Ginger Anderson, 12, of Roseville, loves playing her tin whistle with her friends at the Center for Irish Music. Ginger had already discovered a love for Irish dance and had been dancing with Rince na Chroi for a couple of years when she heard Norah Rendell playing tin whistle at Irish Fair. Getting her feet wet with the Center for Irish Music’s Tin Whistle Troupe, Ginger has continued to study tin whistle and now plays with the Center for Irish Music’s Swallowtail Ensemble.

Ginger attended her first Midwest Fleadh Cheoil in 2018 in St. Louis, competing in a trio and as a solo performer – and she tells us “I had a blast!” Ginger attended the Midwest Fleadh in 2019 and received 1st place in duet, playing with her friend who plays fiddle. Ginger and her family had already planned to travel to Drogheda, Ireland for the All Ireland (Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann), so she was thrilled to qualify to participate there as well.

According to her recommender, Ginger “is a good ensemble student who always comes to class with her tunes learned, …and to her private lessons with a clear idea of what she’d like to work on.” Her recommender is impressed by “Ginger’s drive, enthusiasm, and her relaxed, cool manner around the scene,” especially for one so young. Her dedication and passion for the music led to recognition in receiving the 2019 Tim “Fitz” Fitzgerald Scholarship from the Center for Irish Music.

While Ginger intends to keep working on tin whistle, she has been wanting to learn to play the flute. Her teacher has agreed that she’s ready. Ginger used her IMDA Educational Grant to purchase her own keyless flute.

Ginger is active as a volunteer for both the Center for Irish Music and the Celtic Junction Arts Center, playing for community events and drawing in visitors to information booths with her music.

The Irish Music and Dance Association is delighted to help this dedicated young musician continue her musical journey.