Crash Ensemble in partnership with the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny present a 4 day workshop series facilitated by Ed Devane with mentorship from the Crash Ensemble musicians.
Age range: Suitable for young people aged between 13 and 18 who are learning a musical instrument.
Venue: Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny
Dates: 28-31 October 2025
Fee: €20 participation fee
>> WHAT’S COVERED EACH DAY?
Tuesday 28th October – Introduction to Sound & Materials
10am-12noon
Foundations of sound design and instrument-making
Activities include:
Listening and sonic awareness exercises
- – Exploration of everyday materials as sound-makers (striking, rubbing, bowing)
– Basic principles of instrument design and amplification
– Introduction to recording with smartphones
– Mentoring from Crash musicians
Wednesday 29th October – Sampling, Mixing, and Electronic Instruments
10am-4pm (including a 1-hour lunch break)
Sound transformation and performance interfaces
Activities include:
– Sharing and analysing recorded material from Session 1
– Creating and manipulating samples using accessible tools (e.g. phone apps or instructor-provided Arduino-based samplers)
– Introduction to op-amps, mic preamps, and basic amplification principles
– Graphic notation and conducted improvisation
– Blending electronic and acoustic instruments
– Mentoring from Crash musicians
Thursday 30th October – Composition & Rehearsal
10am-4pm (including a 1-hour lunch break)
Composition, structure, and collaborative refinement
Activities include:
– Composition workshop using participants’ instrument, recordings, and electronics
– Rehearsing solo or small-group works
– Applying extended techniques, graphic scores, and improvisation
– Mentoring from Crash musicians
Friday 31st October – (Optional) Informal Performance/Sharing
12 noon (duration approximately 1.5 hours)
– Informal sharing of works – friends and family can attend.
Limited to 15 participants. Booking essential.
