I received the following announcement from Bill Ochs which may be of interest to area Mudcatters. Bill Ochs is the man who wrote the Clarke Tin Whistle Book and is a master teacher. Margaret

I will teach a free tin whistle workshop on Sunday, January 12 at the Irish Arts Center, 553 W. 51st Street between 10th and 11th Avenues in Manhattan. The workshop is divided into three sections: Absolute Beginners, 2:00 to 3:00 PM; Advanced Beginners, 3:00 to 4:00 PM; and Intermediate (Intro to Ornamentation), 4:00 to 5:00 PM.

Bring your own tin whistle in the key of D or purchase one for $10 at the workshop. For reservations or further information, please call me at 212-247-3231 or e-mail me at bill@pennywhistle.com.

I will also offer three levels of 8-week tin whistle classes at the Irish Arts Center beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Details as follows:

Absolute Beginners Tin Whistle: Tuesdays, 6 - 7 pm
No previous musical training required. Through a series of easy steps, you'll learn to sound a progression of notes, and then build these notes into simple tunes. Once you've mastered the basics, you'll learn some of the best-loved Irish ballads of all time. And you'll receive a free practice-CD to play along with at home. $130 for 8-week cycle ($80 registration plus $50 class fee: $30 discount to IAC members).

Advanced Beginners Tin Whistle: Tuesdays, 7 - 8 pm
If you can already play Irish ballads, this class will take you to the next level -- playing Irish dance tunes. You'll learn simple but lively examples of the jig, reel, hornpipe, slip jig, fling, Kerry polka, and more. Free practice-CD included. $150 for 8-week cycle ($80 registration plus $70 class fee: $30 discount to IAC members).

Intermediate Tin Whistle: Tuesdays, 8 - 9 pm
If you've been playing Irish dance tunes for a while, this class will teach you the secrets of tin whistle ornamentation. A series of eight jigs will show you how to tip, cut, and roll like a pro! Free practice-CD included. $150 for 8-week cycle ($80 registration plus $70 class fee: $30 discount to IAC members).

More advanced classes and private tuition are available at my home/studio in mid-Manhattan. Please contact me for further details.

Bill Ochs

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Web: www.pennywhistle.com
E-mail: bill@pennywhistle.com
Phone: 212.247.3231
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