Dancer and musician Becky Bollinger and musician Aja McCullough Beers, both of St. Paul, met while playing at the sessions at Merlins Rest – both being newbies to the session experience. Becky and Aja are using their IMDA Educational Grant to help with the cost to study song and accompaniment with Norah Rendell and Brian Miller. Their goal is to learn several traditional Irish songs and accompaniment techniques, working toward performance-ready arrangements that they can perform together.
While they both have studied with the Center for Irish Music for several years and both play in ensembles there, they discovered that they shared an interest in singing – especially in harmonies. Their shared interest led to the idea of taking lessons together with the goal of performing together. Traveling together to the Catskills Irish Arts week in the summer of 2016 allowed them an Irish music immersion experience and then time together at Milwaukee Irish Fest further encouraged the idea of learning together.

Becky’s interest in Irish culture began with an introduction to Irish ceili dancing while still a college student. Becky has studied and taught Irish step dancing for several years, and dances with Knocknagow Irish Dancers and Mooncoin Ceili Dancers. Becky studies tin whistle, wire-strung harp, and guitar at the Center for Irish Music and plays with CIM’s Open Sky Ensemble.

Aja first became interested in Irish music while visiting Ireland. After returning home, she began attending local sessions as a listener. During a study abroad experience in Cork, she began her study of Irish music through song and whistle lessons. After college, Aja discovered the Center for Irish Music and has studied with several instructors there (bodhrán, voice, guitar, and whistle), and plays with CIMs An Luan Ensemble. Two years ago, she began attending local sessions again, this time as a participant.

Both Becky and Aja are very involved as volunteers with the Center for Irish Music and Aja recently joined the staff of the Center as Events and Communications Coordinator. They plan to continue singing together after the grant project is complete, as they apply their new skills to expand their repertoire.
The Irish Music and Dance Association is delighted to help these dedicated young musicians continue to expand their musical skills. We look forward to seeing where their varied interests will lead them.