I recently started an ITM club at my high school, and am planning to put on a performance in November. So far, our membership includes me (fiddle/tin whistle/bodhran/baritone), several sopranos, a fifer/tin whistler, another fiddler (who uses a viola), and this guy who knows several (hundred) ballads.
Anyway, we are having difficulty deciding on a program that will present an interesting variety. Any suggestions?
I'd suggest sets of session tunes, with ballads in between. It's good to share ITM with the kids; so many hear rap and hard rock. Last night, my middle school orchestra performed Lilting Banshee/Road To Lisdoonvarna and the parents loved it. Next year I'll have them memorize the tunes. We even added a bodhran.
Yes, mix 'em up. Normally in a session it's heavy on the reels, so give them sets of other tempos too, a set of jigs, slides, etc. I like polkas but I know not everyone does.
...and yes, then slip 'em a ballad once every few sets and you're in business!
If possible, in addition to "full ensemble" performances, see if you can have some sets that feature duets, trios, quartets. Definitely adds some variety to the instrumentals, and helps convey the rapport and teamwork (if you will) that is a special quality in this music.
Again, depending on the expertise, skill level, etc., you have in this group, you might arrange the duos/trio/quartets in such a way that a specific instrument is highlighted: Fiddles playing in unison, for example, or a tin whistle-bodhran duet.
If many in the audience are likely to be unfamiliar with ITM you might make some brief introductions to the tune types, the instruments, etc. between sets.
>What about songs for the vocalists? Other than ballads, what type of stuff could we do?
What do you mean when you say "ballad"? That term has come to mean a few different things: for me, it refers to a song in the vein of "The Elfin Knight," "The Two Sisters," "Lord Bateman" -- i.e., one that has an extensive literary/historical basis; but there is also the "ballad" as popularized by the Clancy Brothers, which I guess is supposed to be an uptempo, boisterous chorus song.
Again, try for variety. Irish songs, like the tunes, draw upon and evoke a variety of emotions and tones. Sure, go ahead and do "Wild Colonial Boy" or "Leaving of Liverpool," but how about a good, solid number like "The Rambling Irishman"? Or, some of the more haunting immigration songs like "Farewell Love and Remember Me" or "Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore"? A good sporting ballad, e.g., "Morrissey and the Russian Sailor"? And gotta have some of that Irish humor and lyrical twists, a la "The Humours of Whiskey" (although your school may frown on this "endorsement" of alcohol use).
ITM Club
ITM Club
I recently started an ITM club at my high school, and am planning to put on a performance in November. So far, our membership includes me (fiddle/tin whistle/bodhran/baritone), several sopranos, a fifer/tin whistler, another fiddler (who uses a viola), and this guy who knows several (hundred) ballads.
Anyway, we are having difficulty deciding on a program that will present an interesting variety. Any suggestions?
# Posted on June 14th 2007 by chrisgagnemusician
Re: ITM Club
I'd suggest sets of session tunes, with ballads in between. It's good to share ITM with the kids; so many hear rap and hard rock. Last night, my middle school orchestra performed Lilting Banshee/Road To Lisdoonvarna and the parents loved it. Next year I'll have them memorize the tunes. We even added a bodhran.
# Posted on June 14th 2007 by Greg the Piano Tuner
Re: ITM Club
Good for you!
Yes, mix 'em up. Normally in a session it's heavy on the reels, so give them sets of other tempos too, a set of jigs, slides, etc. I like polkas but I know not everyone does.
...and yes, then slip 'em a ballad once every few sets and you're in business!
Good luck to you!
# Posted on June 14th 2007 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: ITM Club
If possible, in addition to "full ensemble" performances, see if you can have some sets that feature duets, trios, quartets. Definitely adds some variety to the instrumentals, and helps convey the rapport and teamwork (if you will) that is a special quality in this music.
Again, depending on the expertise, skill level, etc., you have in this group, you might arrange the duos/trio/quartets in such a way that a specific instrument is highlighted: Fiddles playing in unison, for example, or a tin whistle-bodhran duet.
Good luck!
# Posted on June 14th 2007 by sts
Re: ITM Club
If many in the audience are likely to be unfamiliar with ITM you might make some brief introductions to the tune types, the instruments, etc. between sets.
Dan
# Posted on June 14th 2007 by curamach
Re: ITM Club
search youtube for Killian Irish guitar and see what I did my HS guitar class!!!!!
serious stuff!
# Posted on June 15th 2007 by brazenkaine
Re: ITM Club
Thanks for the advice.
What about songs for the vocalists? Other than ballads, what type of stuff could we do?
# Posted on June 15th 2007 by chrisgagnemusician
Re: ITM Club
>What about songs for the vocalists? Other than ballads, what type of stuff could we do?
What do you mean when you say "ballad"? That term has come to mean a few different things: for me, it refers to a song in the vein of "The Elfin Knight," "The Two Sisters," "Lord Bateman" -- i.e., one that has an extensive literary/historical basis; but there is also the "ballad" as popularized by the Clancy Brothers, which I guess is supposed to be an uptempo, boisterous chorus song.
Again, try for variety. Irish songs, like the tunes, draw upon and evoke a variety of emotions and tones. Sure, go ahead and do "Wild Colonial Boy" or "Leaving of Liverpool," but how about a good, solid number like "The Rambling Irishman"? Or, some of the more haunting immigration songs like "Farewell Love and Remember Me" or "Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore"? A good sporting ballad, e.g., "Morrissey and the Russian Sailor"? And gotta have some of that Irish humor and lyrical twists, a la "The Humours of Whiskey" (although your school may frown on this "endorsement" of alcohol use).
# Posted on June 15th 2007 by sts