As it appears that I will actually have those two seldom-obtained variables known as “time” and “money” this Summer (a first for me), Im itching to go and blow it all in Ireland and perhaps learn something to boot. Unfortunately, I wont be able to make it to Willie Week, but I am a bit curious about Scoil Acla. Looks like some good tutors will be there (Robbie Hannan on pipes and Paul McGrattan on flute). Im assuming a few of you out there have been there. What did you think? How were the classes? Were there advanced classes offered, or was it pretty basic? I make no claims of having attained virtuosity, but I am comfortable with all the ornamentation and stuff and would be more interested in classes that dealt with things like alternate fingerings/ornamentation and repertoire building (ie--learning a bunch of smokin tunes). So what do y`all think? Is it worth it or should I just buy a bunch of beer instead and spend my time off in a drunken stupor? Any info/opinions would be appreciated.
If you have a video camera, ask if it’s okay to videotape. The sound quality is excellent (if you use a good mic) and you get to watch how the performer works. Be sure to soak in the culture as well as attend classes. Ireland’s simply beautiful.
