Instructions:

  1. Select membership status (member discount automatically calculated).
  2. Provide student information and sign waiver.
  3. Select classes (multiple class discount automatically calculated.)
  4. IMPORTANT: If you have arranged for offline payment, payment by installments or have received a scholarship, select "Pre-Registration" in the payment section.  You will still need to enter a valid credit card BUT IT WILL NOT BE CHARGED. 
  5. Complete transaction.  You will see a registration summary and will receive an email confirmation.

Want to become a BRIMS Member?  See details here: https://www.blueridgeirishmusic.org/join-brims

Liability Release: I hereby certify that student(s) listed on this form is/are in normal health and capable of participating safely in BRIMS programs. I will notify BRIMS of any pertinent health problems, and I am aware that Irish step dance is, at times, a high impact, aerobic activity and may not be appropriate for individuals with foot, ankle, knee or hip problems. I assume all risks and hazards incidental to the conduct of the program.

Medical Release: In the event I cannot be reached, I hereby give my permission to the management, faculty, and or staff of BRIMS to authorize any emergency medical care that may be required by the above student during their participation in classes, performances, or any related BRIMS event. I understand that I am responsible for any and all charges as a result of such care or medical treatment.

I give permission to BRIMS to use photos/videos of me or my child(ren) taken during BRIMS classes and activities. BRIMS will never include a student’s name with any photos.

Classes begin September 9th (Tuesday) and September 11th (Thursday) and are held at Charlottesville Waldorf School.

  • BRIMS Fall Classes; September 9 & 11 through December 2 & 4
  • No classes October 30th, No classes November 25 and 27
  • Holiday Showcase-December 14 in the Dickinson Theater at PVCC

Select your classes from the list below. Tuesday classes are listed first, followed by Thursday classes.
If registering more than one student, click the "Add Another Student" button below the class list

Member Discount:  BRIMS members receive a $20 per class discount.
Multi-class Discount: If more than one class is selected per registration, a $10 per class discount will be applied. 

Tuesday Class Offerings

  • Ages 6-8
    4:00-5:00 PM
    Lori Madden
    $380 ($360 for members)

    For students that have taken at least one semester of Irish dance. Dancers will continue to expand their repertoire of steps while working to improve style, technique, rhythm and timing. No special gear needed. Advanced beginners can still dance in bare feet or ballet flats. Comfortable clothing that allows for free movement of legs and feet is a must!

  • Ages 8-11
    4:00-5:00 PM
    Mimi Vidaver Davis
    $380 ($360 for members)

    For students that have taken at least one semester of Irish dance. Dancers will continue to expand their repertoire of steps while working to improve style, technique, rhythm and timing. No special gear needed. Advanced beginners can still dance in bare feet or ballet flats. Comfortable clothing that allows for free movement of legs and feet is a must!

  • All Ages
    4:15-5:15PM
    Brenda Cox
    $380 ($360 for members)

    Starting at the very beginning - a very good place to start! The focus of this introductory class includes learning the parts of the harp and how to tune it, beginning technique and ergonomics of injury-free playing, some written note identification, ear training, practice habits and of course, playing tunes. BRIMS has a number of harps to rent at a very reasonable price.

  • Ages 7-13
    4:30-5:00 PM
    Matthew O'Donnell
    $190 ($170 for members)

    For kids completely new to the instrument. Kids will learn the basics of 4-string tenor banjo or mandolin in the Irish style: how to hold and play the instrument, how to read tablature, and how to play simple melodies. Students may bring either tenor banjo or mandolin to the class.

  • Ages 7-11
    5:00-6:00 PM
    Lori Madden
    $380 ($360 for members)

    In this class we will cover the basic repertoire of movements, form and technique that are the foundation for Irish dance. Students should wear leggings; no special shoes needed as students can dance in bare feet or in traditional ballet flats, if they prefer.

  • Teen/Adult
    5:00-6:00 PM
    Fiona Balestrieri
    $380 ($360 for members)

    Sean-nós or “old-style” dancing is an improvised percussive dance style that shares roots with flatfooting, clogging, and modern Irish hard shoe. In this class, you will learn the “basic” foot rhythms of Jigs and Reels and build a repertoire of “steps.”

  • Ages 11-16
    5:00-6:00PM
    Randy Seelye
    $380 ($360 for members)

    This class can only accept 2 children who want to begin to learn the Uilleann Pipes. Each student will receive a BRIMS rental practice set which will be fitted to them. The class will focus on the foundational aspects of piping important to beginners: posture, bellows work, hand placement, bag pressure, tuning, and, of course, learning tunes. (Prospective students must participate in a free “Try the Pipes” session to make sure their hands are long enough for the chanter and to have a basic understanding of the instrument). *At least one parent will be required to attend the class.

  • 5:00-6:00 PM
    Mimi Vidaver-Davis, Matthew O'Donnell
    Free, By Permission

    BRIMS’ Traditional Music Ensemble (Trad) is an opportunity for Irish musicians (teens and adults), within the BRIMS community, to showcase their skills in and around Charlottesville. The Trad Ensemble functions as the public face of BRIMS, playing at local venues and providing community outreach in keeping with BRIMS’ status as a non-profit arts organization. Trad Ensemble allows members to hone the craft of musical performance by encouraging participants to arrange sets of tunes, play for and collaborate with dancers, and build a general comfort around interacting with an audience. Ensemble members will work with ensemble leaders to develop a well-crafted set list that can be used in a variety of performance settings. Please contact Lori Madden at [email protected] for more information and specific details regarding guidelines for musicians.

  • All Ages
    5:15-6:15 PM
    Brenda Cox
    $380 ($360 for members)

    This class is for students who have had at least two semesters of beginning harp classes. We take a closer look at technique, playing with both hands together, reading bass clef as well as treble, group and solo playing. Technique exercise are presented as well as Celtic harp repertoire. Classes are taught by ear and with printed sheet music. And we smile a lot!

  • 6:00-7:00 PM
    Fiona Balestrieri
    $380 ($360 for members)

    For students having completed one or more semesters of sean-nós dance class or by permission of the instructor

  • Teen/Adult
    6:00-7:30 PM
    Mimi Vidaver-Davis
    $550 ($530 for members)

    This class is for students with several years of previous Irish dance experience, or with instructor permission. Class will include warm-ups and drills designed to improve technique and foot placement in both soft shoe and hardshoe dancing. The softshoe section of class will include repertoire building of soft shoe jig, reel, and slip jig steps in addition to figure dancing and group choreography. The hardshoe component will emphasize musicality and forming a deep understanding of the rhythms of Irish music, all while building a class repertoire of hornpipe, treble reel and treble jig steps (along with some traditional set dances!)

  • 6:00-7:00 PM
    Alex Davis
    $380 ($360 for members)

    Come join us in learning new tunes to expand your personal tune library and build your confidence in playing in a session. We will learn a range of Irish tunes while exploring rhythm, tempo, lift and how to play in a group. Players of all instrument types are welcome, though basic proficiency on an instrument is expected. We will learn tunes primarily by ear, though sheet music can be provided on request.

  • Teen/Adult
    6:00-7:00 PM
    Matthew O'Donnell
    $380 ($360 for members)

    For the absolute beginner on bodhran. Drums provided if needed. In this class you will learn how to hold and play the bodhran drum, the basic rhythm for accompanying Irish reels, jigs, polkas, and other common tunes, how to use accents to enliven tunes, and how to play bodhran in a session.

  • Ages 16+
    6:00-7:00 PM
    Randy Seelye
    $380 ($360 for members)

    This is a group class for beginners in Uilleann Piping. Students must at least have their own practice set of pipes - or a rental set through BRIMS. The class will focus on foundational aspects of piping that are important to beginners: posture, bellows work, hand placement, bag pressure, tuning, and of course learning new tunes.

  • All Ages
    6:30-7:30 PM
    Brenda Cox
    $380 ($360 for members)

    Generally for students who have had at least two years of harp training. The repertoire for this class includes technique building exercises as well as standard Celtic harp repertoire. Emphasis is placed on consistent fingering, placing, and musicality. Solo and group playing are explored. All classes are taught by ear and with printed sheet music. And we have great fun making beautiful music!

  • Teen/Adult
    7:00-8:00 PM
    Matthew O'Donnell
    $380 ($360 for members)

    For students who have some experience playing the bodhran drum, and can play the basic patterns for reels and jigs. Drums provided if needed. This class will cover more advanced techniques including syncopated rhythms, triplets and left hand tone-changing, and how to use these techniques to craft unique rhythms that complement Irish tunes.

  • Teen/Adult
    7:00-8:00 PM
    Fiona Balestrieri
    $380 ($360 for members)

    In this class we join in a vast and diverse oral tradition of song that links Ireland to its many diasporas. We will build a repertoire of songs in Irish and English, and use them to explore vocal ornamentation and harmony singing. As we sing, we will also work on relaxing the tension that many of us bring to singing through deep breathing and mindfulness. I hope that each one of you will come out of the class your own versions of the songs we learn and the heart to sing them with confidence in the shower, the pub, or wherever songs are sung.

  • 7:30-8:30 PM
    Mimi Vidaver-Davis
    $380 ($360 for members)

    Cape Breton step dancing is a percussive, close-to-the-floor dance tradition rooted in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. In this 4-week class series, students will learn the subtle—but important!—similarities and differences between Cape Breton step dance and Irish dance traditions. Class will focus primarily on mastering “the basic” reel step and all of its many variations, followed by an introduction to the rhythm of the strathspey and some foundational strathspey steps and movements. No previous dance experience required.

Thursday Class Offerings

  • Ages 5-7
    4:00-4:30 PM
    Mimi Vidaver-Davis
    $190 ($170 for members)

    This class is an introduction to playing the Irish tin whistle. Students will learn about finger placement and how to make clear, distinct sounds. This class will also introduce the concept of learning tunes “by ear,” starting with already-familiar rhymes and melodies before moving on to simple Irish tunes. No previous tin whistle or music experience necessary.

  • Ages 8-12
    4:30-5:00 PM
    Mimi Vidaver-Davis
    $190 ($170 for members)

    This class is an introduction to playing the Irish tin whistle. Students will learn about finger placement and how to make clear, distinct sounds. This class will also introduce the concept of learning tunes “by ear,” starting with already-familiar rhymes and melodies before moving on to simple Irish tunes. No previous tin whistle or music experience necessary.

  • Ages 5-6
    4:00-5:00PM
    Lori Madden
    $380 ($360 for members)

    For the absolute beginner to Irish dance. In this class we will cover the basic repertoire of movements, form and technique that are the foundation for Irish dance. Students should wear leggings; no special shoes needed as students can dance in bare feet or in traditional ballet flats, if they prefer.

  • Ages 7-11
    5:00-6:00 PM
    Lori Madden
    $380 ($360 for members)

    In this class we will cover the basic repertoire of movements, form and technique that are the foundation for Irish dance. Students should wear leggings; no special shoes needed as students can dance in bare feet or in traditional ballet flats, if they prefer.

  • Ages 9-12
    5:00-6:00 PM
    Mimi Vidaver-Davis
    $380 ($360 for members)

    For students who have taken at least 2 semesters of soft shoe dance, or by Instructor permission.

  • Ages 8-13
    6:00-6:30 PM
    Mimi Vidaver-Davis 
    $190 ($170 for members)

    This introduction to dancing in hardshoes requires at least two semesters of soft shoe classes. In this class students will learn the basics of making music with their feet! We will start every class with a series of warm ups and drills that help build foot and ankle strength as well as familiarity with the different sounds that Irish hardshoes can make. We will then work on mastering some of the foundational movements and rhythms (including trebles, brush downs, treble hop backs, and treble downs) eventually incorporating these movements into basic 8 bar steps to fit the music. To make the most of our time, students must arrive to class with hardshoes on and ready to dance.

  • Ages 8-13
    6:30-7:00 PM
    Mimi Vidaver-Davis
    $190 ($170 for members)

    This class gives students with previous hardshoe experience the opportunity to hone their skills and build their repertoire of hardshoe steps. Each class will include warm-ups and drills, the chance to reinforce known steps, and the introduction of new material. Through the course of the semester we will spend time exploring the different time signatures within Irish music and focusing on the musicality of the our feet and the sounds that they make. Additional performing opportunities may come up for this class throughout the semester, so students will also have the chance to get creative with arranging steps and creating their own class choreography. To make the most of our time, students must arrive to class with hardshoes on and ready to dance.

  • Teen/Adult
    6:00-7:00PM
    Chloe Hellerman
    $380 ($360 for members)

    This class focuses on learning and refining the basics of Irish step dance, building a repertoire of steps, and collaborating to develop group choreography.

  • Teen/Adult
    6:00-7:00PM
    Lori Madden
    $380 ($360 for members)

    No previous dance experience needed! Discover the fun of Irish set dancing! This lively Irish social dance style is for 4 couples in a square set (as in American square dance). No footwork is required for this style of dance, and sign-ups are for individuals.

  • Teen/Adult (or by permission)
    6:00-7:00PM
    Tes Slominski
    $380 ($360 for members)

    In this course for musicians who are already proficient on violin/fiddle, we will explore the nuances of the Irish style, with a focus on bowing technique, rhythm, and the all-important feeling of "lift." (If time allows, we will also learn some left-hand ornaments.) Along the way, we'll learn tunes that are popular in the Charlottesville Irish traditional music scene.

  • Ages 16+
    6:00-7:00PM
    Randy Seelye
    $380 ($360 for members)

    This class is for teens and adults who have their own pipe set and have taken a beginner class or equivalent, and have a good grasp of the instrument's mechanics (bellows, bag, and chanter). The student should be able to comfortably play all types of tunes with basic ornamentation. This class will build on foundational skills--focusing on technique, ornamentation and repertoire. Drones will also be addressed if the student has them.

  • Teen/Adult
    6:00-7:00 PM (Zoom Meeting Only)
    Fiona Balestrieri
    $380 ($360 for members)

    In this class, we will spend time learning about the intricacies of flute technique: breathing, phrasing, tone, and ornamentation. Each week we will pick one or two tunes to explore, and find out just what we can do with them! We will also spend some time listening to different players and discussing what techniques they are using to create their own personal style.

  • Ages 9-14
    7:00-8:00PM
    Tes Slominski
    $200

    The BRIMS Bridge Ensemble teaches tunes, songs, performance, and teamwork skills to musicians ages 9 and up. The ensemble will perform several times per semester and will occasionally collaborate with other BRIMS groups (dance students, the adult Trad Ensemble, etc.). Admission by permission of instructor.

  • Teen/Adult
    7:00-8:00PM
    Mimi Vidaver-Davis
    Free

    BRIMS’ Dance Ensemble is an opportunity for experienced Irish dancers (teens and adults), within the BRIMS community, to showcase their skills alongside BRIMS' Trad Ensemble. Just as the Trad Ensemble functions as the public face of BRIMS, playing at local venues and providing community outreach in keeping with BRIMS’ status as a non-profit arts organization, the Dance Ensemble represents the connection between music and dance within the Irish musical tradition. Dance Ensemble gives dancers the opportunity to collaborate with other dancers, create choreography for performances, learn and practice existing traditional figure dances, and the chance to work closely with musicians to create entertaining live shows. Participation is by permission only.

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