“The Hottest New Group out of Northern Ireland” (Irish American News)

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Hailing from the cities of Armagh and Derry, Connla are made up of Ciara McCafferty (vocals), Ciaran Carlin (Flute/Whistles), Paul Starrett (Guitar), Emer Mallon (Harp) and Conor Mallon (Uilleann Pipes/Whistles).

 

Labelled as the Hottest New Group out of Northern Ireland, (Chicago Irish American News) Connla have been quickly making an impact on the folk/traditional scene. Since the release of their EP in April 2015, and album “River Waiting” in July 2016 they have received fantastic reviews at home and internationally. They have already gathered a big following in the UK, Ireland, Europe and the USA. Songlines magazine made Connla their “must see act” for the tour of the UK and stated “A band this young shouldn’t be this good”.

 

Their sensitive and innovative arrangements of traditional and modern folk songs and tunes, have helped them create a sound which is very identifiable as Connla. They have toured around Ireland, Italy and the UK with more tours across Europe and USA organised in 2017/2018. Irish Music Magazine stated;

 

“Consider this your early warning system, there is something serious on the horizon and that creative storm is Connla” (Irish Music Magazine)

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The workshops will be at private homes on the west side of Ann Arbor, just minutes from downtown.  For address details, please email us at contact@detroitirishmusic.org.

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About the teachers:

Emer Mallon, Harp

Emer is a qualified music teacher and holds an Honours degree in Music and a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) from the University of Ulster. She is a harp tutor with the prestigious Armagh Pipers Club she is inspiring the next generation of traditional Irish musicians. She also teaches for the Keady Comhaltas and teaches privately with teaching experience of over 10 years.

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Conor Mallon, Uilleann Pipes

Conor Mallon started his musical career with the prestigious Armagh Pipers Club where he attended Uilleann Pipe lessons. He has one of the senior teachers at the club. In 2010 he received the Mark Donnelly Uilleann Piping Bursary with the aim to promote piping and to inspire the next generation and future pipers of all ages. He also teaches for the Keady Comhaltas and teaches privately with teaching experience of over 10 years.

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Paul Starrett, Guitar/Accompaniment

Paul holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music (Bmus) from the University of Ulster. Paul has his own guitar school which he runs in Derry and has vast experience built over a number of years involving group lessons or one to one. Paul brings a unique experience from a wide range of styles having played in jazz, rock, blues and other traditional groups. He also teaches for the Dungannon Comhaltas and teaches privately with teaching experience of over 10 years.

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Ciaran Carlin, Flute

Ciaran holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music (Bmus) from the University of Ulster. Ciaran is the flute tutor for the Derry academy for Irish music and teaches pupils of all ages, abilities and has taught and inspired musicians in Derry for years. He teaches for the Limavady Comhaltas and also teaches privately with over 10 years of experience.

 

Ciara McCafferty, Bodhran

Ciara holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music (Bmus) from the University of Ulster. Ciara has been teaching singing repertoire and vocal technique lessons in Derry to pupils of all ages, abilities and has taught and inspired musicians in Derry for years. She is a self-taught Bodhran player and has started teaching her new distinctive style to young aspiring musicians.

 

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About the workshop:

The workshops are intended for players of all skill levels interested in Traditional Irish music.  Please bring your instrument and a recording device.

 

For any questions, or to register and get the location details, please contact us at contact@detroitirishmusic.org.