Culture, Practice, and Love:

On March 16th, the day before St. Patrick’s Day, Ceol Milis appeared live on Good Day New York. For the young Irish music group however, performing on a big stage was not something new. They had played at Grand Central Station, Citi Field, and Lincoln Center over the past year. 

            There’s a look of excitement in the eyes of junior Mairead Holt when she discusses her experiences with the group. Music has been a dominating force in her life. Holt knows how to play a number of different instruments each of which she uses during her group’s shows.

“Guitar, Tin whistle, and fiddle,” she says, as if it were no big deal. To her, it is both the music that serves the culture and the culture that serves the music.

            The fiddle is an instrument that is prominent in Irish Culture. Dating back several hundred years, it is a very important part of traditional music.

            “Irish music in general is pretty improvised,” Holt explained. But that doesn’t mean Irish groups don’t have to practice. “We have to practice the harmonies a lot,” she said.

            As for her relationship with the group Holt said laughing, “We’re tight.” What keeps Ceol Milis together and Holt enthusiastic and happy about the group? “Our culture, our friendship and the things we are able to connect to,” she claims.

            Much of Holt’s inspiration comes from Irish fiddle player Eileen Ivers.  It is Ivers’ awesome blue electric fiddle and inspiring play that has drawn an important admiration and respect from Holt.

            Holt and the other eight girls and one boy in the group live in Pearl River New York. “I’m fortunate enough to grow up an Irish area,” she explained. “We play at the Irish School of Music.”

            When asked, Mairead had a hard time putting to words exactly what music means to her. Part of it, she said, was “Being inspired and being able to inspire at the same time.” Clearly Holt feels a very powerful connection. “Playing is so fun and there’s always something to improve on,” she said smiling.

            In the summer of 2009 her and her friends came in second at the World Competition in Ireland. Then, a summer later, Ceol Milis was officially formed. A year and a half after that, the group is looking at the future wondering what will happen.

            “I don’t know what’s going to happen, I will be going to college soon,” said Holt.

            Time, however, has brought a number of positive things as well. The group just got the “fancy” and “expensive” recording equipment. Soon, they may begin to record a Cd.

            “The equipment is so exciting,” Mairead said glowing with eagerness.

            “Maybe we’ll have to play during breaks when I’m college,” she added.

 (Ceol Milis, Mairead at bottom left)

            Somehow, though, music will always find its way into the life of Mairead Holt.

             Link for Ceol Milis playing at Irish night at Citi field: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR6l_GlMRPg)