Hi oldtimers.
Rocky Mountain Fiddle camp was great again. Whistle and flute class was taught by Galway native Seamus Mac Conaonaigh, “was born and raised in Spiddal, Co. Galway. He is a highly acclaimed flute player and equally talented on the tin whistle, having guested on several recordings, appeared numerous times on TV and radio and toured extensively in the US and in Europe. His solo album, called “a feast for fans of Irish tunes” by Dirty Linen Magazine, was a top-ten seller in the folk music category in Ireland. Playing in a driving, energetic style, Seamus continues to carry on the tradition of Galway music which is sought after on both sides of the Atlantic. A native Irish speaker, he holds a degree in mathematics and has done graduate work in theoretical computer science.” quote from www.rmfiddle.com
Seamus learned by copying other players and has a natural and unassuming style. He taught us intermediates Saddle the Pony and helped us ornament it, then we learned an air Scairunt na gCompana or something like that, and then we worked on a reel. He was a patient and helpful teacher and I would recomend an of his workshops.
In my personal news, I lost my mother 2 days after I returned from camp, after her long illness. The air Seamus gave us has been played many times when I feel sad, as the name of the air translates as The Parting of Friends.
Love, NancyF