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Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is our parent organisation. Since 1951 Comhaltas has been working to promote the performance and appreciation of the traditional music of Ireland. The objectives of Comhaltas are:
- To promote Irish Traditional Music in all its forms
- To restore the playing of the harp and Uilleann Pipes in the National life of Ireland
- To promote Irish Traditional Dancing
- To foster and promote the Irish Language at all times
- To create a closer bond among all lovers of Irish music
- To co-operate with all bodies working for the restoration of Irish Culture
- To establish branches throughout the country and abroad to achieve the foregoing aims and objects
The following advice is given by Comhaltas to anyone setting up or running a branch:
Role of a Comhaltas
Branch
Effective and vibrant local branches are essential to the
continued success of the Comhaltas movement. Well-run
branches involve all members in branch activities including
music and dancing classes, concert performances, and
sessions. Some suggestions for branch organisers are
outlined in the following section.
Suggestions for Branch
Organisers
Sessions and social activities:
- Hold regular branch sessions at a suitable venue
where families of all ages can be encouraged to
attend.
- Arrange branch outings.
- Arrange day trips to the seaside, places of
historical interest, fleadhanna, festivals, and so
on.
- Attend events, such as sessions and dinners, at other
branches.
- Liaise with other organisations (for example,
co-operate with the local GAA and ICA in your area).
Educational activities:
- Organise classes for music, song, dance, and
language.
- Recruit suitable music teachers and hold adult set
dancing and language classes.
- Assist teachers with class organisation so that their
time can be devoted fully to tuition.
- Record local musicians, singers, and storytellers. In
particular, video any solo traditional dancers.
- Record local songs, stories, rare musical items, and
so on for posterity (the quality of the performance is
not necessarily important).
Meetings:
- Send delegates to board meetings, regional
conventions, and annual congress.
- Hold regular committee meetings and full general
meetings as required by the Bunreacht.
- Uphold the ideals and objectives of CCE at all
times.
- Perform any duties delegated to you by the board or
region.
Branch administration:
- Encourage branch and class membership growth.
- Encourage participation in Fleadhanna.
- Publicise all branch activities:
- Locally - shops, post office, church (if
allowed)
- Regionally - post local notices in the weekly
paper and on local radio.
- Use any other facilities available - newsletter,
parish magazine, and so on.
- Consider modern technology - develop a Web site,
for example.
Always stress that the branch is part of the overall
organisation.
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