Amhran O’Ciar, School of Celtic Music, under the direction of Donna Kerr, was founded in the summer of 2004 in an effort to keep the rich heritage and spirit of Celtic music alive in our children and community. Lessons are offered in tin whistle, flute, fiddles of all kinds, guitar, bodhran and voice at the Buffalo Irish Center. Children and adults are welcome. Please call (716) 827-0079 , (716) 548-4555 or e-mail amhranociar@buffalo.com for more information.
The name Amhran O'Ciar (pronounced /omrun o-keer/)- Amhran meaning "song" and Ciar meaning "dark" or "dark one" in Irish Gaelic, roughly translates to "Dark Song" - very fitting for a few Irish tunes, indeed. The word "Ciar" also is related to the name Kerr in Scottish Gaelic. The Kerr Clan was known in its Gaelic history to be lowlanders, horsemen and protectors of the Scottish Borders near Ferniehirst Castle in Scotland. The Kerrs were known as "the dark hunters" hence this title even more befitting the school as we are always "hunting" for a good tune to play . The school concentrates on the music of the Seven Celtic Nations: Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, Isle of Man and Galicia.
Donna Kerr is a NYS certified music teacher with 18 years of professional experience in education and performance. She is a member of the Music Educators National Conference, New York State School Music Association and the Erie County MusicEducators Association for which her work was recognized and she was nominated for Band Director and Music Educator of the Year in 2003 and 2006. She was chosen in 2008 as a Coca-Cola Co. Educator of Distinction. She is also the Band Director for City Honors School in Buffalo, NY where she conducts the Concert, Marching and Jazz Ensembles for grades 5-12. She is also associated with theBuffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s Symphony Scholars Program.
