Rob, a C&F member, had posted an invitation to host a session at the Irish Arts Week festival in East Durham NY this past week. Now a bit more of the story…
A couple days before the Irish Arts Week, Rob suffered a tragic accident lighting a BBQ and was severly burned. He was unable to participate in most of the activities, but I think you might like to know the reaction of his ‘potential’ teacher and classmates.
We heard, late in the first day of his accident. He had hoped to participate in Mary Bergin’s class. To make a long story short, a recorder was brought to the class by a dedicated ‘whistle supporter’, Mary made sure that all tunes were recorded for him, including the class saying “Mary, you didn’t start the recorder, you need to do it again”. Which, of course, she did. I believe he received recordings from both of Mary’s classes. [Mary is herself a ‘class act’ ]
The “Irish” ABC’s were all copied from both of Mary’s classes, and the staff notation versions were also provided, to the extent that logistics allowed.
hat I’d like you all to know is that this was a joint project by whistle players who wanted “one of their own” to not miss entirely the joy of Mary’s classes.
BTW it was said right up front that Rob had posted on this site his enthusiasm for the festival and his looking forward to the classes and for what it’s worth, I was gratified at the response to support a C&Fer in his time of trouble.
When I met Rob, he was obviously physically injured, but his spirit was great, and his enthusiasm for the music undaunted. Medically he’ll be fine eventually ( I may be speaking out of turn here, not knowing any details)
Quite the young man.
I wish him all the best.
bruceW
