manx celtic music and dance

Yn Chruinnaght educational outreach

02 Aug 2012

Caryl Parry-Jones and Christian Phillips at the Bunscoill Ghaelgagh
Caryl Parry-Jones and Christian Phillips at the Bunscoill Ghaelgagh

In the week leading up to Yn Chruinnaght, three musicians from England’s Folkestra visited the Island. The talented young trio went under the name JFK (James, Frankie and Karl!) and they gave short performances to children at Fairfield and Anagh Coar schools. Playing fiddle, guitar and melodeon, the young musicians wowed students with exciting sets of tunes and a sing-along version of “Have you Seen the Muffin Man!” Thanks to good weather, JFK also busked to shoppers in Strand Street and performed at the Port Erin Beach Festival during their stay. With thanks to Heather Booth from Perree Bane for putting us all in touch!

More school visits during festival week

Rinceoiri an Chlair went to Victoria Road School in Castletown with Irish song, music and dance. Starting in soft shoes, the change to heavy shoes gave the audience a shock of delight – the noise on the wooden floor was amazing. But that wasn’t all. Their leader, Patricia Brady-Mullins, gave camáin and sliotair (camogie sticks and balls) to the school. With county players in the dance side, they demonstrated the game to the school’s sports teacher. The group from Kilmurry, Co Clare, found the visit very rewarding, Patricia commenting that it was a delight to perform to such an interested and attentive group of children. Welsh singer Caryl Parry Jones and guitarist Christian Phillips visited the Manx Gaelic medium school, Bunscoill Ghaelgagh during Yn Chruinnaght festival. Caryl taught several songs in the Welsh language and helped the children compose a new song using Manx and Welsh greetings.

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