Sunshine Coast Hinterland Times

The Blackall Range will ring with the sound of pipes, flutes, fiddles and drums this June with the return of the Maleny Celtic Winter School. The first Winter School, held in Maleny last year attracted over 100 budding musicians to attend classes run by some of Australia’s finest performers and teachers of Celtic music and this year promises to be even better.

Andy Rigby's harp class in the old church on Maple Street attracted over a dozen keen players in 2009. Andy will be teaching again in 2010.

MUSICIANS from across South-East Queensland will fill the town with music from June 18-20 at the second Maleny Celtic Winter School. The School, the brainchild of a group of local musicians, will be held in venues around town between 12 and 14 June. Both experienced players and beginners will be able to learn fiddle, flute, whistle, voice, bodhran (Irish drum), guitar, hard-shoe dance, banjo and mandolin.

“The Winter School is all about participation”, said John Thompson, the Co-ordinator of the Maleny Celtic Winter School. “Our first Winter School was an absolute cracker and we’ve worked hard to make sure that this year’s will be even better”, John said. “There will be more sessions, special classes for absolute beginners, and an even better family event with the ceilidh on Saturday night”, he added.

The 2010 Winter School will offer classes for intermediate and advanced students in fiddle, flute and whistle, as well as classes in bodhran (Irish drum), button accordian, guitar and Celtic Harp. Optional classes will feature Scottish and Quebecois fiddle, singing, Irish dance, pipes. The Absolute Beginners classes are especially designed for players who are keen to get involved but are new to their instruments.

“Around 200 dancers came along last year for our family Ceilidh Dance at the Maleny Showgrounds Hall,” said John. “It was a huge amount of fun with a band put together by 11 of the best musicians around.”

Finbar’s Lounge Bar will once again be the focal point for the informal sessions planned for the weekend. “Irish music is very social,” said Steve Cook, who will be teaching mandolin and banjo at the School. “It’s all about getting together and having fun, sharing music with the whole community.

John Thompson says Maleny has had links with traditional music for many years, from the Celtic Tea-rooms music sessions to the early days of the Maleny Folk Festival.

“We’re gathering an experienced group of tutors from around south-east Queensland, interstate and locally to give our students the chance to learn from the best”, John said. “We’re delighted to be able to offer fiddle classes with Adrian Barker from Melbourne, and Fred Graham. Another special guest, Andy Rigby, will teach Celtic Harp”.

Weekend tickets cost $120 and includes entry into the opening concert, Ceilidh and all the sessions. Tickets for individual classes cost $30 per 2-hour session. Tickets for the concert, ceilidh and the late-night session will be sold at the door.

Bookings available online at www.malenyceltic.org.

For more information, go to www.malenyceltic.org or email info@malenyceltic.org or phone coordinator John Thompson on 0416 032 573.