Joseph Browne Spring School of Traditional Music
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Joseph Browne Spring School of Traditional Music
February 16th to 18th 2012
MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW........

The sixth annual "Joseph Browne Spring School of Traditional Music" will be held in Kinvara, Co. Galway from February 16th to 18th 2012

The Spring School was initiated in February 2007 in response to the tragic and untimely death of nineteen year old, Joseph Browne. Joseph came from Knockmeal, between Crusheen and Gort, on the border of North Clare and South Galway and was an exceptionally talented musician, both in the traditional and classical fields. The Spring School in his name, as well as celebrating his memory, seeks to carry on his music teaching and his strong belief in 'passing on' what he himself had learned. Last year's spring school was another resounding success and the 2011 event promises to be even better with an incredible line up of traditional musicians who will 'pass on' their immense talents through classes and performances over the three days. Unfortunately due to funding restrictions from the Arts Council the school was not in a position to present any concerts during last year's event. Instead the focus was very firmly on 'passing on' the tradition through the classes and afternoon 'Bearers of the Tradition' master classes. This year, however, a benefit concert for the school will take place in Johnston's Hall in Kinvara on Friday night 25th Feb. (See concerts)


The school will take place in Kinvara from Thursday, February 24th to Saturday February 26th. This weekend coincides with the Spring mid-term break for primary and post-primary schools. Classes will take place in St Joseph's National School, Kinvara from 10am to 1pm, Thursday to Saturday, as well as Bearers of the Tradition master classes on Thursday and Friday afternoons with well-known legends of traditional music. 		  


Past visitors to the school include such luminaries of the traditional music world as fiddle players Vincent Griffin, Dónal O'Connor, Manus McGuire, Kate Thompson and Charlie Lennon, concertina player Chris Droney, flute players Paddy O' Donoghue and Cathal McConnell and accordion player, Larry Gavin as well as the West Ocean String Quartet who gave an exceptional master class to the students of the school in both 2008 and 2009. This year the Bearers of the Tradition sessions welcome back the legendary North Clare concertina player Chris Droney and also present "Handing Down the Tunes" - a film based on the life of West Clare tradition bearer, Tommy McCarthy.

Joseph was a talented Irish dancer and athlete who especially enjoyed basketball and running. He was an exceptionally intelligent young man and was in his first year of a degree in medicine at N.U.I.G. at the time of his death. He also taught music at Moycullen Comhaltas branch, where his students had great regard for their gentle, warm and passionate teacher. He had a great rapport with children, enjoying their company immensely, and had in fact planned to become a paediatrician. For more on Joseph's background, please click here.

In response to Joseph Browne's untimely and tragic death the Joseph Browne Traditional Music Project was initiated. Its aims were:

a) to run a pilot of 'The Joseph Browne Spring School of Traditional Music' with a view to developing this as an annual event following review and evaluation.

b) to publish a CD of Joseph's music.

c) to establish bursaries for young musicians to attend other traditional music schools.

In 2008 part (d) of the Joseph Browne Traditional Music Project was initiated - "Bridging Traditions" which featured a very successful collaboration with the West Ocean String Quartet in master classes and performance. The school continued with this in 2009

with part (e) of the project 'Extending Traditions' which was a resounding success and was filmed by RTE for their Nationwide programme.

Ba cheol tochtmhar, diocasach agus eachtach a thainig ó bhogha fidile an fhir óig seo agus ni mór dúinn anois a chuimhne a choinneáil beo.