Manx traditional music group Barrule are touring the Island’s six secondary schools this week, with the aim of spreading the word about Manx music through a series of concerts and practical workshops.

Kicking off with King William’s College yesterday morning (Wednesday), the professional trio wowed students with lively jigs and reels to clap-along with, slow airs and songs in Manx Gaelic. The concert was followed by an instrumental workshop which demonstrated that classically trained musicians can easily get involved in playing Manx traditional music. The young musicians played instruments ranging from ‘cello to saxophone, and they quickly mastered the tunes ‘Nelson’s Tonic’ and ‘Manannan Song’, which they learnt entirely by ear. The band also used the opportunity to promote the Manx music youth movement, Bree, which is run by the Manx Heritage Foundation and open to musicians aged 10 - 18.

Hear a sample of the workshop: http://youtu.be/XXHh92Lp2xc

Next stop is Castle Rushen High School, with QE2 and Ramsey Grammar School today, Thursday, and Ballakermeen High School and St Ninian’s Lower School on Friday. The tour has been organised and funded by the Manx Heritage Foundation and the Department of Education and Children.

Barrule consists of Tom Callister (fiddle), Adam Rhodes (fiddle) and Jamie Smith (accordion), and the trio are rapidly making a name for themselves and Manx music on and off the Island. Rave reviews of their debut album in the UK music press and airplay on various BBC radio stations have already guaranteed a forthcoming performance at the prestigious world music festival WOMAD this summer.

Barrule will be giving a public performance at the Centenary Centre, Peel this Saturday 22 June. See www.barruletrio.com for more details.

And for everything you need to know about Manx music and dance, visit: www.manxmusic.com.