Programs and Classes

 

BRIMS Summer Camp

June 22-26

9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Ages 7-14

At the Renaissance School, located at the corner of E. Jefferson & 5th Streets in downtown Charlottesville (BRIMS uses the side entrance on 5th St.)

Fees:  $200/week, (BRIMS members pay $180/week)

To register or for more information, please call 434-409-9631 

Download Summer Camp Registration Form       Download Parent/Guardian Permission Form

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS & TEACHER BIOS

Introduction to Irish Tin whistle (Mimi Vidaver):

This class will introduce students to the fundamentals of playing the Irish tin whistle. While learning to play several basic tunes, students

will also practice holding the whistle properly, breathing and tone production as well as fingerings and note names.  Students with some previous experience on the whistle will work on expanding their collection of tunes in addition to rhythm and phrasing.

Introduction to Irish Fiddle (Alex Caton):
Students should already play some violin and be familiar with the instrument.  Students will learn a tune by ear, the class will discuss what makes Irish fiddle music sound Irish.  Students will learn a tune or two, with emphasis on stylistic aspects of Irish Fiddle, in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.

 Irish Step Dance, beginner (Lori Madden):
In this class, the student new to Irish step dance will learn the basics of Irish step and social dance in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. 

Irish Step Dance, intermediate/advanced (Marina Madden & Lori Madden):
For the dance student already comfortable with the basics of Irish step dance and some knowledge of the different dances (reel, jig, slip jig).  Emphasis will be on proper technique and form as well as group choreography.

 Instructor Bios:

 Beth Benedetto, (Irish language and singing)  Beth has been studying the Irish language and sean-nós (old-style) singing since 1995.  She has furthered her studies in Ireland with Nóirín ní Riain, Lillis Ó Laoire, Karan Casey, Antaine Ó Faracháin and Máirín Uí Chéide (sean-nós),  and at Oideas Gael and Coláiste Isliomán (Irish).  She won first in ladies’ sean-nós singing at the Mid-Atlantic fleadh cheoil in New York in 2002 and second in 2003, and first in newly-composed songs in Irish both years.

She earned the fáinne óir (gold ring), the symbol of fluency in Irish, from Daltaí na Gaeilge (www.daltai.com) in 2002, and has taught the language with Daltaí and in other venues such as immersion weekends and the Potomac Celtic Festival.  Beth is Treóraí na Gaeilge (Irish director) for the O’Neill/Malcom branch of Comhaltas Ceolteóirí Éireann.

 Alex Caton (fiddle and guitar) first put bow to hand at the age of five and continued her studies in classical violin through college. She has been teaching traditional fiddle privately for 12 years and is currently a board member of the Blue Ridge Irish Music School.   When Alex is not teaching or planning for fiddle camp, she is playing Irish and Old Time music across the country and globe as a solo artist.   She also loves playing with Odd Legged Jenny, with partners Pat Egan and Sabra Guzman, and also gypsy music with various musicians.  Alex also enjoys singing and performing on guitar, banjo and bass.   Alex founded and is director of the Mountain Road Fiddle Camp weekend in Mingo WV which takes place every summer in August.

 Lori Madden (Irish step and social dance) has been providing instruction in Irish Step, Irish Social, Ceili, and Set Dance to children of all ages as well as to adults for ten years through BRIMS.  In addition, Lori teaches Irish dance in Lynchburg, Richmond and at the Mountain Road Fiddle Camp in West Virginia.  She has performed with the Humorous Abandon Irish dance ensemble at Floyd Fest and the Lake Eden Arts Festival and also in the full length Irish dance productions Drowsy Maggie and Robin Hood.  In 2003, Lori served as Irish dance consultant for the Paul Wagner film Angels.

 Marina Madden (Irish step dance) has been Irish step dancing since the age of four and performing since she was six.  Marina has been an apprentice teacher with BRIMS for 2 years.  Marina has studied Irish dance extensively with Matthew Olwell and Emily Oleson and at Augusta Heritage Irish week.

Mimi Vidaver (Irish tin whistle) is an experienced teacher and performer of Irish traditional music and dance.  She has studied dance at the O’Rourke-Tighe School and under Peggy McTaggert in Cork, Ireland.  Her flute playing is influenced by the music of East Galway and her time spent in Cork.  She has taught all ages and levels in a variety of settings, including Carlow College in Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Mellon University’s Dancer’s Symposium.  For the past four years, she has been a staff member at the Windfall School of Dance and the United Arts Academy of Dance in Bloomington, Indiana. 

ALL BRIMS Campers will receive instruction in: • Irish Social Dance (ceili and set dancing) • Irish Language • Singing

EACH BRIMS Camper must also choose from the following CLASS OFFERINGS: (Each camper chooses 1 music class and 1 dance class, class descriptions, teacher bios on page 4)

Irish step dance: Beginner - Lori Madden

Irish step dance: Intermediate/Advanced - Lori Madden & Marina Madden

Beginner Irish tin whistle: whistles provided, no experience necessar - Mimi Vidaver

Beginner Irish Fiddle - Alex Caton

Guitar workshop (one time): Thursday, June 25th - Alex Caton

Irish Language and Singing: All - Beth Benedetto

All campers should bring: lunch (snacks and drinks provided by BRIMS)

All campers should wear: comfortable clothing for dancing

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Irish Set Dance Ages 13-adult
Instructor: Lori Madden
Times: TBA
NOT Irish step dance (ala Riverdance), Irish set dance is Irish social dance done in square sets of 8 people. This is a fun, low impact Irish dance style more akin to American square dance (with a little more zip) than to Michael Flatly! If interested, please contact Lori Madden at 434-409-9631.

 

Piano and Fiddle Classes with Cleek Schrey:
Cleek Schrey will be offering private classes in Irish fiddle or Irish piano accompaniment. For more information e-mail to cleekschrey@gmail.com or call 434-409-5409.
 

If you'd like to be a part of our community outreach by having us perform at your school, retirement home, or other venue, please contact us at info@brimstunes.org.

BRIMS CÉILÍ BAND meets twice a month and performs at our dances.
Please email us if you are interested in learning more about this fun and relaxed group.