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
.
