Celtic Singer's Intensive
Full Time Programme
Called the Celtic Singers' Intensive, never before has a Celtic/Gaelic Song program been so comprehensive. Last year’s program--a first of its kind--- was a resounding success, and 2011 adds even more depth and richness for singers of every experience level.With a list of outstanding internationally acclaimed instructors, (including Eileen McGann (BC), Mary McLaughlin (Ireland) and Norah Rendell (US), Cillian O'Dallaigh (Ireland), the program offers five days of classes in Scottish, Irish and Gaelic song and a special comprehensive course called “The Compleat Celtic Singer”, which includes sessions on vocal techniques, performance skills, songwriting, arrangement, harmony and more. This year the program also introduces “Celtic Choir” - a chance to put everything together and create a joyful ensemble! Plus optional instrumental or art instruction, performance opportunities galore, and a world-class concert series. demand, we have developed this comprehensive pan-Celtic song program that includes all of the following areas:
- Scots Songs in English : Eileen McGann
- Irish Songs in English: Norah Rendell; Mary Mc Laughlin
- Celtic Choir: (inc. Harmony Singing): Norah Rendell, Cillian O'Dalaigh, Mary Mc Laughlin
- The Compleat Singer: All instructors above, -includes sessions on performance techniques, songwriting, working with an audience, arranging songs and using your voice.
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*NEW this year*~ Irish Gaelic & Traditional Song
PLUS you may choose from among the following elective options to round out your CeltFest siniging experience:
-Guitar accompaniment for singers
-Piano accompaniment
-Bodhran
Whether you are an experienced singer or a beginner, this program is a unique opportunity to work with some of the Celtic world's best vocalists and learn their secrets to being powerful singers and interpreters of Celtic music. You will expand your repertoire of songs old and new from a number Celtic nations, learn to sing some songs in the original Gaelic, by ear, hence no language skills required. Then we will work with these great singers and teachers to put the package together and present your interpretaion of these songs to an audience, if you wish to.
This year we have chosen to emphasize a theme in the song program: "The Celtic Otherworld". Songs of faeries, selkies, kelpies, beasties, ferrishyn, and goddesses--Come and explore this rich tradition!
We will be looking to do a "Folk Choir" performance or two over CeltFest week!
The intensive program is full time, beginning at 8:30 am. The core course subjects (1-5) listed above are at 8:30 am-4:00 pm, with electives and evening courses to follow, if desired.
Celtic Singer's Sample Schedule (PDF)
Elective/Evening Program
Any of the course subjects above may be selected as an elective by students doing a Major subject during the day.
The Gaelic Singing Workshop on Thursday afternoon is included in the Celtic Singers' Intensive program. It is also open to include the public and tickets are recommended to be purchased in advance as space is limited. If you are not a registered student, click here to view workshop listing and purchase tickets.
Student performance opportunities will also be available in the eventing after-hours CeltFest events, for those who wish to practice their skills, individually or in groups. You will also get to see your instructors in performance over the course of the week in the Concert Series that take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights.
Instructor(s)
- Mary Mc Laughlin (Ireland)
- Eileen McGann (BC)
- Norah Rendell (USA)
- Cillian O'Daillaigh (Ireland)
What to Bring
- For Singing: Just your voices - songbooks will be provided (Some bring small recorders for the repertoire part of song class)
- For songwriting: notebook or paper
- Pens
- Pencils
- Notebook
- Binder or folder for handouts
- Recording devices for musicians (optional)
- Water bottle
- Wacky costume for those participants in the Jig and Hornpipe Contest
- Shorts
- Long Pants
- Raingear
- Sweater for evening
- Outdoor Sportswear & Sunscreen
- Bathing suit
- Beach towel
- Bug repellent
- Highland Dress/Irish Costumes are Optional
- Your best attitude for a fun-filled week of learning!
Class Schedule/Location
The class schedule and location at VIU will be finalized once classes fill. A proposed schedule is offered as above.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Celtfest song sched2011rev.pdf | 49.6 KB |
