Hibernia Classes

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For answers to specific questions please contact information@hiberniacentrebristol.org 

Bodhran

Whistle

Flute

Beginner Fiddle

Fiddle Technique

Mixed Instrument Group

Guitar

Step Dance

Grand Circle Session

 

Bodhran Class

The bodhran is the Irish drum.  It has a shallow, circular frame with a skin of goat-hide, the form of which dates to 3000BC.  It became an Irish music icon in the 1960s.

 We have some instruments for you to come and try on a Saturday morning.  

The bodhran class is taken by Bruce a very enthusiastic teacher who teaches bodhran at traditional music festivals throughout the area.

     

 

                  Whistle and Flute

The whistle and flute classes are run by Bill Guilding a very experienced teacher and musician.   All ages and abilities welcome.    We have instruments for you to try. 

Bill also offers private tuition - contact him via e mail bill.guilding@btinternet.com 

or ring 01179 555535

We occasionally have maestro from Mayo, Conor Gallagher  to teach advanced flute technique.  See timetable for details. 

 

Violin/Fiddle

The modern day violin emerged in Italy in 1550 and it is this instrument that we play today but in traditional music it is referred to as a "fiddle".  There is a choice of four groups - 3 specific fiddle classes and a mixed instrument group which includes  fiddlers.  

Beginner's Fiddle

 We have fiddles for you to try but please e mail information@hiberniacentrebristol.org to reserve one.  The beginners class is taken by Vanessa Moore or Zoe Stevenson.  

Vanessa is a violin teacher of many years experience, teaching in schools throughout the area.  She has recently undertaken the study of the Suzouki method and teaches very young children on a private basis.  

 For more information ring Vanessa 

 01761 462466.

Zoe Stevenson is also an experienced fiddler who comes from Bath to teach at Hibernia. - Awaiting photo!

 

 

Fiddle Technique  

- Phil Dawson has been visiting Ireland "for years" and has played with many top Irish fiddlers.  In his class Phil passes on his wealth of knowledge to players of a good standard who are developing their understanding of Irish fiddle style and technique.  

  Yes, we know Phil is playing the banjo in this picture!!

In Expert Hands

Dave Garner comes to Hibernia  in between international gigs and recording sessions.  Classically trained to the highest level and All-Britain champion fiddler, Dave is also a great teacher.  Dave's class is for more advanced players.  

Contact Dave -  0778 665 1419 davidgarnerfiddle@yahoo.co.uk

 

Mixed Instrument Group

This group is for any suitable melody instrument.  It is led by Jill Elliot.   In January 2007 we brought out a book and double CD of tunes regularly played at Hibernia and  spent the year learning the tunes.    For a list of the tunes  click here.  This year  we are revising a set of tunes each session.  In addition to this we are learning other new tunes to add to the repertoire.  Click here for mixed instrument tunes revised/taught since January 2008 

If you would like a copy of the book please e mail information@hiberniacentrebristol.com  and state whether you would like music, fiddle tab, mandolin/4 string banjo tab or whistle fingering. 

Jill also offers private fiddle tuition and runs a variety of music groups for violins and mixed instruments during the week. 

contact Jill - 01275 847909

 jill.elliot@btinternet.com

  www.fiddlelessons.co.uk

 

  

 

          

Guitar Class

Alan Doyle (far left of picture) runs the guitar class which not only concentrates on accompanying the Irish tunes, but also looks at song accompaniment and arrangement.

The group is one of the highlights of the grand circle session.

 

     

Irish Step Dance

Step dance (as popularised in Riverdance) has always been a core part of the Hibernia programme and from February 2008, Sephi Williams, will be taking the class.  This is a class for fun and good exercise - there will be no examinations or competitions.  All ages and abilities welcome.

       

 

Grand Circle Session

From 12.00 noon - 12.45 (after refreshments) we all get together in a grand circle in the hall at St. Andrews.  

 

After notices and announcements have been made, the dancers show us what they have been doing, each group plays the tunes they have been learning, and then we all play the Hibernia tunes together with great enthusiasm!     We occasionally invite guests to perform a set of tunes or dances.

  ............ join in, 

or just sit in to watch and listen.