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Many Paths to Handing Down a Tradition

June 4, 2024

The Center for Irish Music is excited to announce that we have contracted with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) consultant Sook Jin Ong to help us better understand, honor, and respond to the experiences and needs of our community.

We know that our work, our organization, and our artistic traditions do not exist in a vacuum. We hope that this project will help us better understand the cultural context that our organization exists within, as well as the diverse perspectives, interests, and connections of our students, instructors, staff, and friends.

JOIN US FOR A STORY-SHARING SESSION!

We believe the journey to inclusivity begins with self-reflection. To help lay the groundwork for further exploration around issues of inclusion, equity and diversity, and to help us all to better understand the interconnected nature of music and our various identities in life, we are embarking on a community story-sharing project in 2024.

We welcome and encourage our community members to join in conversation with each other by sharing stories of how Irish music weaves its way into the fabric of our lives. Marking CIM's 20th anniversary, this project makes time for conversation, connection, and reflection. By recognizing and uplifting our stories, identities, and backgrounds, together we can help our community grow and evolve.

We hope you enjoy getting to know more about the people who help make the Center for Irish Music a vibrant, diverse, and joy-filled music community.

Agenda:

  • First half: At your table, we will share our stories based on these two questions:
    • How did your love for Irish music lead you to the Center for Irish Music?
    • How has Irish music shaped and impacted who you are? 
  • Second half: At your table, discuss “What can CIM and all of us do to support who we are as musicians and lifelong learners? What will allow us to show up more fully as ourselves?” 
  • Closing activity: What can each of us bring to make CIM a better place to learn Irish music?” 

Dates, times, and location - updated June 18, 2024

  • Tuesday, June 25, 7:00-8:30 pm, in Scanlan Music Hall
  • NEW SESSION on Wednesday, July 17th, 5:00pm-6:30pm in Scanlan Music Hall

Who is invited?

  • Current students of all ages, including MIM students.
    • Parents of cuties, sweeties or other children's classes are welcome to attend as a representative of the family.
    • Parents of children and teens are welcome to attend on their own, or with their children. Sessions will be made as family-friendly as possible. If you come with your family, we will make an effort to place you in a group with other families.
    • Teen and young adult students are strongly encouraged to attend!
  • CIM donors who have also been students
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Community Interviews

In addition to the story-sharing sessions above, we have engaged in several in-depth interviews with several Center for Irish Music students and instructors. Their stories are just a few examples of the myriad experiences and identities reflected in our community.

The first of these interviews are linked below. We hope you will take a few moments to get to know your fellow community members, and to begin thinking about your own journey to traditional Irish music.

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Many Paths: Dáithí Sproule’s Story July 18, 2024

CIM is truly lucky to have many teachers who dedicate their lives to the love of Irish music, and the mastery of their instruments. One of them is Dáithí Sproule, a deeply respected teacher and musician in the Irish music scene, credited by many as the inspiration for DADGAD guitar playing in Irish music. Dáithí also loves the fiddle. Many students and musicians enjoy his classes, deep curiosity for the tradition, and a lifelong dedication to learning. We are delighted to bring his story to you.
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Many Paths: Cory Froehlich’s Story June 20, 2024

This interview is part of the Center for Irish Music’s story-sharing project, “Many Paths to...
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Many Paths: Claire Vanorny’s Story June 14, 2024

An important part of CIM’s mission is to connect the younger generation with the Irish music tradition. Many young musicians have spent many hours in the classrooms of CIM in private and group lessons, building friendships with each other, and a deep appreciation for the culture of this artform. Claire Vanorny has a deep connection to these spaces as a talented fiddle player and emerging composer. We are delighted to bring her story to you.
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Many Paths: Jo Ann Vano’s Story June 4, 2024

This interview is part of the Center for Irish Music’s story-sharing project, “Many Paths to...
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