Frequently Asked Questions

Who can come to the Fleadh?
Everyone is welcome, the public is encouraged to attend and see what is happening with our traditional Irish music and song. There are a variety of competitions on Friday evening as well as a concert and ceilí dance. Come and listen to the impromptu sessions that will go into the wee hours in the hotel lobby and corridors. It is quite an experience to see all the young talent playing Irish traditional music.

How do I register to compete?
Use the online Registration system (23April2008). More Registration info here...

What is the dealine for registration?
Extended to Staurday, May 3, 2008

What happens if I register after deadline?
You will pay an additional $10 late fee and you will be moved to the front of the line (first to play) in your competition.

I've never competed before, can I play at the Midwest Fleadh?
YES. There is no previous experience necessary, but you will be expected to be play traditional Irish music.

How old do I have to be?
The contests are based on a range of age categoies from under 10 to over 18. See the Programme for more details

What does it cost?
Generally it's $20 for the first competition and $5 for anything after that if you belong to Comhaltas and $30/$7 is non-member. Bands vary by age. More info here...

What is a good way to prepare for the fleadh?
In a word...practice. Your teacher at your Comhaltas Branch should be able to provide specifics about your instrument or competition.

I am not currently a member of a Comhaltas branch. Can I compete anyway?
YES. There is a category for non-Comhaltas members to compete that requires a $10 premium over members entry fee.

Who can join Comhaltas. Do I need to be a musician singer or dancer?
Comhaltas is about your interest in traditional Irish arts. Comhaltas need people who are interested in enjoying the Irish arts and can lend a hand by joining. There will be opportunity to join Comhaltas at the Fleadh event. There is no requirement to be Irish, but it doesn't hurt either if you are.

What is "traditional"?
"Traditional" is not defined by the age of the song or tune, even if it's more than 100 years old. It has everything to do with the style and ornamentation of the performance that defines it as "traditional". There are new compositions composed all the time that fit within the definition of "traditional". That is why the phrase "A Living Tradition" is so fitting. The tradition continues go grow and evolve over time. There are influences that you should be aware may not be considered traditiona, even though you may hear popular bands described as "Irish". You should be coached by qualified teachers from your branch long before you enter competition so that any such issues are raised before the actual competition.

The following texts may also prove useful.
Breandán Breathnach, 'Folk Music and Dances of Ireland' (Dublin: Talbot Press, 1971 - Reissued by Ossian Publications, Cork). Available from Ossian USA. Music Reference. Softcover. 152 pages. (MS.OMB123). Approximate cost $15 (plus shipping and handling).
Gearóid Ó hAllmhuráin, 'A Pocket History of Irish Traditional Music' (Dublin: O'Brien Press, 1998 - Third Edition 2002). Available from Celtic Crossings, San Francisco, CA. Music Reference. Softcover, 189 pages. Approximate cost $15 (plus shipping and handling).

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How can I learn about the traditional Irish singing standards?
Traditionally Irish singing is usually unaccompanied. Here are a few examples of tradional "old sytle or "sean Nos" singing in the Irish language. Even though you may not understand the words, Irish singing in English should capture the same tone, temp and feel.
Máirtín Seoighe on YouTube
Seamus O Beaglaoich - singing An Cailin Ban
Lament of the Three Marys - iarla O Lionaird (with accompanyment)

Consider listening to the songs of Len Graham and Tim Dennehy, for example. Another important collection that was published recently is titled: 'Around the Hills of Clare' songs from the fieldwork of Jim Carroll and Pat Mackenzie. This work got rave reviews in Ireland. It also contains full lyrics and extensive research notes - ideal for teachers. The songs of Mary Ann Carolan, and the songs of Elizabeth Cronin from West Cork, whose collection was recently re-issued by her grandson Daithí Ó Croinín. It includes a superb book, CD and lyrics for each individual song - again, ideal for a teacher to work with. Elizabeth Cronin's work was collected by the celebrated American folklorist, Alan Lomax, in Ireland in the 1950s and forms a major part of the Irish collection in the Smithsonian Institute.

What qualifies as a miscellaneous instrument?
This category caters for all instruments, on which the melody can be played, which are not catered for in other solo competitions. Please note electronic, mains or battery powered instruments are not accepted. As you can see, there is no mention of finger work. For example, the harmonica is an accepted instrument in this competition, but it is not played with the fingers. The important point about instruments in this competition is that it must be possible to play the melody on a miscellaneous instrument.

Duet/trio competitions
In duet/trio competitions, the important point is that all instruments must play the melody, e.g. an accordion and bodhran is not an acceptable duet, neither is an accordion with piano/harp/guitar accompaniment. If one of those instruments is included, the tunes must be played on them.
A senior duet must consist of two different types of instruments, and a senior trio must consist of at least two different types of instruments, e.g. two flutes and a fiddle, but not three flutes. This does not apply to under 18 grades.

In the performance the individual musicians must blend together, so there has to be an element of compromise between the musicians, in other words, they must sacrifice some of their individual styles in order to blend together, otherwise there could be a clash of styles. Good teamwork is important here. They need to have a good understanding of each other’s playing. Balance is also important. All instruments involved must be heard throughout. Other requirements are as in solo competitions, such as rhythm, phrasing, tempo, ornamentation, etc.

Where can I send other questions ?
Contact the Fleadh by e-mail at Fleadh@DetroitIMA.org

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