July 28th - August 3rd, 2008

www.scoilacla.com

The annual Scoil Acla summer school takes place this year from july 28th until august 3rd on Achill Island, Co. Mayo. Scoil Acla is possibly the best kept secret in the circuit of summer schools in the country. It is Irelands oldest summer school, originally founded in 1910 and relaunched in 1985 by a dedicated committee who had the vision to re-establish it.

The aims of Scoil Acla were, and still are, to promote and develop traditional irish music and language. To host poetry readings, promote local songs, poetry and creative writing as well as promotion of dancing and the arts in general. Seminars on the historical, geological and archeological features of the locality are also part of the program.

Daily music classes are held on the following instruments, accordian, banjo, flute, concertina, fiddle, harp, tin whistle and uileann pipes with beginners, intermediate and advanced students being catered for on all instruments. A full list of our experienced tutors is available on our website. Scoil Acla invites a musician in residence each year to attend the summer school. Over the course of the week they visit the classes to play a few tunes, talk about their instrument and answer any questions the students may have. Previous musicians in residence include John E Lavelle, Joe Burke and Ann Conroy Burke, Liam O’Connor, John Carty, Mary Bergin, Laoise Kelly, Catherine McEvoy, this year we will have Michael O’Raghallaigh in attendance.

In addition to the music classes, writers workshop, sean nós singing, recitals and readings, this year we are re-introducing a set dancing weekend and also running a traditional basket weaving class and hosting a talk on fiddle making.

Full details of 2008 program on www.scoilacla.com or info@scoilacla.com