Music – Scoil Mhuire gan Smál Carlow

Presentation Band:

Scoil Mhuire gan Smál is the birthplace of the Presentation Band, founded by our former principal, the late Sr. Anna. Under her direction, the band won many awards and travelled to New York on two occasions to participate in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. I am pleased to say that the band continues and is now under the direction of Edwina Hayden.

Traditional Irish Music (Grúpa Trad.):

The great work Sr. Anna did in promoting Irish Traditional Music has been brought to a whole new level by a team of teachers in the school. Under the expert tuition of Miss Dunne, Miss McDermott, Miss O’Rourke and Mr. McEvoy, the primary school band has been brought to an exceptionally high standard. Featuring an eclectic mix of instruments (concertina, whistle, flute, violin, cello,bodhrán and guitar), the group members have developed a varied and creative repertoire, seamlessly blending various music genre. A true joy to behold!

String Programme:

Sr. Anna’s dream was that every pupil would have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument….not just the pupils who went to after-school band. Through our recent partnership with Music Generation, we have been able to make this dream a reality. All pupils have the opportunity to learn violin and cello. Pupils in 5th and 6th have the opportunity to progress to a string ensemble. One of the highlights has been their performance in the National Concert Hall.

Ukulele:

The most recent instrument to feature in our rich tapestry of music is the ukulele. Even the staff are attending after-school sessions with Miss Dunne!

Choir:

In Scoil Mhuire gan Smál, we sing, sing, sing! Our school choir has won many competitions down through the years. Every Christmas, we sing for the residents of the Sacred Heart Hospital and we sing at the special Christmas Eve Mass for children in Carlow Cathedral. We were also chosen to record Sr. Cecilia’s Mass of Celebration.