slow session

The Traditional Music Gasworks Session’ is a group of people from

the area who are relative newcomers to traditional music and are

learning to play either through individual tuition or through self

tuition. 

So its for beginners, but not absolute beginners.  Basically, the group provides an opportunity for local people to play together with others who share the same interest in traditional music and who have a similar level of ability.    Its sometimes called a ‘slow’ session because for most relative beginners it is almost impossible to make the jump from playing on their own to playing in an established session, as the music is usually just too fast for them initially.   The secret is in finding a pace that is slow enough to make it possible for newcomers to join in, but not so slow as to kill the music. A wide range of instruments are used at the session, including fiddles, flutes, whistles, accordion, banjo, mandolins, bodhrans plus other percussion instruments and guitars. The group are using the East Antrim Traditional Music School’s produced tutorial book (with accompanying CDs) for their repertoire of music.  Tunes are selected from the beginners, intermediate and advanced sections of the book for participants to learn between monthly meetings. The more they learn between meetings, the more they can join in, on the night.  (Books can be obtained from the school).

Currently the group meets twice a month on a Friday night in The

Gasworks Museum, 44 Irish Quarter West, Carrickfergus, where the

facilities are small but intimate and acoustically ideal.

If you are playing or are learning to play a traditional musical instrument and feel ready to play in a group situation, you are most welcome to attend this monthly session.  If you attend the East Antrim Traditional Music School your tutor will help and advise you about when you are ready to attend. Experienced musicians are also welcome, but be prepared for tunes being played at a pace maybe slower than you are used to and we would ask you to repect the fact that the session is primarily aimed at relative newcomers.  Having said that, the group is confident that the quality and pace of the music played is something that even the most experienced musicans will enjoy. The group is cross-community in ethos and open to everyone from whatever background who enjoy traditional music.

We recommend you visit this traditional music site. Brian   Pundyke   has   been   created   this   site to   provide   a   source   of   learning   materials for     those     wishing     to     extend     their knowledge of Irish traditional music. The   materials   are   free.   His   site   will   try   to present    an    ever    increasing    number    of tunes,   (Reels,   Jigs,   Hornpipes,   Slip   Jigs, Marches   etc),   in   a   variety   of   electronic formats   that   have   proved   useful   in   the learning of Irish Traditional tunes. Traditional Irish Music & Learning Resource Centre. www.tradirishmusic.net

To find out more about the Gasworks session or to be kept informed about its dates, venue etc. contact   Martin Murray on  07815 081714 or by email to  martinpfmurray@gmail.com