EXPANDING CELTIC HORIZONS: AN INTEGRAL PART
OF THE FESTIVAL

Since the start of the Spanish Peaks Celtic Festival, in 2005, education has been woven into its musical fabric.  This has happened broadly speaking in two spheres.  

First, the festival has always provided a selection of between 20 and 30 workshops, advanced classes, and demonstration talks throughout the festival in the categories of instrument offerings, singing, dancing, storytelling and Celtic folk arts and culture.  

The second sphere of education embraces the school children of Huerfano County.  During our first five years when the economy was strong, we were able to offer three hours of involvement sessions for all school children K through 8.  The same professional artists and teachers that taught and performed for our adult participants ran these events.   Each Huerfano school was given its own concert and the children, grouped by age, enjoyed follow up sessions in singing, dancing and storytelling.  High school students were treated to a full-length concert of our featured performers who also talked to the students about Celtic music and the instruments they played, and answered student questions.

When the economy took a nosedive, school programs had to be drastically cut. However, this past year we were able to present two concerts of The Old Blind Dogs for 6th graders through senior high school students thanks to the generosity of Cuchara Hermosa who sponsored these events. Some performers volunteered their time and an interactive program was offered at one of the elementary schools.

If money comes available we would also like to bring an Irish dancer or preferably two dancers into Huerfano high schools and hopefully into the primary schools to work with students a week or two prior to the festival weekend so those students who demonstrate interest can take part in our weekend dance program, including dancing in the park on Saturday afternoon. 

Other ideas for 2012 are being considered, but again, they are based on what becomes financially feasible. If you have any workshops, classes, or demonstration talks you would like to see us run, let us know. Email Barbara Yule : johnyuleharps@gmail.com.