Alexandra Traditional Irish Group Visit

by Chris Doherty, form III

On Tuesday evening we were visited by a traditional Irish music group from Alexandra College. As one of the topics covered by the Junior Certificate course, I found it interesting to hear Irish music played live. It was a first for me and many others who attended but I think it was enjoyed by all.

They played a variety of different Irish songs like reels, hornpipes, jigs, slip-jigs and others, in sets of threes. Their band consisted of four harps, three fiddles, flutes and a bodhrán, all traditional Irish instruments. All the songs were performed to a high standard and I think the audience appreciated the quality of performance.

Along with the music performance there was also an Irish dance performance given by Juntine Heffernan, form VI. I personally have never seen Irish dancing performed live but even I could see that she executed the steps excellently and I’m sure the others would agree. She showed us three dances, a reel, a jig and a slip-jig.

Overall I think it was a very enjoyable evening giving some people, myself included, their first live performance of traditional Irish music and dance. The night was enjoyed by everyone and a big thank you on behalf of all of us who attended to those who performed, both the girls from Alexandra and Justine, and Mrs. Malone-Brady for organising the event.

Kumidaiko

Here's a little information on Kumidaiko as seen in the Actiontrack production, Tinseltown Meltdown.

Kumidaiko is the name used for a percussion group using traditional japanese drums. The drums, Taiko, which are used in the group vary. There are several types of Taiko. Byou-uchi daiko taiko have skins which are attached directly to the body of the drum, while Tsukushime-daiko have skins which are first attached to rings which are then laced to the body of the drum.

Byou-uchi daiko taiko are usually made from a single, hollowed out piece of wood which dictates the size. The largest Byou-uchi daiko taiko is the ōdaiko. Some ōdaiko are made from trees which are hundreds of years old and so big that they cannot be moved. Byou-uchi daiko taiko cannot be tuned.

Tsukeshime-daiko are a tuneable taiko. The skin is attached to a ring which is then attached to body of the drum, also usually made from a single piece of hollowed out wood.

While there are a large number of taiko they all have some things in common. Firstly, they are all members of the percussion family. Most taiko are struck by bachi which are straight wooden sticks used to hit the taiko. Taiko are also famous for the huge tension put on the skins. This is probably because they originate in such humid regions that the tension was used to stop the skin from sagging.