MISSION

 

The Blue Ridge Irish Music School (BRIMS) is dedicated to teaching the living art of traditional Irish music, as well as to fostering a dynamic environment for it in our community.

 

To carry out this mission BRIMS offers regular classes in Irish traditional music on various instruments, three styles of dance, and presents educational workshops, social events, and ceilis. In addition we sponsor master classes and field trips and actively support the local session scene.

 

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PROMOTING A LIVING TRADITION OF COMMUNITY MUSIC AND DANCE

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Irish traditional music was developed by the Irish people, both at home and in countries where they have emigrated in the last several centuries, and is now played and enjoyed by many without any familial connection with Ireland. An oral tradition, Irish traditional music is ideally transmitted from one generation to the next and from musician to musician.

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In April, 2000, members of BRIMS traveled to Ireland as part of our commitment to teaching and to keeping the tradition alive and true to its roots. By traveling to Ireland, the members of BRIMS discovered the music in its original contexts, learned repertoire, technique, and perspective from local musicians, and returned to Central Virginia able to further enrich the community through performances, session playing, and presentations in the area.

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OUTREACH

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BRIMS is constantly seeking new opportunities to teach Irish traditional music and its social context to our more than 100 members and our community. Our performing group and instructors perform extensively in the local community, both formally and informally, contributing to its cultural richness and diversity. We are dedicated, in all our educational efforts, to nurturing and supporting musical integrity and the learning process. We always welcome new members.

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BRIMS is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. We are able to grow and learn better together with a diverse family of students and employees. BRIMS welcomes members regardless of culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, age, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.