Minister Ruairi Quinn Launches Comhaltas “Trad is Fab” Programme

‘Trad is Fab’ is an audio-visual lesson scheme for primary schools produced by Comhaltas

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is preparing for a busy school year with their new initiative ‘Trad is Fab’ which was officially launched by Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn TD today. ‘Trad is Fab’ is specifically developed and arranged by the Comhaltas Meitheal Education committee to introduce primary school pupils to Traditional Irish music, song and dance. Each pack includes a DVD, five classroom posters, a teachers workbook and pupil worksheets for third and fourth class pupils.

The programme is designed to give the pupil the opportunity to recognise the important instruments in traditional music and the two other important elements, singing and dancing. Questions and guided activities place an emphasis on the key elements of pulse, beat, tempo, duration, pitch and timbre and a variety of time signatures are introduced in the ‘Tune Types’ section.

The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., said: “‘Trad is Fab’ is a great initiative where children are given the opportunity to experience their native culture. It allows primary school pupils to develop an awareness and appreciation of traditional Irish music and culture. While there are many routes to learning how to play an instrument, the new ‘Trad is Fab’ programme is very student focused and will keep children engaged.”

Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú, Ard Stiúrthóir of Comhaltas commented “We are delighted to be embarking on a new education programme. ‘Trad is Fab’ is designed with the necessary resources to introduce and teach traditional music, song and dance in the classroom.” He continued “We are preparing for a busy year ahead for this programme as it is designed to be used not only by teachers with knowledge of the traditions but also for teachers with no previous experience.”

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann provides over 1,000 classes a week in traditional music, signing, dancing and the Irish language throughout Ireland, Europe, America, Canada and further afield. Many branches offer instrument rentals or loans especially on expensive items such as the Uilleann Pipes or Harp.

For further information visit www.comhaltas.ie or call 01 2800 295.