From the Chairperson Ray Morgan: I can now confirm that GSOTM ‘s Grant Application to the Arts Council NI has been successful and with this support we will be proceeding with ONLINE classes as of 24/9/20. All pupils from last year should have received an email yesterday with full information which is also on our website .We have a number of incorrect email addresses and i will be contacting those pupils in the immediate future. If, and hopefully when, we can gain access to Edmund Rice college we will revert to face to face classes immediately.
There will be two terms as previously.the first from 24/9/20 and the second from early February 2021. Classes will be on Thursday nights 7:30 to 9:30 pm and all classes should be at same time as last year. Registration is open now. Cost for 15 week term is £60 for first Instrument/ family member - £55 for second instrument/ family member and £45 for third family member.
We will not be providing classes for beginners, however do hope to cater for as many of those beginners who started with us last year as is possible. All classes are listed on our website. We have a very strong line up of teachers who have shown their commitment to GSOTM by returning to take the online classes this year and who have been meeting to prepare for the start of these classes .
Gráinne Meyer-Harp.Emma McGlone-Button Accordion. Conor Caldwell-Fiddle. Anne Cassidy- Tin Whistle. Paul Conlon-Banjo. Richard Mulcahy-Fiddle. Aaran O ‘Hagan-Uileann Pipes. Maria Rafferty - Tin Whistle. Gary Duffy-Flute. Brendan Loughran-Concertina. Lauren O'Donnell-Fiddle.Barry Skeffington-Guitar. Bodhran
Provision of this years programme of classes is based on feedback from the Suervey Monkey we carried out in July We are confident that most of our pupils will register for the online classes. We can take NEW PUPILS to all our classes as long as they have the relevant experience in their instrument with a minimum of one years experience being necessary.
GSOTM is a very strong community of traditional musicians and their families including many past pupils. Whilst providing tuition in Traditional Irish Music is central to what we do the social side of our activities are also very important to us. If possible and within any guidelines re the Covid emergency we intend to hold ongoing seisuins/ workshops/ Grupa Ceols which will be open to ALL pupils/ musicians whether they sign up for online classes or not .