I’m actually going, I’m VERY excited. Ah, first time going to Ireland so ah. Man. Ok.
So is there anything I need to know that’s really important? Anything I should definitely look forward to? Concerts? Sessions?
Also, I’d like to take a pipe class if I do bring my pipes [probably not happening, but hey]. Is there anything I need to know about that? I think I read somewhere that you needed to pre-register and that’s all I know.
Cheers and despises the horrible noise that is American Idol,
Armand
A, big BIG BIG maybe for me at present. It really depends if I get that NPU scholarship (that I’m [considering] going for). We’ve already gone oversease once in the last year and the family piggybank is a little bit on the down side. I’ll probably know if I’m going two weeks out from the start of the Willie Clancy week.
Cheers L42B
PS: How many people apply for the scholarships, what’s the likely hood of recieving such a scholarship?
Find out if there is anything special to know about taking musical instruments on the plane. The people checking might think they are weapons or something.
You’ll be fine. Pre register as soon as possible via the NPU website at www.pipers.ie
Bring your pipes in their case. You’ll have no trouble bringing them. Just be nice and don’t flip out with the security people or plane people whatever they call them these days (stewards? hostesses? I don’t know?)
Do as Jim says. Call around some B&B’s. Even if you don’t get anything you will have no trouble getting something once you get there… although the stress mightn’t be worth it.
As far as things to see. Just get there and see everything. Go to the concerts in the hall and drink a hundred pints a day… eat curry chips and Mars bars and chat up a few young wans… you’ll be doing well with all this under your belt
As far as accomodations, it can make a big difference for convenience of getting around. One year, I stayed at the Central Hotel annex, the old railway station. It was very charming, especially if I had spent any time there, but it was out of town. If you have no car, it is worth trying to find a B&B within walking distance. And yes, you can turn up and inquire for the same so whatever suits you.
Take some time to visit the beaches at Spanish Point (few miles down the road), and take in the local culture beyond the WCSS stuff.
Go watch the set dancers at the Armada Hotel.
(edited to make sure I had the right type of dancers).
I found that trying to see all the sessions, everyday of the week, that by Wednesday evening I was nearly burned out on it all… it can be very overwhelming, as there is a lot to hear, to see and to do.
But of course, enjoy it! Keep a journal of your days there.
in these parts, we use LiveJournal, aside from the silly drama it’s quite addicting [I hate to say..]
Hmmm, yes, I may just stick to whistle classes and fiddle classes. I’ll just apply whatever I learn from whistle to pipes if it’s piping savvy. I also wouldn’t want to lose my pipes while I’m there. Eep!
You might look into the format of those classes. If you want to play the pipes, you will get decent tuition during the week. Piping classes are divided by ability and kept to a reasonable size. You will have an opportunity for personal attention. With the whistle and fiddle classes, much bigger numbers and a different experience. If you do not have access to local instruction on the pipes, Willie Week piping classes are recommended.
And oh yes - bring some sort / type / fashion of a recording device, and record all the lessons, AND the daily lunchtime recitals.
I’m still amazed at the different styles that were presented at the recitals. At the time, I was too new to the music to appreciate it, but I listen to those tapes today and I’m amazed at the various styles and the high quality of the pipers that presented the tunes at the recitals.
If you are at all serious about playing the pipes well, then fertheluvagod absolutely DO TAKE YOUR PIPES AND SIGN UP FOR A CLASS. You will be assigned to a class appropriate for your skill level, and you will get personal attention.
Take only a pipe class, and practice every day before supper and/or your night out carousing. The focus and discipline will make you better, you will notice a difference in your playing if you apply yourself to what is being taught, perhaps not immediately but after a time the difference will be unmistakeable. Ask for teachers that emphasize technique rather than repertoire. You can learn tunes any time here in the states. You don’t get many face-to-face opportunities to learn how a great piper controls the chanter. Willie Week is about the most intense, immersive piping tuition available outside of the NPU Saturday classes - if you want to make it that way.
I have not been to WCSS (way outside my budget), but it only makes sense that if you are going to spend such a large amount of time and money to travel there that you would make the most of it as others have highlighted here: record everything, don’t waste time on piss-ups, practise to get the most out of what you are taught instead, and why would you travel such a long way for so much money to diddle with whistle when pipes take so much more to learn to play properly?
You are going to an ITM Mecca of sorts. You may not ever be able to afford to go again. You will have access to the best of the best in the UP world. Make the most of it!
To second what 50 people just said, do not waste your time with the rest…take the piping class! I have been to Willie Week twice (may get to go again this year, but won’t know for a while). Once I took the whistle class, which was really unhelpful for me. My class was too easy and there were like 15 people in it. I didn’t know anyone there and I felt like it was hard to meet people to hang out with.
Last year I took the piping class, and what a difference! 6 people in my class, all at roughly the same level (ok, most were better than me but I didn’t feel like I was struggling). Lots of individual attention, friendly people, and a suuportive community of pipers. It was the best experience as far as improving my playing that I have ever had. And I had the opportunity to hear great pipers I had never heard before.
Don’t bother with the other classes! Go for the piping and you will be so glad you did.
A Ph.D. in T.T. ?
absolutely DO TAKE YOUR PIPES AND SIGN UP FOR A CLASS. You will be assigned to a class appropriate for your skill level, and you will get personal attention.