manx celtic music and dance

Whistling into Winter

01 Jan 1970

A second tranche of primary schools are now learning penny whistle through the scheme of work, Feddan (Manx Gaelic for whistle). Part of the Primary Music Initiative headed by the IOM Music Service, the 6 week course is being delivered at Marown, Ballasalla, Anagh Coar, Kewaigue and Andreas during the winter term. Chloë Woolley designed the scheme so that the class teacher could learn the instrument along with their pupils and after these initial lessons, feel equipped to teach the course themselves in the future. With funding from the Manx Heritage Foundation, each participating class has been given whistles to practice on and use in future lessons. The scheme addresses the rudiments of music (such as tempo, rhythm, pitch, melody and harmony) through the use of Manx melodies and songs in Gaelic. It is hoped that all Island schools will eventually receive the tuition alongside the other PMI schemes (which include singing, ukulele and percussion) and five more schools are already lined up for 2012. Last year’s pilot of the whistle scheme proved very successful, with many of the class teachers now putting their new whistle playing skills into practice by teaching their own students. For more info, contact Chloe or through First Class.

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