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The Craiceann Summer School 2007 will take place from 25th to 29th June 2007. The range of tutors has been extended with a few familiar faces returning and a new face joining the teachers board. Apart from the usual suspects like Junior Davey, Eamon Murray, Stiofan O 'Brion and Rolf Wagels, we are glad that Jim Higgins is going to join us again, this time for the whole week. Also, Helen McLoughlin returns to Inis Oirr and so does Siobhan O'Donnell. As a new face, we are proud to announce that All-Scotland, All-Britain and All-Ireland champion Martin O'Neill joins us for the first time. And after the great success last year, Bodhran legend Johnny "Ringo" McDonagh will return to Inis Oirr for special guest appearance during the week of Craiceann. There will be a workshop on Sean Nos dancing by Seosamh O'Neachtain, one of the leading dancers in Ireland, and Simon O'Dwyer will hold a workshop on handstyles. Have a look at the schedule for 2007 or get more information about the classes. You can then sign up for Craiceann 2007 here.

The Bodhran Summer school is arranged around a series of daily masterclasses given by some of the world's best bodhran players and teachers, but also includes special workshops relating to the instrument itself and traditional Irish music in general. As an additional benefit, music sessions are arranged each night in the island's pubs, and students are welcome to bring their drum and join in.

The original concept was the brainchild of Micheal O hAlmhain, when he had the idea of linking the musical heritage of the Aran Islands, with the need for drummers to improve their skills, and believed that a summerschool specifically for bodhran players was the way to go.

The inaugural Craiceann was launched in 2001, and has continued with great success each year since then.
To date its teachers have included the world’s most famous and legendry bodhran players. Johnny McDonagh, Tommy Hayes, Mel Mercier, Jimmy Higgins, Frank Torpey, Helen McLoughlin, Robbie Walsh, Junior Davey, Eamon Murray, Stiofan O’Broin, and Rolf Wagels.

As well as the classes, there have been special lectures and demonstrations on related subjects such as Bodhran History, Irish Dancing, Lilting, Bones Playing, Sean-Nos Dancing, and a very special presentation from Seamus O’Kane on bodhran making. Craiceann has been regularly featured on Irish television station TG4 as a record of the summer school, and also as part of a documentary* on the work and playing of Seamus O’Kane.

(*to access the Seamus documentary, click www.TG4.tv then select Cláir Eile - Cartlann then select the programme on 19 July 2006)

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