Schools coming together in perfect harmony
THE National Opera House is set to stage a unique concert called ‘In Harmony’ featuring almost 400 talented young students from a dozen second-level schools of Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board.
Tickets for two performances at 3pm and 7.30 pm on Friday, March 2 will go on sale this Wednesday, Valentine’s Day, February 14 and can be purchased online at nationaloperahouse.ie and at the box office on 053 91 22144.
Students and their teachers have been collaborating since last September to produce the concert showcasing a wide range of musical talent which will include a stunning vocal performance by a choir of over 300 students, a cross-college orchestra, a large traditional music band, solists, singer-songwriters, ensemble performances of hits from famous musicals and vocal quartets.
Eilis Leddy, Director of Schools for WWETB said everyone is thrilled at the level of interest shown by the students. ‘ To have over 400 students from 12 schools give their free time to rehearse is remarkable. It has also been lovely to see students from different colleges getting to know each other and collaborating in such a positive way. Their work is incredible’, she said.
Taking part are students from the following schools: Coláiste Abbain, Adamstown; Enniscorthy Vocational College; Coláiste an Átha, Kilmuckridge; Kennedy College, New Ross; Coláiste Cathal Naofa, Dungarvan’ Selskar College, Wexford; Bridgetown College; St. Paul’s Community College, Waterford; Creagh College, Gorey; Bunclody Vocational College; St. Declan’s Community College, Kilmacthomas and Meanscoil san Nioclas, Ann Rinn.
According to Sinead O’Hara, Education Co-ordinator with WWETB, the idea for the concert was first men- tioned in passing at a music teachers meeting. ‘We started a Community of Practice called Pobal Ceoil and our aim was to share resources across our schools. Before we knew it we were planning this show’, she said.
Sinead said the concert is a testament to the belief that WWETB CEO Kevin Lewis has in the students and also in the powerful impact that music can have on the overall wellbeing of young people.
‘Our teachers have taken on a huge extra workload to make this happen and they are so inspirational. Our principals and deputy principals are an invaluable support to us all’, said Sinead.
The production team of teachers includes Anita Cullen, Eileen Creevy, Bridin Kelly, Brigid Morrissey, Eilish Sheridan, Mairead Maguire, Evelyn Johnston, Fiona Quirke( a past pupil of Enniscorthy Vocation College), Mary Minchin, Orla Kirwan, Yvette Connor, Elaine Firth, Sinead Ni Fhathaigh, Debbie Wright, Sinead Coughlan and Jennifer Byrne. A past-pupil of Bridgetown College, Tom Doyle will conduct the choir on the night.
There will also be a special performance by the newly-formed ‘WWETB Staff Choir’ featuring almost 150 staff from post-primary/second level schools, centres and offices who are rehearsing a beautiful choral performance.
Sinead said the production team have been overwhelmed by the support offered by the communities of Wexford and Waterford.
‘Rehearsal space for a group of this number is not easy to find. We have had offers of support from voluntary groups. community centres and scout halls.’.
We are so thankful. The team at the National Opera House have also been an invaluable help to us’.
‘In Harmony promises to be a night of top quality entertainment for all the family to enjoy’, said Sinead.