Irish week was enjoyable this year, with
great concerts, workshops, and a complete offering of classes
in just about every topic in Irish music and dance. I took a flute
class with John Shelton and worked on improving my playing technique.
John was patient and always encouraging to everyone in the class.
An added bonus is that he can also be very funny, and as the week
went on, he had us laughing harder and harder with his jokes and
observations on life amd music.
At the end of the week long program was an afternoon "showcase"
at which all students and classes did a demonstration or performance
of what they had learned during the week. Our flute class performed
several tunes, including a great hornpipe that John had taught
us.
French Canadian week was especially fun this year for me, partly
because of the small class sizes, and partly because I had so
much fun working with the instructors: Rachel Aucoin; and Sabin
Jacques. Small classes meant lots of individual attention to students,
and my piano class with Rachel was a real pleasure due to her
enthusiasm and entertaining manner. In addition, Rachel and Sabin
made a point of coming out to the late evening jams and playing
with the students(myself included) for hours at a time. We all
learned more because of the long hours of immersion in the music.
For my own music making needs I found it difficult to get my regular
several hours of daily practice in during Irish week, due to the
fact that every day was almost completely filled in with classes
and concerts. Just about the only time to jam with other students
and staff was after 11 pm when concerts ended. Most students,
including myself, are past the age where we can play till 3 or
4 in the morning 5 days in a row, and still make it to breakfast
at 8 am. I prefer 4 to 5 hours of jamming starting around 8 or
9 pm. French Canadian week was better for getting more practice
time.
For more information call or write, or visit the web site at:
Augusta Heritage Center,
Davis & Elkins College, Elkins, West Virginia 26241, 304-637-1209.
www.augustaheritage.com