8 Weeks
$200 (BRIMS members pay $180)
This 8-week session condenses the Teen/Adult Advanced Hardshoe and Advanced Softshoe classes and is a partial continuation of the fall semester. We will spend 4 weeks on Softshoe material and 4 weeks on Hardshoe material.
Students will learn 1 step of the Reel and 1-2 Treble Reel steps, both with an emphasis on competition-style moves. Material will be taught during Zoom classes, but students will be provided instructional videos to reference on their own time.
Beginner Youth Irish Dance Soft Shoe (ages 7-12)
Instructor TBA
Thursdays 5:30 p.m. - Zoom meeting
8 Weeks
$200 (BRIMS members pay $180)
For all students brand new to Irish dance. Class will include basic skills and technique.
Beginner Youth Irish Dance Soft Shoe (Teen/Adult)
Instructor TBA
Thursdays 6:30 p.m. - Zoom meeting
8 Weeks
$200 (BRIMS members pay $180)
For all students brand new to Irish dance. Class will include basic skills and technique.
Intermediate/Advanced Flute (for adults & advanced teen players)
Augie Fairchild
Thursdays 5:30 p.m.- Zoom meeting
8 Weeks
$200 (BRIMS members pay $180)
In this class, we will spend time learning about the intricacies of flute technique: breathing, phrasing, tone, and ornamentation. Each week we will pick one or two tunes to explore, and find out just what we can do with them! We will also spend some time listening to different players and discussing what techniques they are using to create their own personal style.
Minimum 3 years playing experience recommended, but please contact us with any questions about playing level.