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Hope to see you soon! 

Justin Jacobson, Director

505 Crescent Blvd, Ste 2
Glen Ellyn

630.386.7680

A music school devoted to joyful, servant-hearted musicianship in Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, and beyond.  Piano, Violin, Guitar, Voice, Cello, and Flute Lessons. 

Irish Band.webp

Irish Band

IRISH BANDS

“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”
— J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

THE VISION
The only thing better than gathering with friends to sing and play music together, is gathering with friends to sing and play IRISH music together! At Bellas Artes, it is our goal to make this experience available to more and more people here in our corner of the world.

If indeed the Irish saved civilization, as Thomas Cahill persuasively contends (their monasteries preserved the manuscripts of antiquity), then we would contend that the Irish are still saving civilization with their music.

OVERVIEW
Students will be given an opportunity to play with other musicians, receive coaching from an experienced professional on our faculty, possibly compete in a regionial Flaedh, and hopefully make some new friends along the way!

  • FALL or SPRING 2026

    • Meet weekly or every other week (TBD) - a full hour of instruction and jam time at our Wheaton Campus

    • Time TBD - tentatively Thursdays 7:15 or Tuesdays 6:00p (every other week) for one hour, depending on availability of students

    • Coach/instructor - Mrs. Maggie Worley

    • 1 Recital Performance - will perform in a Bellas Artes recital as a group

    • Local Performances - we may have the ensemble perform for local events or join pub sessions in the community

    • Fleadh Competition - If Ensemble advances well together, we may consider entering a regional competition. Though not required for participation in our Irish Band, these opportunities are a lot of fun and give students a concrete goal to work toward. The upcoming Midwest Fleadh Cheoil (Friday and Saturday May 7-8) is in St Louis this year.

    • If you want to join mid-semester, we might still be able to place you. If we do, we will pro-rate your bill accordingly.


    PRICING - $25 per hour of group instruction

    • Fall/Spring (weekly or bimonthly sessions) - around $90/month ($25/hr) if group meets once a week or $45/mo if bimonthly 

    • $25 registration fee - waived if you are already enrolled in private lessons here at BA.

    • Bring a friend (not already enrolled at BA), 10% off for both you and your friend!

  • WHO CAN JOIN

    • Ages: 11 and above.

    • Instruments: fiddle, Irish flute, tin whistle, piano, snare drum, concertina, button accordion, piano accordion, concertina, tenor banjo, mandolin. 

    • Experience: at least one year of experience with instrument. Students who have experience in another musical style (classical, bluegrass, etc.) may also be eligible.

    • A strong work ethic required: While Irish music is great fun, it is also a precise style. Students should be willing to immerse themselves in the style through regular practice and intentional listening throughout the week so they can play with an authentic traditional sound.

    • Video auditions: Student should record a video playing these tunes and submit to Mrs. Maggie - maggie@baschoolofmusic.com

      • Reels: Boy in the Boat, Sally Gardens, Drowsy Maggie

      • March: Dawning of the Day

      • Hornpipe: Off to California 

      • Jigs: Connaughtman’s Rambles, Mug of Brown Ale, The Kesh

    • Placement: Students will be placed in groups according to their age/experience in order to make sure all students have the best experience.


    EXPECTATIONS

    • Be on time - Be warmed up and ready to play by the designated start time of class – instruments set up and in tune.

    • Practice - Spend time practicing your music on your own throughout the week – minimum of 5 days a week of practice.

    • Listen - Spend time listening to a variety of music during the week. Periodically, listening recommendations/assignments will be given by the instructor.

    • Be organized  - Bring any music (if notated) we are working on, pencil, and paper to every rehearsal.

    • Binder - All students should bring a three ring binder, with plastic sheet protectors. Music may be provided by the teacher and it will be the responsibility of the student to keep the music organized and accessible.

    • Be consistent - Any missed rehearsals are non-refundable - we still need to pay your coach for their time

  • 1. FILL OUT A PLACEMENT REQUEST FORM:

    • This will provide us with your schedule availability and pertinent background information.

    • Once we receive all placement requests, we will group/place students accordingly, and notify everyone.

    2. FILL OUT FOLK BAND ENROLLMENT FORM

    • Once we place you in a band, we will send you a link to the Band Enrollment form, where you will confirm your commitment. 

    • Once we have received your enrollment form, our Office Manager, Kimberly, will schedule your tuition payment.

    Any questions re: the band? Feel free to reach out to Mrs. Maggie (maggie@baschoolofmusici.com)

    Any questions re: billing or logistics? 630.386.7680 | info@baschoolofmusic.com