Ive recently been made redundant, and have some unexpected time on my hands as a result. Im an intermediate level banjo player and was thinking of doing the summer school for banjo, with either the Blas Summer School in UL, or the Willie Clancy, any feedback or advice on which would be more suitable for somebody at my level on the banjo?
thanks!
I was studying at Limerick one summer while the Blas was going on, so while I can't speak for the course itself, the atmosphere was quite chilled. There weren't *that* many people on the course. The ones I heard play in the sessions that went on in the uni bars were pretty competent players.
Very different kind of energy than Miltown Malbay, which is insane. There will be zillions of sessions at all kinds of levels and you will have more opportunity to hear the top players, which is critical for someone at your (or anyone's, really) level. In fairness, not everyone appreciates the sheer madness of that festival so if you like more of a quiet, chilled out thing, maybe UL is better. But for opportunities to hear tons of amazing music, Willie Week is fantastic.
Willie Clancy Week, good classes with good teachers in the morning, concerts at night if you want, session everyday -all day- everywhere, better atmoshere than at Blas - I've been to both and the Willie Week tops anything else I've been to
Blas, then Willie Week - I went to Blas in 2007 and thought it was excellent. Classes were small, tutors were top-notch, the dorms at UL were really nice - plus they have sessions or concerts every evening. Also there was no one there younger than about 18 (they're amazing musicians of course, but it's not nearly as humiliating as being shown up by a bunch of eight year olds). It can be a life-changing experience too - just depends on the experience you're after.
I've been to both, first Blas then the following year Willie week. Both were fantastic but in completely different ways. It really depends what you're looking for. If I had the money, I'd do both. Doesn't look like I'l make any of them this year.
Blas has top class teachers with a very intimate atmosphere. Whereas Willie week has people hanging out of the rafters! If there is any way you can aford both, do it while you have the time! in fact, do as many as you possibly can and write a guide to summer schools Best of luck what ever you decide.
Blas or Willie Clancy?
Blas or Willie Clancy?
Ive recently been made redundant, and have some unexpected time on my hands as a result. Im an intermediate level banjo player and was thinking of doing the summer school for banjo, with either the Blas Summer School in UL, or the Willie Clancy, any feedback or advice on which would be more suitable for somebody at my level on the banjo?
thanks!
# Posted on June 9th 2010 by BanjoBongo
Re: Blas or Willie Clancy?
I was studying at Limerick one summer while the Blas was going on, so while I can't speak for the course itself, the atmosphere was quite chilled. There weren't *that* many people on the course. The ones I heard play in the sessions that went on in the uni bars were pretty competent players.
Very different kind of energy than Miltown Malbay, which is insane. There will be zillions of sessions at all kinds of levels and you will have more opportunity to hear the top players, which is critical for someone at your (or anyone's, really) level. In fairness, not everyone appreciates the sheer madness of that festival so if you like more of a quiet, chilled out thing, maybe UL is better. But for opportunities to hear tons of amazing music, Willie Week is fantastic.
# Posted on June 9th 2010 by DrSilverSpear
Re: Blas or Willie Clancy?
er ................South sligo Summer school less mad than Willie less intence than BLAS
# Posted on June 9th 2010 by bazouki dave
Re: Blas or Willie Clancy?
You could try the Feakle festival in August it would be much nearer for you than Miltown.
# Posted on June 9th 2010 by Bernie
Re: Blas or Willie Clancy?
Willie Clancy Week, good classes with good teachers in the morning, concerts at night if you want, session everyday -all day- everywhere, better atmoshere than at Blas - I've been to both and the Willie Week tops anything else I've been to
# Posted on June 9th 2010 by premier
Re: Blas or Willie Clancy?
You'll find a session for any standard too and the classes are divided for all standards
# Posted on June 9th 2010 by premier
Re: Blas or Willie Clancy?
Has to be willie week....
# Posted on June 9th 2010 by seaniemcg
Re: Blas or Willie Clancy?
Dude, Willie Week over Blas. Definitely. Life changing experience.
# Posted on June 10th 2010 by protectorofthesmall
Re: Blas or Willie Clancy?
Oh, plus, Clare is more beautiful and interesting than Limerick city. (I lived in Limerick for two years.)
# Posted on June 10th 2010 by protectorofthesmall
Re: Blas or Willie Clancy?
Blas, then Willie Week - I went to Blas in 2007 and thought it was excellent. Classes were small, tutors were top-notch, the dorms at UL were really nice - plus they have sessions or concerts every evening. Also there was no one there younger than about 18 (they're amazing musicians of course, but it's not nearly as humiliating as being shown up by a bunch of eight year olds). It can be a life-changing experience too - just depends on the experience you're after.
# Posted on June 10th 2010 by airport
Re: Blas or Willie Clancy?
Clare is more beautiful and interesting than Limerick city - most beautifull place in the country
# Posted on June 10th 2010 by premier
Re: Blas or Willie Clancy?
I've been to both, first Blas then the following year Willie week. Both were fantastic but in completely different ways. It really depends what you're looking for. If I had the money, I'd do both. Doesn't look like I'l make any of them this year.
Best of luck what ever you decide.
Blas has top class teachers with a very intimate atmosphere. Whereas Willie week has people hanging out of the rafters! If there is any way you can aford both, do it while you have the time! in fact, do as many as you possibly can and write a guide to summer schools
# Posted on June 14th 2010 by RoisinD