Mary records, performs and teaches workshops in singing skills, performance technique and Gaelic song and culture. She has toured extensively throughout North America, teaching and performing at Celtic/Irish camps.
THE POWER OF CHANT 2020
PART 1: SAT. FEB 29TH 10:30am-5:30pm
PART 2: SAT. MARCH 28TH 10:30am-5:30pm
Book through ATLANTIS ( tel: 0863750250 / 094 9028630 )
In this two-part informational / experiential workshop we will be exploring the Keen and Irish chant through the lenses of their history and connections to world chant.
PART ONE: A WORLD OF CHANT
Understanding how chant ‘works’ is key so we will be doing ‘toning’ and chakra balancing to introduce the world of chant. ‘Toning’ before chanting helps prepare the body in terms of developing breath support, the mind in terms of calming it, the spirit through allowing access to our higher selves and the Divine, and the soul by building community. Chanting then becomes much more powerful! You will also learn simple chants from Hindu (Kirtan / Yoga), Buddhist, Jewish and American Native traditions; all of which show the ‘one-ness’ of sacred chant even though they have developed in varied ways in different cultures.
PART TWO: IRISH CHANT AND THE KEEN
The second part (March 28th) will focus more on Irish chant; specifically on the Keen – the Irish traditional Caoineadh na Marbh or Lament for the Dead. We will also look at Latin plainchant which was both influenced by and influential in the development of Irish sacred song, including the Keen. The contradiction here, of course, is that, from the late middle ages the churches in Ireland were heavily critical of the custom! Learning the background and ritual of the Keen is vital to understanding the evolution of this powerful tool and helps us consider its relevance today.
You don’t have to be familiar with the language of chants or be a ‘good’ singer! Your enthusiasm and willingness to participate is all that is required.
CHANT IS FOR EVERYONE!
In addition to numerous years of teaching, Mary holds an MA in Ritual Chant and Song (her dissertation was on the Keen), and a PhD in Otherworld Irish Traditional Song.
Location is in Atlantis, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, Ireland. Booking is essential as places are limitied. These two workshops are intertwined. Attendance at both workshops required and costs €140 in total. Deposit:€50 on booking.
Please call 0863750250 / 094 9028630 to reserve your place TODAY!
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YOU CAN FIND THE TALK HERE
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