Blown Away!

When you think of music in primary schools, things like recorders, tin
whistles and choirs come to mind. However, Scoil Cholmcille in Blarney
Street, Cork, like to do things a little differently. Yes, they have all of
the above – as well as a rock band, guitar group,  percussion ensemble and
individual lessons on many instruments – but also boast a complete brass
band!

The Brass Band began two years ago with all the boys in the current fifth
class and comprises cornet, baritone and euphonium players and a percussion
section. Brass instruments are difficult to learn and many variables must be
taken into consideration: the shape of the mouth and lips, physical
strength, breath control and musicality to name but a few. Senior infant
teacher and conductor of the Band, Brenda Griffin, was amazed at how quickly
the boys took to their instruments and how far they have come in just two
short years. With two weekly rehearsals and ample performance opportunity,
the band has gone from strength to strength.

Their repertoire has progressed from simple tunes in unison to quite
difficult music in three parts. They play marches, popular tunes and movie
themes such as James Bond, the Titanic and Harry Potter. The boys have had
much experience playing in front of their own school community and also
playing in public. They have entertained two Lord Mayors of Cork, given a
concert in the new CIT Cork School of Music  building, raised money for
charity in Blackpool Shopping Centre and have played locally for schools,
bingo nights and other events in the locality.

The class teachers of these 19 boys have commented on how this experience
has helped build the boys’ confidence and improved their social skills and
group work, all-the-while instilling and developing a sense of pride in
themselves and their school.

Scoil Cholmcille is fortunate to have generous sponsors, and – thanks to its
Bingo committee – a second brass band will be starting next month.

Music of all genres and types is certainly alive and kicking in Scoil
Cholmcille and if this school is anything to go by, the future of
instrumental music and choral singing in Ireland is assured.