Press article May 2013

An abreviated form of this article appears in this week's Champion

Press Release 

A Matinée with Strings Attached at Holy Family

It was a fiddle fest at Holy Family School Hall last week as 80 violin students took to the platform  to showcase their musical skills for an invited audience of friends and  family in their debut concert. For a second year running , pupils  of 4th class at Holy Family Senior School have had regular violin  lessons timetabled as part of their curriculum and all three class ensembles joined their colleagues in the school choir and marching band to  delight  the capacity house with their newly acquired skills .

In her introduction to the young performers, Principal Sarah Barnes said she was very proud of them all. She spoke also about the commitment of Holy Family School   to inclusivity in its’ artistic endeavors.  It was an aim at Holy Family that every child in the class had an opportunity to receive a good quality music  education she said.  ‘There is much evidence in studies to show that,  literacy, numeracy and attention focus all benefit from even a small amount of instrumental tuition’ she added. She said she was particularly delighted to see a group of  last years beginners  carry on and take an active part in the Holy Family Band.

Director of the Holy Family Choir, Ms Jillian Bridge  said the choir members were excited to be part of the morning showcase with their peers. They had been busy with various engagements since representing Holy Family in their winning entry in the Walton’s Music in Schools competition last March. A highlight was being part of massed choirs at  the Peace Proms at University Concert Hall in February and working with acclaimed  conductor Gearóid Grant, she said . ‘Part of the Walton’s prize money went to purchase new violins for the string programme but we are seeking to add to our instrument bank and the school are seeking donations of old violins so if you have one lying under a bed or in the attic at home please consider donating it and we will put it to good use’ she said.

Over the course of the concert, students stepped forward to introduce items drawn  from classical,  popular and traditional genres.  For a finale musicians and singers joined forces in a terrific rendition of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star before the band under director Mr Hugh Connolly  closed the proceedings with a rousing medley of marches.

Cathy Desmond , director of Stringschool said she was. thrilled with the students and what they had accomplished .  ‘ Every student has learned  the basics of what is involved in playing violin and has acquired skills they can transfer to whatever instrument they may take up’ . ‘Classes continue for the remainder of term with a smaller group and interest has been strong with 25% of the original cohort opting for a follow on course’. Further information on the music at Holy family School including the string project can be found on the school website www.hfss.org and  www.holyfamilystrings.blogspot.com .