Inclusive workshops held in advance of the Tipperary Fleadh Cheoil event
Clonmel to host County Fleadh
As part of the pre programme Tipperary County Fleadh events Tommy Cosgrave, musician and special needs assistant facilitated two music workshops for children with additional needs in Clonmel Community Resource Centre last Saturday.
The workshops were gentle and encouraging experiences so that all participants could enjoy exploring rhythms at their own individual level.
The play based, experiential workshops were tailored to the needs of the participants. The first section of each workshop was explorative so that children attending the workshop could adjust gently to the transition. Participants were allowed come into the room, wander around touching, feeling and listening to music before any games or activities commenced.
Echoing and copy games were played using body and instrument percussion. The children explored drumming patterns and rhythms as well as playing xylophone bars in unison. Many parents stayed with their children during the workshop and joined in the fun. It was a very enjoyable experience for all involved.
The second pre programme fleadh event was the Scoil Fonn and Amhrán workshop which took place in Ss Peter’s and Paul’s primary school in Clonmel. Musicians from north and south of the county took part in this workshop.
The aim of Scoil Fonn & Amhrán is to promote the different styles of traditional Irish music – slow airs, polkas, slides and singing.
The workshop was enjoyed by all participants and ended with short performance by the participants for family and friends.