Quin Herron: Bringing People Together with Irish Music

Originally from Plano, Texas, and raised in La Mesa, California, Quin Herron was drawn to traditional Irish music after being captivated by the sounds of James Galway and The Chieftains. Today, he serves as chair of the San Diego chapter of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (Irish Gaelic: “Gathering of Musicians of Ireland”), an international organization dedicated to promoting Irish music, dance, language, and culture. Whenever he has the chance, Quin travels to Ireland to deepen his connection to the music and culture.

As a high school junior, Quin spent a year in Belgium as a Rotary exchange student. Later, while studying creative writing and music at the University of San Francisco, he completed a junior year abroad at Trinity College Dublin. This experience allowed him to travel extensively across Europe and especially in Ireland.

A skilled musician, Quin plays both the Irish tin whistle—a keyless, end-blown flute ideal for beginners—and the Irish flute, typically crafted from wood and based on the classical flute design of the 19th century. Known for its rhythmic, percussive, and expressive qualities, the Irish flute perfectly suits Ireland’s vibrant dance music. Quin honed his flute skills by studying with some of Ireland’s top musicians and playing in traditional music sessions across the country.

In addition to his instrumental work, Quin is an accomplished vocalist, performing Irish songs in the unaccompanied Sean-nós (old style) tradition. He also lends his voice as a tenor with the San Diego Master Chorale and serves as a cantor at Santa Sophia Catholic Church.

In his role with CWM’s World Music in the Schools program, Quin introduces students to Irish melodies on the tin whistle and teaches them traditional Irish songs. A tin whistle is available for each student thanks to donations from the community collected by Comhaltas.

If there’s traditional Irish music happening in San Diego, you’re likely to find Quin there. He’s a regular on Tuesdays at The Ould Sod in Normal Heights and on Saturdays at The Pub in Bay Park. His band, Gallowglass, is also preparing to release a new album.