Frankie Kennedy
Frankie Kennedy, born in Belfast in 1955, became one of Ireland's best known traditional flute players through his work with the band Altan which he managed and founded with his partner Mairáad Ní Mhaonaigh. Frankie and Mairáad set the seeds for Altan with their ground breaking album Ceol Aduaidh on the Gael Linn label.
Frankie, a naturally gifted teacher and communicator, was part of a robust wave of young Northern flute players who came to the fore in the '70s '80s. Like his contemporaries, Frankie drew inspiration from the older generation of Ulster musicians and singers.
The School
'Scoil Gheimhridh Frankie Kennedy' was established in December 1994 following Frankie's untimely death from cancer in September of that year. The school's vision is to continue his huge contribution to Irish traditional music, especially the music and song of Donegal. This year's Scoil Gheimhridh will take place from Tuesday 27th December 2011 until Sunday 1st January 2012. All the events will take place in Gaoth Dobhair, Co. Donegal. We will be using 4 principal venues during the school, Ionad Cois Locha (Dunlewey Lakeside Centre) in Dunlewey , Errigal Hostel in Dunlewey, Ionad Naomh Pádraig, Dobhair and Teach Huidí Beag, Bunbeg.
Classes will be provided in the following: flute, fiddle, uilleann pipes, tin whistle, bodhrán, button accordion, bouzouki, sean nós singing, house dancing , concertina, and guitar. We will also be providing classes in both music arrangement and composition aswell as songwriting in the Irish language. Unfortunately these classes are not suitable for absolute beginners.
In order to maximise the gain from classes, there will be 10 places available in each class so early booking is advisable. All bookings will be on a first come first served basis. We want to make sure that you get the most benefit from Scoil Gheimhridh Frankie Kennedy.
Students are encouraged to bring recording devices to the class.