thexavierite
Saint Xavier University is home to many talented faculty, including adjunct music professor, Regina Garrity. Garrity has been teaching a course entitled Music of Ireland to Saint Xavier students for two years now. Her goal is to offer students an overview of Irish music.
Additionally, Garrity said, “My underlying goal for this class is for students to appreciate and enjoy Irish music in their community.”
An accomplished musician herself, Garrity grew up in Ireland. Learning how to play primarily through school, Regina can play the accordion, tin whistle, and piano, thanks to the heavy influence of music in Irish academics.
“Music is a focal point of Irish culture and identity. Growing up in rural Ireland, there aren’t that many things to do,” Garrity said. “The weather often dampens the possibility of outdoor activities. In a way, you rely on music as a social outlet. It never rains in the pub!”
Garrity says that she has been playing her three instruments intermittently since childhood and cites “natural absorption” as one of the many ways through which she learned how to play.
“As a child, I was mostly exposed to Irish music. […] In this way, Irish music became a part of who I am,” Garrity said. “As an adult, Irish music helps me stay close to my roots and is a social avenue to meet like-minded people.”
Although Music of Ireland is a relatively new course to the Saint Xavier curriculum, Garrity’s exciting teaching methods have already proved to be unique and hands-on. One of the first assignments for the class was to pay a visit to Clancy’s, a local pub.
Students were asked to listen to a seisiún, also known as a “session”, or informal performance. These sessions, Garrity said, are not planned or rehearsed and often include storytelling, songs, and dancing.
Not only were students invited to Clancy’s, they were also invited to a concert on-campus, which Garrity performed at with her group, the Dirty Wellies. Formed in 2013 by Garrity and two of her cousins, the Dirty Wellies now play local gigs, charity events, and even weddings.
“Originally, there were four members in the group. Now, we have doubled in size and even have a few guest artists who join us from time to time,” Garrity said.
Garrity also brings in local Irish musicians to speak to and perform for her class, something that isn’t exactly a common occurrence.
“I use a textbook as a reference only. To make the class as authentic as possible, I bring in a number of guest speakers and Irish musicians to perform. […] This year I am excited to host Skype interviews with a number of musicians abroad,” Garrity said.
In addition to guest speakers, Garrity also integrates technology into her lessons. “Technology is a critical component of the class. I embed all my assignments on Canvas and use multimedia to drive my instruction,” Garrity said.
Not only are students able to listen to traditional Irish music, they also learn about many instruments. Just some of these instruments include the harp, uilleann pipes, and the bodhrán. By the end of the semester, students will be able to distinguish each instrument and the different types of traditional Irish tunes such as jigs, reels, and airs.
“It is important to preserve and promote Irish music. Irish music has been traditionally passed down by ear, and has been subjected to risk of dying. Fortunately, we live in an area with a wealth of virtuosic traditional Irish musicians. In fact, I would say that we are surrounded by a great deal of talent,” Garrity said.
As Garrity said, there are many local sessions that happen in the Chicago area. Other than Clancy’s in Oak Lawn, Garrity recommends Lanigan’s Pub, Gaelic Park, and The Irish Times, just to name a few. She encourages everyone to pay a visit and experience Irish music for themselves. “Irish music evokes a sense of community,” Garrity said. “It’s all about the people.”
Katharine Arvia
Senior News Editor