Arts in Education Portal Regional Day
Afternoon Session
Creative Workshop
Groovin’ Out!
Join musician Aidan Dunphy for an interactive hand drumming, percussion and rhythm workshop. After a short introduction on the benefits of drumming, Aidan will briefly demonstrate basic techniques on the djembe drum, inviting participants to experience the enjoyment of making sound and rhythm together in a group. He uses simple pulse work and a variety of easy exercises and games. Clapping and vocal sounds may also be integrated. Drumming is both energising and relaxing – expect a therapeutic and fun experience!
Aidan Dunphy trained in Drums & Percussion at Trinity College of Music, London. He has 25 years professional experience in multiple genres including with English National Ballet, RTE Concert Orchestra, Irish Memory Orchestra, Singer/songwriter Declan O’Rourke, Irish Trad musicians Arty Mc Glynn, Martin Hayes, Mairtin O’Connor. He has worked as a tutor and facilitator including with young people with additional needs and on community projects including co-designing and co-ordinating Peace IV project, Sound Connections. He delivers informal, fun, accessible and inclusive workshops to people of all ages and abilities.
Creative Workshop
Creativity though Circus
Join circus artist Maria Corcoran for a playful workshop that brings together circus skills and drama-based activities in a playful and inclusive environment that nurtures creativity, confidence and collaborative learning. Through storytelling games and imaginative exercises, participants build a shared creative language while developing communication and self-expression. Using music and colourful circus props such as scarves, hula-hoops and flowersticks, participants explore movement, balance, and coordination. Starting with basic tricks and techniques, participants will then be encouraged to creatively combine the skills they have learned and find ways to express themselves through movement, pairs work, and develop their own unique sequences.
Maria Corcoran is a circus artist dedicated to using circus to engage, motivate and inspire people. She is passionate about this artform and strives to share the joy it brings. Her teaching promotes personal development and social inclusion through exciting activities based on teamwork, communication and resilience building. She delivers workshops at schools, youth clubs, summer camps, arts events and outreach programs, facilitating for a wide range of ages and abilities. She spent five years as a youth tutor with Cloughjordan Circus Club. She performs nationally and internationally, creating character-driven accessible work. Her disciplines include unicycling, juggling, acrobatics and clowning.