This week's episode is one that's particularly close to my wee Belfast heart: The Flute Band Tradition of Northern Ireland.

Using my 2015 Bachelor Thesis as a basis, this episode is a beginner's guide to one of Northern Ireland's most significant cultural traditions. We'll look at a little bit of Irish history and politics, before talking about the different types of flute bands and the music they play.

Then, we'll wrap it all up by talking about the gem atop the flute band crown: Sir Jimmy Galway.

If you enjoyed the episode, hit met up on my socials, I'd love to hear from you;

Instagram: @garethhouston_flute

Facebook: @GarethHoustonFlute

TikTok: @GarethHoustonFlute

Slainte,

Gareth x

Chapters

0:00 - Intro and what's coming up

7:15 - A brief (as it can be) history of the Northern Irish state

10:36 - What even is a flute band?

14:22 - What do flute bands play?

22:55 - Ballygowan Flute Band excerpt (Tchaikovsky)

23:38 - The Twelfth and Kick-the-pope bands

28:16 - Whiterock Flute Band playing Follow Follow

28:46 - Sir Jimmy Galway

37:15 - Sir James playing Mercadante

38:10 - What's coming up in the future

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