Introduction to Sean-nós Singing: Donegal Songs with Geneviève Galarneau (US)
10:00am - 11:00am (1 hour)
​Fee: $15 Suggested Donation

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If you plan to attend the Sean-ńos workshop, please download and print the required handout below. 

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In this workshop, you will learn about sean-nós singing and the stylistic features of the Donegal regional style. We will discuss the range of ornamental features found in Donegal style sean-nós, review pronunciation for Donegal Irish, and learn a sean-nós song (in Irish). No prior knowledge of Irish is required.
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Geneviève Galarneau started singing sean-nós in 2009-2010 while taking an intensive Irish studies course, which culminated in a month in the Gaeltacht of Gleann Cholm Cille.  In 2015, she graduated with her Master’s Degree in Folklore and Ethnomusicology from Indiana University with a focus in Irish traditional song and folklore, and a particular emphasis on Ulster songs and Donegal regional singing. Geneviève has been a featured singer for Whelan’s Master Sessions (singing alongside Niamh Parsons, Cathy Jordan, and Clare Horgan) and at Portland’s monthly song event, Oíche na n-Amhrán. She has given demonstrations of regionality in sean-nós singing at Cascadia Irish Music Week and at The Evergreen State College. Geneviève currently serves on the board of Oregon’s Mícheál Ó Domhnaill branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. 
Geneviève has learned songs from celebrated sean-nós singers, including, Dr. Lillis Ó Laoire, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Gearoidín Breathnach, Celia Ní Fhártharta, Brian Ó Domhnaill, Brían Ó hAirt, Máirín Uí Chéide, Thomas McCarthy, and Saileog Ní Cheannabháin.