Repertoire Sessions

The Sunday repertoire sessions are now on holiday, but will resume in September when new members will be welcome.

For more information about the session, please read the information below and have a look at our tunes list. If you have any questions or would like to be included on the mailing list, please email Heather or Frances.

In general, sessions are held on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, from 2 to 4:30 pm. However, always check the upcoming events on the home page to confirm the date of the next session.

As usual, we'll collect a $2.00 contribution towards running the session.

About the session

The session focuses on learning and playing tunes from the "classic" repertoire. Each session we'll select a new tune to practice for the next time, so that we gradually build up our repertoire. Following each session, we'll post links to recordings and notation of the tunes on the tunes page.

You don't have to know all the tunes! We'll practice new tunes and repeat the older tunes, so that each session you'll have an opportunity to participate. However, true to the practice of traditional music, we won't use printed music during the session. The pace will be moderate, focusing on playing with good rhythm and lift.

What is the "classic repertoire"?

There are a lot of good old tunes that "everyone knows" but which aren't played so often at other sessions just because they are so familiar. The trouble is, some newer players don't get a chance to play these tunes often enough to learn them really well. So this is a chance to play a few familiar tunes and learn a few new (old) tunes!

Wherever possible, we'll use the Comhaltas Foinn Seisiun books and recordings as our source for tunes. Session members will be welcome to suggest other tunes that fit the general category.

For more information about the Foinn Seisiun repertoire, visit the Comhaltas site.

Who can come to the session?

This session will appeal to intermediate-level players of traditional melody instruments. Players should have a repertoire of at least 10 tunes of their own. And to get the best out of the session, it would helpful to know a few of the tunes from our tune list.

All melody instruments traditionally played at Irish sessions are welcome. Mandolins, banjos, guitars are welcome if you play melody. Please, no bodhrans, spoons or other rhythm instruments.

Note: Toronto Comhaltas (Langan Gorman branch) sponsors the session, but all players are welcome.

Who can I contact for more information?

• Heather Corby
• Frances Campbell