Joseph Browne Spring School of Traditional Music
|
The fourth "Joseph Browne Spring School of Traditional Music" will be held in Gort Co. Galway from February
18th to 20th 2010.
The first 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, sought 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 2009 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 four days. 
|
||
|
The school, which is grant aided by the Arts Council of Ireland, will take place in Gort from Thursday, February 19th to Sunday February 22nd. This weekend coincides with the Spring mid-term break for primary and post-primary schools. Classes will take place in Gort Community School from 10am to 1pm, Thursday to Saturday, as well as master classes each afternoon with well-known legends of traditional music. Past luminaries of the traditional music world have included Fiddle players Vincent Griffin and Charlie Lennon, concertina player Chris Droney, flute player Paddy O' Donoghue 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 2008. This year the Bearers of the Tradition Master Classes present well-known Sliabh Luachra fiddle player, Donal O' Connor as well as flute player Cathal McConnell, one of the founding members of the legendary group, the Boys of the Lough. |
 |
|
|
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 will continue with this in 2009 with part (e) of the project 'Extending Traditions' 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. |
||