Scoil Acla
Originally founded in 1910, Scoil Acla was founded by people of high ideals whose aim was to restore the spirit of the 'Gael' and to re-establish a sense of pride in our language, music, crafts and culture in general. Scoil Acla since 1985 continues these ideals with the cooperation of all the community. Scoil Acla Traditional Music & Culture Summer School 2019 ran from July 27 - 3 August Our Summer School offers a large variety of classes in Traditional Irish Music - ranging from complete beginners to advanced, taught by local and internationally recognised musicians. Local Irish Language, Traditional Irish Dancing, Sean Nós Singing, Writers Workshops, Traditional Arts and Crafts (Basket Weaving), Art Classes and historical walks. There were over 40 related events scheduled throughout the week, including music sessions, master classes, recitals, cultural walks and talks, poetry readings, children's talent competition and an open-air concert finale, where all students get a chance to perform on-stage. New additions to our Summer School calendar included the opening concert with renowned singer Sean Keane and his band, a lecture presented by Mary Lennon on artists who painted in Achill over the years, a quilting workshop and a polka tots class to give children a fun introduction to Irish Traditional Music. A bag piping workshop was also introduced this year with Terry Tully. He is synonymous within piping circles and is a former pipe major with the St Laurence O'Toole Pipe Band. The Musician In Residence has been a unique feature at Scoil Acla since 2001. The objective is to promote a musician, their instrument and their style of play. Each year a different instrument is selected and Des Cafferkey, a composer, flute and whistle player who hails from Achill, was our musician in residence for 2019 which coincided with the year of the flute celebration. Activities throughout the year include local music classes and concerts, culture night and Seachtain na Gaeilge events and promotion of music, culture and the arts locally.
Contact
Website: www.scoilacla.ie