The slow session lasted for a little over an hour. 2 fiddles, 1 concertina and me on flute. When the full session started, I sat back to watch and listen. Imagine my amazement when the majority of people got up and started dancing! After a few tunes, one of the session leaders (I think) came over and said, “The best way to learn is to play. Come on up and join us!” I sat behind the other flute player and followed his fingerings!
3 hours later!!! I packed up and went home! I don’t know what pieces I played, but after a while it seemed like many of them were coming from somewhere deep inside me!
The sessions are held in Watertown MA (just outside Boston) the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month and are run by CCE Boston branch. Slow session starts at 2:30 and the full session runs 4:30 - 8pm. There will not be one the last weekend in April, but if you can make into Boston, the CCE is holding its national convention at the airport Hilton. There will be flute classes Saturday AM & PM taught by Mike Rafferty. Level is described as “intermediate/advanced”. Apparently, Mike will listen to each player and build the class around the abilities of the students. If you’re interested, I’ll e-mail you the web site, or you can just search under “Comhaltas” then scroll down to the Boston branch.
AM I hooked? You better believe it! Am I going to the convention? Of course!
My drive home - about 45 minutes door to door - was filled with me repeating “wow. wow. oh my god wow.”
Crystal, sounds good! Its a bit of a haul for me, but some Sunday I will definitely be there! I’ll be in Ireland for the last weekend in April anyway (waving at Peter), but I’ll be sure to stop by soon after. I’m interested in the CCE and look forward to getting up there.
No way would I be able to pull off an intermediate class in flute. I’m a rank beginner there, but somewhat more adept at the whistle. Still, if the music is good, I’m more than happy to just go and listen.
Keep CT in your thoughts for sessions too, Bishops in North Hampton, and The Harp in Amherst!
