The Southwind Celtic Ensemble performed their annual St. Patrick’s Day concert in the Aloha Center on Friday, Mar. 17, with songs they’ve never played before and Irish pub jokes thrown in the mix.
The ensemble’s performance consisted of a collection of Irish jigs, reels, and ballads, along with an audience dressed in green for the spirit of the holiday.
Each ensemble member took turns introducing each piece and giving an overview of the history, meaning, and purpose of the music. The ensemble played a total of 14 pieces, of which Math Professor Russel Carlson memorized 13. As the penny whistle player, he said it was important to him to learn the music as well as he could. “When I don’t have to worry about looking at sheet music, I’m able to play with more passion and enjoy myself and the music more.”
The group has been performing at BYUH on St. Patrick’s Day every year for the past seven years, said Russel. He also said they perform during the Christmas season at the Laie Temple Visitors’ Center and occasionally at devotionals.
Alongside Russel are Religion Professor Keith Lane, low whistle; Michelle Jordan, violin; English Professor Randal Allred, guitar; and Adjunct Professor of Math Rebecca Carlson, Irish harp.
Russel said the group meets together once a week to rehearse and prepare for their upcoming performances. “We started piecing together our lineup for the show right around the start of the New Year.
“This year, more than half of our songs were new, and it was exciting to be working on new things. We stuck mostly to traditional Irish music and added in one Scottish ballad and the song ‘Concerning Hobbits’ from ‘Lord of the Rings.’”
Part of the lineup for this year’s performance included Irish pub jokes recited by Lane in between a few of the musical pieces.
Rebecca Carlson said being a part of the Southwind Celtic Ensemble has been an incredible experience for her and her husband. “It was so exciting for me when we moved out here and soon after discovered a great group of people who enjoy the same type of music as us. Individuals interested in listening to and playing traditional Irish folk music are hard to come by, so the fact that we found this great group all the way in Hawaii was such a blessing!”
All five ensemble members said working together and preparing for their performances is a great creative outlet and opportunity to spend time with good friends. Russel said, “I just hope the audience enjoyed listening as much as we enjoyed playing for them.”
Reactions from the audience proved they enjoyed it. Sister Black, a senior missionary who attended, said, “It was so beautiful. I just lose myself in thought and contemplation when I hear music like this. What a great concert!”
Writer: Alyssa Odom