Workshops with Debbie Brewin-Wilson

Debbie Brewin-Wilson combines her harp-playing and background in traditional Scottish music with her experiences as a singer/songwriter and performer to present a variety of programs and workshops targeted to schools, libraries, cultural organizations and heritage societies. She is an experienced workshop presenter with nearly 17 years teaching at the Harpers Escape Weekend and other harp conferences.

Other Workshops
   Grainne Hambly
   William Jackson
   Harpers' Escape Weekend
Special Programs with
Debbie Brewin-Wilson
     A Wee Taste o' Burns
     Women of Celtic Song
     Celtic Christianity
Special Programs with McDermott's Handy
     Bound for Amerikay
     An Irish Christmas
     The Harp in Irish History Promotional Materials
   Bio sheet & programs

A Wee Taste 'o Burns

The Life of Scotland's National Poet

Robert Burns has been vilified and glorified for more than two centuries. Some called him a scoundrel and a drunkard; others swore he was a native genius, a “heaven-taught ploughman.” The truth undoubtedly lies between the two. What few would dispute is that Robert Burns was a complex, fascinating man who reveled in his Scottish identity. His works, especially his songs, thrive because people recognize their own hopes, sorrows, and dreams in them: you don’t have to be Scottish to recognize the love expressed in “O My Luve’s Like a Red, Red Rose” or the pride and independence of “Scots Wha Hae.”

This program provides an overview of Robert Burns’ life using a mix of lecture, his poetry, and his songs. By providing a glimpse into Burns’ character and the historical period in which he lived, listeners may develop an appreciation for his work and Scottish music in general.

Target Audience: Middle school-aged students through adults.

Women of Celtic Song

A Woman’s Perspective on Life & Love in the Old World & the New

The idea of women “having it all” isn’t new—we’ve simply changed the definition of “it” through the centuries. And while what women want might change over time, the idea of putting those desires into song has not changed.

This program celebrates the joys, sorrows, and challenges of womanhood through folk songs and tunes from Scotland and Ireland. From lullabies to love songs to laments, these songs by, about, and for women help listeners connect with women from another time and place, revealing universal truths about what it means to be a woman seeking her place in the world.

Interpreted by Debbie Brewin-Wilson using her voice and harp, these songs provide another view of history and women’s place in it. Discussing the history behind the songs, Debbie brings to life events and women that helped shape our world today.

Celtic Christianity

Sorting through the mists to find truths

Much has been made recently of Celtic spirituality as a religious path. The idea of Celtic spirituality or Christianity should actually be pluralized—Celtic Christianities—because of the diversity within the Celtic lands.

Debbie, an ordained Episcopal priest with decades of exploration of things Celtic under her belt, offers both a lecture on Celtic Christianity or her leadership at a guided weekend retreat on that subject, using the countries of Ireland and Scotland as the focus. Both the lecture and retreat incorporate Celtic music, early poetry, and religious writings from and about some of the great Celtic Christian leaders—Patrick, Columba, Bridget, and Aidan.

The lecture provides an overview of the subject and offers a springboard for participants to continue their studies. The retreat, planned in conjunction with the sponsoring group, provides participants the opportunity to reflect on how particularly Celtic themes can be incorporated into their own lives, helping them find direction in their spiritual journeys.

Target Audience: Teens and Adults. The lecture would be ideal as part of an ongoing Sunday School or Adult Education forum. The retreat would be ideal not only for church groups but for historical or heritage groups, women’s groups, and friends interested in exploring their spirituality together.