Irish Cultural Center Holds Workshop Series "Tin Whistle for the Complete Beginner”

Irish Cultural Center Holds Workshop Series "Tin Whistle for the Complete Beginner”

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA – The Irish Cultural Center of Western New England presents a new workshop series, Tin Whistle for the Complete Beginner, taught by Ellen Redman. This 6-week series of classes in February and March is aimed at kids aged 8–12, with no experience needed. Advance registration is required.

In this introductory workshop students will learn all the notes on the whistle which will enable them to play a few tunes just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. The tunes will be taught by ear so reading music is not a requirement. Students will also explore Irish music in its many forms and what it’s like to play in a session.

The workshop takes place on Wednesdays from 4:45–5:30 pm, February 8 and 15, and March 1, 8, 15 and 22. After the last class on March 22, students will perform a few tunes prior to the regular weekly trad Irish session. Classes are held at the Irish Cultural Center, 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield, MA.

The workshop is free. Class size is limited to 12 students, children aged 8–12. Whistles and materials will be provided.

To register a child for the workshop, parents/guardians must complete the online registration form by February 6. The link can be found at the Irish Cultural Center's website, www.irishcenterwne.org.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the West Springfield Arts Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

The workshop is being taught by Ellen Redman, a classically trained flutist and accomplished traditional Irish flutist and whistle player. Redman is an instructor of classical and Irish flute at Smith College and teaches Irish flute and whistle at the Connecticut Academy of Irish Music. She is a flutist with the Springfield Symphony and co-hosts a weekly session at the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England, as well as guest-hosting sessions around New England.

The Irish Cultural Center was established in 1999 to foster an appreciation of Irish culture in Western New England. The mission of the Irish Cultural Center is to cultivate a connection with Ireland, through the arts, culture, history, language, and heritage. The Center offers opportunities to engage in educational, travel, and social events that promote Irish culture.

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For information, contact:
Ellen Gallivan, Administrative Director
Irish Cultural Center of Western New England
429 Morgan Road, West Springfield, MA
irishcenterwne@gmail.com
413-333-4951