Guestbook
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Gina Danaher
August 24, 2008
Let me be the first to congratulate the teachers and students of the Irish Music School of Chicago for their terrific performance which resulted in being placed 2nd in the 15 to 18 category at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Tullamore. The news of this accomplishment brought this proud mother to tears knowing how hard the musicians worked to channel into the performance the combined knowledge and experience of Sean Cleland and his instructors. Without a doubt, this has been the most rewarding Fleadh experience yet. Not only because of the results, but because each and every musician participating embraced the whole process enthusiastically and gave it their undivided attention whether they were in Detroit, Chicago or Nashville. The positive attitudes and spirit all-around contributed to the overall success and the forging of new collaborative friendships which will come back to bless all of these kids in the future.
My thanks to Sean, Jessica, and all of the other seasoned musicians who contributed to the contents of the competition medley.
My thanks to the parents who made the trip and looked after all of the kids whether they belonged to them or not.
Can't wait to see the video of the outstanding performance!!!
Dave Durbin
July 19, 2008
Congratulations to all of you and best of luck at the Fleadh Cheoil in Tullamore!
Monica
June 22, 2008
Hey everyone!!!
I had so much fun with all of you at the Fleadh! Thanks a million to Sean, Jesse, Devin, Jimmy Keane, Marta, Dennis Cahill, Conor Fleming and everyone who heiped us this year and made it so much fun.
Good luck to everyone competing in Ireland -I can't wait!
Salty & Scott AKA. Kristen
May 20, 2008
**Andrew's first fleadh he thought it was great,
we didnt go to bed until half past 8,
from on the stage we looked out at the crowd,
and saw in their faces that they were very proud!
playin da fairy fiddle, playin da drum,
where is kevin's comment? what a bum!
~These pretzels are making us thirsty!**
----- The End-------
by Salty(Andrew) and Kristen(Scotty)
Gina
May 18, 2008
The Fleadh was proof again of the high quality of training our students receive from all of the teachers associated with the Irish Music School. The Fleadh also highlights the commitment the teaching staff has to maintaining the tradition at its most fundamental level without sacrificing the creativity necessary to keep it fresh and exciting. Just when I thought there was nothing new to add to past performances, I was pleasantly surprised by the choice of tunes and the creative layering of all of the instruments. It makes all of the tedious driving to the north side during the weekly Tuesday snowstorm worthwhile.
A special thanks to the Willis family for infusing even more fun into the whole process. The kids were a delight and their enthusiasm for the music was very refreshing. It is obvious to me that the Willis musicians love the music and are doing what they do because they are committed to absorbing the tradition.
This year's effort was definitely a "coalition of the willing".
Kathleen
May 17, 2008
This year was mine and Kierna's very first Fleadh. I'm a veteran of Feis' and have to say we greatly enjoyed the Fleadh so much more. We met so many talented and genuinely nice people and my children's love for music has grown even more. Watching all the kids show how wonderfully talented they are as well as how great their teachers are has been inspirational.
You guys did a fabulous job!!
Keep up the good work.
Maureen Treacy Wojcik
May 17, 2008
Congratulations to all the young musicians for doing a tremendous job at the Fleadh. You all did a great individually as well as in your groups and we're all very, very proud of you!
Sean Cleland
May 17, 2008
Sean here.....
You guys were amazing last weekend at the Fleadh in Detroit and I am delighted and proud to know and work with you!!!
*Thank You Parents for all you do and for all your sacrifices!!!!!
*Thanks to Chief O'Neill's-Brendan and Siobhan you have helped us so much this year!!
*Thanks to Cathal and all at the Atlantic!
*Thanks to all at Gaelic park!
*Thanks to the Careys and the Harkins for the use of their homes!
*Thanks to the Irish Musicians Association
*And to the tremendous musicians that helped us craft our music:
Jessica Ziegler, Jesse Langen, Jackie Moran, Dennis Cahill, Marta Cook, Devin Shepherd, Conor Fleming, Pauline Conneely and Jimmy Keane.
Next stop the Fleadh Cheoil in Tullamore!!
Maggie
May 17, 2008
I just wanted to say "thanks" to Sean, Jessica, Jesse, Devin, Marta, Jackie Moran, Dennis Cahill, Conor Fleming, Jimmy Keane and the many other people who have helped us out this year. Your input made it possible for us to fully enjoy a TERRIFIC weekend! Thanks a million!
Lolly
May 17, 2008
The Fleadh was SO much fun this year.
Cheers to everyone who helped us make the Grupai Cheoil sound awesome.
K-ninj
May 16, 2008
The Fleadh was AMAZING!!!!!! I can't wait till IRELAND!!!! Thank you Sean, Jessica, Devin, Jesse, and Marta for all the work you've done. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Gaelic Park Irish Fest.
Give it WELLY,
Kristen
Someone Who Hasn't Written (or typed?)Yet
November 13, 2007
Hey guys!!!!!!!!!!Awesome job at the concert yesterday!!!!Sean, I LUUUUV the video clips!!!!!
Monica
Maggie again
May 16, 2007
The Fleadh was AMAZING!!!! Like Erin, I can't wait for the next one.
Thank you Sean, Jesse, and Jessica for all of your hard work!!!
Erin (Scheffie Kazoo)
May 13, 2007
Congrats everyone! The Fleadh was SO awesome (as usual), & I know everyone had fun.
368 more days until the next Fleadh... I can't wait.
Maggie
May 10, 2007
I am so excited that it is FINALLY time to head down to St. Louis for the Fleadh. Good luck everyone!!!!!
Maggie & Kristen
March 18, 2007
We just wanted to say that you all did a FANTASTIC (notice 'fantastic' not 'awesome') job at the IAHC concert on St. Patrick's Day (yesterday)! Thanks for bearing with us through the chaos and the unexpected 2-hour performance (no breaks included)!!! I hope everybody had a GREAT time performing-- it sounded excellent and it had plenty of welly/womp.
See you Tuesday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jason
January 5, 2007
Great pictures really enjooy them. I miss Ireland!
Maggie
December 20, 2006
I LOVE the Ireland pics!They bring back the awesome memories!
Gracie
September 17, 2006
Hey everyone:
Just wanted to tell you that I had the time of my life in Ireland with you guys. It was so much fun and I am so lucky to have awesome friends like you.
Luv ya all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sean
August 30, 2006
Sean here from Co. Wexford. I have been having trouble getting online the last couple of days.
The kids all played fanatstically!!!!!
We were all so very proud of all of them.
I'll give you a more detailed description when I get back next week.
Sean
Tommy
August 29, 2006
Come on Sean, give us the rest of the info.
Tommy
Kathleen
August 26, 2006
Good Luck!! So PROUD of you all!!! reach for the stars!!!!! There all yours!!! Love,
The O'Carroll's
Sean
August 25, 2006
so far today we've had brilliant Grúpaà Cheoil and Ceili band rehearsals and we taped a segment for a show on Irish TV (RTE) to be shown around Christmas time. And the morning concert was fantastic. Now the kids are going horseback riding.
Talk to you tomorrow!
S
SEan
August 25, 2006
Beautiful day yesterday. Big recital once again-this time we heard a great singer named Rita Galagher, Connie O'Connell and Nicky and Aine McAuliffe, and Grainne Hambly.
Had a big Grupoia reherasal and we also rehearsed the two Ceili bands. In the middle of the Grupia rehresal Sean Ryan arrived from America!
Today we go to the final recital, then we are going to be taped by RTE for a tv show about the Fleadh. Tomorrrow the competiions start and the kids also play at the overseas concert at the Radison. Somewhere along the way we also play on the gig rig. And our bus driver friend Peader O'Brien returns to hang out with us.
See you soon
Sean
Sean
August 24, 2006
Hi from Letterkenny
had a great day yesterday! We held another rehersal of the Grúpaà Cheoil this time outside! It did get a little nippy at the end but boy it's realy sounding good. At the recital yesterday we heard Michael Rooney and June McCormack play (Harp and Flute) and Martin Quinn and Angela Carberry (Box and Bano) as well as the great Leitrim piper Brian McNamara.
For dinner Jeanne Bern made her famous Chicken salad. The kids all went to the
youth Ceili while the parents all hung out. Today we begin the Ceili band rehearsal. More details to follow.
Sean
Sean
August 23, 2006
Hi Everybody
Sean here from Letterkenny, Co Donegal.
We are all having a fantastic time in Ireland!!! Had our first Grúpaà Cheoil rehearsal last night and it went very well. Everybody is really enjoying Scoil Eigse. Yesterday at the recital we heard Tommy Peoples, Louis Mulcahy and Micheal O'Raghallaigh.
See you soon!!
Yoyo
August 22, 2006
Good luck in Ireland! I love you all and I'm praying for you!
Sox rule Cubs drool
August 15, 2006
In case anyone thought it was the other way around!
sean
August 14, 2006
go cubs!!!
Maggie D.
August 14, 2006
Hey,Sean!
I know you're probably at the airport right now, but I couldn't resist. I just wanted to tell you that the White Sox swept the Detroit Tigers this weekend! GO SOX!!!!!!
I just wanted you to know that. See you on wednesday!
The Tureks
August 13, 2006
Wishing all the best to the kids, parents and teachers who will be traveling to Ireland for the Fleadh! We hope you have a truly wonderful and fun time! We look forward to hearing all about it when you come home.
Kristen and Maggie
August 11, 2006
Hey everybody!
We are really excited about going to Ireland!!!!!! It's going to be so fun!!!!!!! Thanks to Devin, Marta, Jesse, Sean Ryan, Clodagh and, of course "bottleboy". (And yes, Sean C., we practiced today!)
P.S. The White Sox won last night, but that's nothing new!
Yoyo
July 27, 2006
YAY!!!! Congratulations, and welcome Ava Catherine Severance!!!!!!
Emily
Cathy
July 20, 2006
Add one more to the next generation in the Irish Music School!
Ava Catherine Severance, born July 12th is already sleeping through the tunes of her big brother and sister babysitters!
Sean
July 20, 2006
We're back up and running!!
A Big Fan
June 2, 2006
hey Everyone:
Awesome job at gaelic park! You were all awesome and I am so happy that great musicians like you can bring such wonderful music into this world.
Keep up with the great work!!!!!!!!!!!
Anne Dziak
May 30, 2006
Sorry, forgot to tell you who I am!!!
Guess Who
May 30, 2006
Hi guys just wanted to tell you that you all did an amazing job at Gaelic Park!!!:) I ran in to a couple of people and when they saw my shirt they told me that your performance was incredible!!! Thank you parents for driving everywhere!!!:)Teachers, thanks for putting up with all the kids (jk)Thank you for supporting us fan(s) You guys are all amazing players keep up the good work!!!
A fan
May 30, 2006
Great job at Gaelic Park! The music was incredible! Very talented group.
Yoyo(haha inside joke)
May 30, 2006
Hey all!! Emily here.
Awesome job at Gaelic Park! Thanks to the DeCosmo's(hope I spelled that right) for an awesome time at the party!!!! I had so much fun!!!!
Love always,
Em!!
Julie
May 28, 2006
whoops...I spelled Cleland wrong!
Julie
May 28, 2006
First off, I'd like to thank 'A Fan' for their support in our school. I'd also like to thank Sean, Pat, Sean, Clodagh, Marta, Devin, Mr. Carey and everyone else who helped us prepare for the Fleadh, and who taught us to always be gracious and respectful toward other musicians that we get a chance to play with. Myself, I'd like to thank Sean Clelland for never giving up that I'd love playing music, and for always keeping on me to give it another try when I thought I'd give it up for good.
I can't thank you all enough and I can't wait for Ireland, we're gonna be awesome, and we all know who we owe it to.
♥;; Julie
A Fan
May 28, 2006
I saw your school's performances in St. Louis and was very impressed with what your school is doing with your students. All of the teachers of the Irish Music School of Chicago should be commended for their efforts, achievements and obvious dedication. You are really on to something there. It was obvious to me, and to others I am sure, that the kids not only played well, but demonstrated a love of the music and, from the comments posted here, are having a great time learning and playing Irish music. Keep up your good work!
Emily
May 27, 2006
Hellllloooooo!!!!!
I cannot tell you how lucky I am to be a part of this school!!! I am so proud of everyone in our group and I am sooooooooo grateful for all our teachers and parents who do so much hard work for us. Thanks a million to Sean, Pat, Sean & Clodagh, Devin, Marta, & Jesse. And also to ALL the parents who drove us every week and(my parents in particular)gave tips to help us along, even when we didn't want to hear them.:-) thank you to EVERYONE!!!!!! I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!
and to whomever it may concern: I love a good laugh too, and right now I'm CRACKING UP!
Devin
May 27, 2006
Hey everyone, great job at the Fleadh! You all sounded brilliant. How about that special comment the judge made about the bodhran rhythm on Dan O'Keefe's, Grace?!
Thanks everyone for putting up with our constant nitpicking about the set!
Sean's doing a great job with you all, making you into well rounded Irish musicians with a broad perspective on the music.
Love a Good Laugh
May 26, 2006
Anytime anyone would like to learn trad Irish music, please come to a class or session!
I promise to go slow and keep both feet on the groud with a straight back and good posture.
May 21, 2006
THANK YOU SO MUCH CLODAGH FOR ALL YOUR HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:)
Grace
Grace Again
May 21, 2006
Thank you so much Sean, Pat, Jessica, Jesse, Marta, Devin, and Tommy Masterson for all your wonderful help. We couldn't have done it without you.
:)
Gracie
May 21, 2006
AWESOME JOB AT THE FLEADH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We were extraordinary!!!!!!!!!! Yeahhhhhhhhhhhh! 
The Scheffler Family
May 16, 2006
BIG THANK YOU's to Sean Cleland, Pat Finnegan, Sean & Clodagh Ryan, Marta, Devin, Jesse, Jessica, for your efforts in teaching, coaching, and also thanks to the ceili band coaches, and for the support and encouragement we all needed!
The Howard Family
May 16, 2006
You kids were amazing this past weekend! We are so proud of everyone! Sean, Pat, Sean & Clodagh, Devin, Marta, & Jesse, you guys are simply the best!
Erin
May 15, 2006
YEAH! We did it, guys! The Fleadh Cheoil was awesome! I had so much fun with everyone, and some of us learned a new instrument or two. I can't wait until next year.
Scheffie Kazoo
The Tureks
May 10, 2006
Best wishes to all the musicians who are traveling to St. Louis to perform at the Fleadh!
Penut Head
May 7, 2006
HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMILY
Megan and Grace Howard
May 7, 2006
Hey guys! This is Megan and Grace!!!!
WE LOVE IRISH MUSIC!!!!!!!!!!!
Bye bye!!!!!!!
Gracie
April 23, 2006
Hey guys:
GO IRISH MUSIC SCHOOL!!!!!
Woohoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Irish music is my favorite thing on earth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:) Grace
Grace Howard
April 20, 2006
GO I.M.S.O.C.
I'm a soc!!!!!!!!
;) :0
Kid Bach
April 20, 2006
Sean:
This website is rocking!
Great job at the fundraiser everyone!!!
Grace
YOYOEM to YOU hehe
April 11, 2006
Hi everyone!!!!!!!!!!! This website is SWEET!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!
See ya!!
Em
The Howard Family
March 31, 2006
Just saw the updated photos!!! They are amazing. They bring back so many memories of such an AWESOME night! Great Job!
patcloonan
March 28, 2006
keep up the good work .
jim sloan
March 14, 2006
sean:
tremendous web site.....very nice....keep developing it....the wave of the present!!!1
Dick Glasgow
February 2, 2006
You are obviously doing a wonderful job there Sean. I also teach kids Trad Music full time & if you ever find yourself up this way, North Antrim in Giants Causeway country, please give me a shout.
I'd enjoy swopping notes/tunes.
Cheers
Dick
www.causewaymusic.co.uk
Rose Flanagan
January 28, 2006
Hey Sean
You rock!!--Congrat's on the website-looks great and good luck with your upcoming concert!--hope to see you again soon
Mary L. Byrne
January 27, 2006
Katie, you were great on the radio show last Saturday. Also I watched you all on ABC television, 1/17/2006. Awesome job. Your great aunt Betty. Grandma's sister.
Motor City Madman
January 27, 2006
Bodacious site, good luck with the concert!
kieran
January 25, 2006
hey sean,this is awsome.we have are own website!i can'twait for the fund raiser.bye
Erin
January 24, 2006
Wow! This is really awesome. As Emily said, it's so cool that we finally have our own website!
Kathy Howard
January 22, 2006
Sean,
The website looks terrific! You and Kathleen sounded great on the radio! Looking forward to the Fund Raiser!
Marion Needham
January 21, 2006
Sean and Katie, I loved hearing you on the radio. Your playing was wonderful. Love Grandma
Joy
January 21, 2006
Sean & Kathleen, You sounded terrific on the Hagerty Family radio show this morning! Congratulations!! And I love the new site
JLD
January 20, 2006
Sean the website looks great. You do realize this website makes you "Official".
Your school has now arrived! Keep up the great work you are putting into the school.
Maggie
January 20, 2006
Hey Sean! This site is predigous! see you on Sunday.
Gabby
January 18, 2006
nice! this will be great when we've got pictures and stuff--awesome job!
yay!
Emily
January 18, 2006
Hey Sean!! I can't believe we have a website. Woohoo!! GO IM-SOC!!(irish music school of chicago)
Mike Harkin
January 18, 2006
Congratulations
Mike Harkin
January 18, 2006
Hey where are the pictures.