The Bodhrán is a simple frame-drum, a skin stretched over a wooden hoop, that is played with one or more beaters or bare-handed. Most cultures develop frame-drums and there are a wide variety of instrument configurations and resulting playing styles. Irish music, and more generally “Celtic” music, is no different. The drum adds to the pulse or swing of the melody and emphasizes aspects of the melody in partnership with the melody players.
Please bring your Bodhrán, a notebook or other bit of stiff cardboard that can act like a drumhead and join us.
Dean Karres started music lessons in the early ’70’s (piano and percussion). In the early ’90’s Irish music grabbed him firmly by the heart and has not loosened its grip yet. His first Irish instrument was a set of spoons. These were quickly followed by Bodhrán and tin whistle. Eventually he discovered Uilleann bagpipes. He has taught Bodhrán clinics from the Carolinas to Colorado. In 2005 he competed in two events (Bodhrán and Lilting) at the Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann Midwestern Regional Fleadh in St Louis where he took First in Over-18 Bodhrán and Second in Over-18 Lilting.
Today, Dean mainly plays in traditional Irish sessions though he has played Bodhrán with two large choirs as well as Bluegrass and Old Time groups. He promotes traditional Celtic music concerts through “The Piper’s Hut“; and, he has been the Celtic music consultant for the CU Folk & Roots Festival.
Friday, November 2nd, 5:30pm-6:30pm
Heartland Gallery
Free