PURR-FECT NOTES WILL HIT THE PERFECT PITCH

By Elizabeth Lee. Carlow Nationalist 4th May 2021

MIXING music and pets? Why not? Pets have been so important in this pandemic year as the talented musicians in The Staves orchestra know very well!
The Staves is a youth orchestra that was formed in Carlow College of Music by its director Majella Swan. The youngsters now under the musical direction of Delphine Picovici, who has been teaching them with the same commitment as ever, pandemic or no pandemic!
In recent weeks, eight of the young musicians have been rehearsing and preparing for a virtual musical event called the Carnival Orchestras that will take place on Sunday 9 May on Zoom.
The young Carlow musicians featuring in the show are Naomi and Liliane Picovici, Ed Scully, Anna and Eva Blazevic, Zena Deyassa, Clare Healy, Peter Kavanagh. Emma Harmon and Ian Mc Cann.

The Carlow contingent will join more than 150 children aged seven to 12 from nine orchestras scattered across the country. They’ll play together-from-home in a music programme, accompanying prepared tracks on Zoom. Their programme includes a piece called The Covid Saga, arrangements of pieces by Haydn and Beethoven, a traditional Irish folk tune orchestrated and a musical story of a girl and a tiger in the pandemic.
Children from the different orchestras will introduce elements in the programme and will exchange jokes with Smiler the Clown, a light-hearted MC guiding events as they unfold. Many children submitted pet photographs and artwork to be shared during the evening in a video backed with music. A highlight of the programme will be the introduction of one lucky pet from each orchestra to the audience, including Ian from Carlow and his hen!
During the programme, Smiler will send shout-outs and virtual hugs on behalf of some children to relatives and friends whom they have not seen for many months and who will Zoom in from their homes in Ireland, Europe and several continents to applaud and encourage the children, their teachers and parents with enthusiastic jazzy hands!
“Some children have found it difficult to keep going with their music during the pandemic, but they persevered and worked hard in preparation for this event, against all the negatives of Covid-19. The orchestras have made new connections which, hopefully, can be maintained in the future in real time. It’s a moment to savour along with the children, who are the musical future of our country,” said Majella.

Contact Majella for Private link on 0830129762 or email info@carlowcollegeofmusic.ie

news – Carnival Orchestra Concert

SUNDAY 9th MAY 2021 at 6 pm

PURR-FECT NOTES – CARNIVAL ORCHESTRA on May 9^th

Mixing music and pets? Why not? Pets have been so important in this pandemic year. A virtual music event with a difference takes place on Sunday May 9th when more than 150 children aged 7 to 12 from nine orchestras play together-from-home in a music programme, accompanying prepared tracks on Zoom. Their programme includes two movements of THE COVID SAGA, composed by Robert Mahon for his orchestra in Kiltra School of Music, arrangements of pieces by Haydn and Beethoven, a traditional Irish folk tune orchestrated by Seamus Doyle and a musical story of a girl and a tiger in the pandemic, narrated by Raphael Kelly.

Children from the different orchestras will introduce elements in the programme and will exchange jokes with SMILER THE CLOWN, a light-hearted MC guiding events as they unfold. Many children submitted pet photographs and artwork to be shared during the evening in a video backed with music. A highlight of the programme will be the introduction of one lucky pet from each orchestra to the audience LIVE on ZOOM – these include a snake, a rabbit, a hen, a dwarf hamster, guinea pigs, a parrot, a tortoise, fish as well as beloved cats and a dog.

Taking part remotely in the CARNIVAL ORCHESTRA are young musicians from Accora Orchestra, Co Cavan, Athenry Music School, Co Galway, Budding Bows WIT Waterford, Kiltra School of Music, Co Wexford, Music Generation Louth, Sligo Academy of Music, Sligo, St Agnes’ CCMA Junior Strings, Crumlin, Dublin,
St Peter’s School, Phibsboro, Dublin, and The Staves Orchestra, Carlow College of Music, Co Carlow.

During the programme SMILER THE CLOWN will send shout-outs and virtual hugs on behalf of some children to relatives and friends whom they have not seen for many months and who will zoom in from their homes in Ireland, Europe and several continents to applaud and encourage the children, their teachers and parents with enthusiastic jazzy hands!

Some children have found it difficult to keep going with their music during the pandemic. These children have persevered and worked hard in preparation for this event, against all the negatives of Covid-19. The orchestras have made new connections which hopefully can be maintained in the future in real time. It’s a moment to savour along with the children who are the musical future of our country.

This event is steered by St Agnes’ Community Centre for Music & the Arts, Crumlin, Dublin. All orchestras are members of the IRISH ASSOCIATION OF YOUTH ORCHESTRAS who selected May 9^th as a special day to celebrate youth music

Carnival Orchestra Concert

On Sunday 9th May at 6pm The Staves Orchestra will take part in a concert programme with a difference. The orchestra will join with eight other orchestras in a carnival atmosphere involving music, pets, story telling, jokes, artwork and being together. The concert is presented by St.Agnes Community Centre for Music and the Arts. We will keep you posted regarding link for this virtual event.

Hope Springs From Pandemic

One of Ireland’s leading composer-conductors Vincent Kennedy has written a special piece of music called Hope Springs Eternal which will be premiered online on Sunday 9th May. The music is specially written with youth orchestras in mind and it is hoped that as many youth orchestras get involved. Carlow Youth Orchestra have begun online rehearsals and are excited to be involved in this brilliant project. For More information visit http://www.iayo.ie

Sing Aloud accept Irish Embassy Invitation

On the invitation of the Embassy of Ireland In Mozambique, Sing Aloud and other vocal students from Carlow College of Music will partake in singing for a virtual St. Patrick’s Festival video, celebrating the shared love of culture through profiling a fusion of Irish and Mozambican music: Xiquitsi, the Youth Orchestra in Mozambique will record the Irish National Anthem and the Irish choral groups will reciprocate by singing and recording the Mozambican anthem. Two of our vocal teachers Melanie O’Reilly and James Nelson are currently working with the choir in this truly cross-cultural experience!

Singing ensembles return

We are starting back with our singing ensembles on Saturday 23rd January via Zoom platform. We have 2 choirs- SingAloud for children of primary school age and Sing for secondary school students. The choirs will be directed by Melanie O’Reilly. Melanie comes from Wexford and has a lot of experience working with singers both on a one to one basis and online. To try a session contact us at info@carlowcollegeofmusic.ie or 083 0129762. See Melanie www.melanieoreilly.com and at https://melanieoreilly.com/teaching/

Update on COVID-19 Restrictions January 2021

Due to the latest government announcement, all our lessons where possible will go online from Monday 11th January. Students will be contacted by their respective teacher.

COVID-19 Restrictions January 2021

We plan to re-open the college in line with current Government guidelines on Monday 11th January, however keeping in mind the continued increase of infection rate these guidelines may change significantly within the next few days. Please keep up to date by visiting this page.

COVID-19 Precautions

In order to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19 we are committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace both for staff and a safe learning environment for all our students. We have implemented protocols in step with public health advice both from the HSE, HSA and gov.ie. However it is important to point out that compliance with COVID-19 control measures is the responsibility of us all in order to protect health and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

ZOOM Lessons

We are now offering music lessons via ZOOM.

Carlow College Of Music Now enrolling for new Spring term

We are now accepting enrolments for new students for term beginning in January. Please download our application form which can be downloaded from our contact dropdown menu.

#OdeToJoyIE Tribute To Frontline Workers A Great Success in Carlow

Carlow Youth Orchestra, The Staves Orchestra, Singaloud and Sing joined forces to pay tribute to all our frontline workers on World Music Day. This was a worldwide event that began at 6pm on Sunday 21st June 2020. James Nelson from the Celtic tenors who teaches in Carlow College of Music sang with the choirs. Musical Director Majella Swan conducted the event which took place in Beechwood Drive, Rathnapish near her home place. The neighbours were thrilled with the event and enjoyed extra performances by CYO. They have asked for all to come back in the Summer for another outdoor concert.

Multi-Talented College Of Music Student Clare Healy wins top award for her creative artwork

Carlow College of Music student Clare Healy, recently won the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras (IAYO) national drawing day with her wonderful interpretation of a socially distanced orchestra. Clare’s artwork will now be used as part of a very special nationwide performance called Ode to joy, in tribute to the country’s frontline workers on European Music Day, which is Sunday 21 June.

The performance will bring together some of Ireland’s finest musicians and singers to stream live from the steps of the National Concert Hall, Dublin at 6pm. Once this is finished, the nation’s musicians and music lovers will then be called on to perform their own tribute to all our frontline workers within their local communities, while maintaining physical distancing.

Participants are also asked to share their performances live on social media with the hashtag #OdeToJoyIE

Clare’s winning entry

RTÉ LYRIC FM FEATURE CARLOW YOUTH ORCHESTRA

Evelyn Grant gave us a mention on her Sunday afternoon show ‘ Weekend Drive’ and played one of the pieces we performed in the recent 25th Festival of Irish Youth Orchestras in the NCH Dublin. Featured on the show was Vincent Kennedy’s Steam Train. We are mentioned 43 minutes into the show, have a listen.

Click on the link below to listen in

http://rte.ie/r.html?rii=16_11183629_21613_26-04-2020

COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

April Update

We are continuing with online lessons with most of our teaching staff depending on quality of Broadband via various platforms. Please contact your relevant teacher. Continue to practise and enjoy your music and above all stay safe. Help flatten the curve.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Update

Due to the continuing threat from the COVID-19 virus we have decided to suspend all classes within Carlow College of Music as and from and including Monday 16th of March to help stem infection from this virus. We will however if you are interested offer temporary online lessons via Skype, WhatsApp, ZOOM and other social media platforms. Please contact your relevant teacher. Please continue to practise and stay safe and stay well.

8th Music Festival Prize Winners’ Concert postponed

Due to the recent Government announcement regarding Covid-19 our concert has been postponed to a later date.

Following our wonderful Music Festival now in its 8th year. We our proud to announce that St.Mary’s Church, Castle Hill will be the venue for our Prize Winners’ concert. This wonderful event will give you the audience a chance to see and hear performers from 8 to 18 yrs who gained top awards in our 8th Music Festival earlier this month.

8th Carlow College of Music Festival

From solos to ensembles a great treat is in store for anyone calling in to Gaelscoil Eoghain Uí Thuairisc this Saturday 29th February, the venue for this year’s Carlow College of Music Festival. This Festival, in it’s 8th year, showcases the wonderful musical talent of music students from the south East. Members of the public are very welcome. Bring your family along to a wonderful live event.

Festival Booklet 2020

25th Festival of Youth Orchestras

Saturday, 8th February 2020 National Concert Hall,

Carlow Youth Orchestra and members of The Staves Orchestra join forces to perform in this year’s Festival at the National Concert Hall in Dublin.

The 2020 festival of Youth Orchestras will see over 500 young players from around Ireland perform classical works and modern arrangements for youth orchestra in a variety of styles. It’s a family friendly event not to be missed.

Limited spaces left for cello and flute

If you are considering taking lessons in cello or flute we still have limited tuition spaces available. Please contact us to secure your lessons as soon as possible.

New singing ensemble for all 2nd level students

Due to a large amount of enquiries we have decided to start a new singing ensemble ‘Sing!’ directed by Suzanne Byrne every Saturday in Presentation College from 2-3 pm.

Music-Makers is a perfect introduction for your 4-6 year old.

Music is a natural form of expression for every child and you have to allow your child time to become part of the making of music

Our music makers’ programme for 4-6 year olds, explores music through a variety of fun and interesting music activities, singing, listening to music, movement, rhythm games and percussion playing. Spaces are limited. Contact us on 0599140676 or 083 0129762

Silver Medal Winner

Congratulations to Mrs Young who was awarded a silver medal in her intermediate recital certificate programme in piano.

Piano for Sale

Stromenger upright overstrung piano for sale €1100. Piano is in very good condition and is tuned twice a year. Contact Carlow College of music for more details 059-9140676.

Clare gets 100%

Congratulations to Clare Healy in achieving 100% in RIAM Grade 3 Theory exam. A fantastic achievement

Kris gets 100%

Congratulations to Kris Tai in achieving a remarkable 100% score in his Grade 1 Theory exam with The Royal Irish Academy of Music.

College Of Music student excels in six major music competitions

Wow! Huge congrats goes to Jim Parmeter for his outstanding achievements this year. 6 cups!

The Dean Harvey Junior Singing Cup (Kilkenny College),The Francis Kearney Trophy and The Credit Union Cup (Kilkenny Music Festival), Mc Cullough Cup for emerging talent, The Ursula Mahon Memorial Cup 14 & under Piano and The O’Gorman Cup 14 & under Cello. Such a pleasure to work with.

Railtours Ireland sponsors Youth Orchestra polo shirts

Many thanks to Railtours Ireland in sponsoring Carlow Youth Orchestra’s fab polo shirts for our trip to Barcelona last year

James Galway Flute Work Shop

Congratulations to our students Brielle Fleming, Elva O’Connor, Daniela Besleaga and Emer Flynn who attended this amazing workshop with Lord James Galway and Lady Jeanne Galway at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Dublin recently.

Recruiting for orchestral players.

We are currently recruiting new members for our performing groups ‘Sing Aloud’ both Junior and Youth Orchestras and also ‘No Strings Attached’. You don’t have to be attending the college to get involved.

Budding Brass musicians

Would you like to learn the trumpet, french horn trombone or tuba? Instruments provided and tuition at reasonable cost

Oboe lessons in Association with IAYO and Music Generation Carlow

If you are interested in taking up the Oboe, Carlow College of Music in association with IAYO and Music Generation Carlow offer subsidised tuition fees and provide you with a oboe. Come and try it out. You have nothing to lose.

No Strings Attached T Shirts Sponsored by ‘Adaptive Eco Products Ltd’.

Many thanks to ‘Adaptive Eco Products Ltd’ for sponsoring the fab T shirts for our brass ensemble ‘No Strings Attached’. Much appreciated.

New Logo For ‘SingAloud’

Congratulations to Jim Parmeter for designing the logo for “SingAloud”. We have lovely new blue polo shirts with the logo.

College of Music students took part in Anniversary Concert

Gaelscoil Ceatharlach is 35 years old this year and a celebration concert will take place on Friday 21st October in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel . The concert features past students of the Gaelscoil and students of Carlow Youth Orchestra. Special guests are Eric Butler and Pádraigín Caesar. Tickets €10. Proceeds from the event will be shared with Carlow’s Hospice CÚRAM which has just commenced construction and the Gaelscoil.

Carlow Youth Orchestra receives IAYO award

The IAYO 21st Festival of Youth Orchestras took place in The National Concert Hall on Saturday 13th of February 2016. The festival showcased the talents of 10 youth orchestras, Carlow Youth Orchestra was presented with an achievement award from the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras (IAYO) This is the 3rd time that the orchestra has received such a prestigious award. The orchestra received this award for artistic projects which benefit the orchestra and the entire community. Carlow Youth Orchestra had a significant part in the 25th Anniversary celebrations of the Carlow College of Music with a workshop and performance with Mícheál Ó’Súilleabháin, a specially commissioned work written for the anniversary by our teacher Bill McGrath and a new oboe project in association with IAYO, Carlow College of Music and Music Generation Carlow.

Revision Courses For Junior & Leaving Cert Music

Our very successful revision courses are back.

If you want to improve your music grade look no further than Carlow College of Music. Students attending these revision courses have gained top marks in the State examinations. Entire course covered with extra tips in all areas. Book before end of January to receive €5 discount. Book early. Limited places available. Contact us on 059-9140676.

Limited Places left for Music Makers’ Classes

We have limited places for our Music Maker class on Saturday @ 10.45-11.30am in Presentation College Askea. A great introduction to music for 4-6 year olds.