Jesse Winch is a founding member of the band Celtic Thunder, playing bodhran, rhythm guitar, harmonica and bouzouki since its inception in 1977. He also plays regularly with the Blackthorn and Bogwanderers Ceili Bands. Jesse has served on the teaching staff of Irish Week at the Augusta Heritage Center in Elkins, WV, where he teaches bodhran and ceili band.

A native New Yorker and the son of Irish immigrants, Jesse has played drums in Irish ceili bands since the age of 12. His father also played Irish music and there was always music in the house. Jesse is accomplished not only in Irish rhythm playing, but has also studied African rhythm and drumming. After returning from a stint with the Peace Corps in Niger, he obtained his Masters Degree from Howard University in African Studies, specializing in African music and language.

Jesse has offered group lessons in Irish bodhran playing through HMT since 1985. Students are introduced not only to the mechanics of playing and how to recognize and accompany the different Irish dance rhythms, but also to session etiquette, and the culture surrounding Irish music. The beginning bodhran groups run for 4 consecutive weeks; the cost is $60, which includes a practice tape. Private lessons are also available. For further info and to sign up for a bodhran class, please call (301)270-9090 or contact the lessons coordinator by email.