St Canice’s Instrumental Music Programme currently has two orchestras, Senior and Junior, Two Jazz Bands Senior and Junior, a beginner ensemble for clarinets and saxophones, a recorder ensemble, an adult ensemble “The Gateway Orchestra” and a number of chamber music ensembles.

Junior Orchestra

The Junior Orchestra plays under the directorship of Margaret O’Faoláin de Bhroithe. Musicians from Second Class up to Sixth Class (depending on years of playing as wind and brass instruments are generally only begun in Third Class) play in the Junior Orchestra, who rehearse on a Wednesday after school from 2.45pm until 4.00pm.

The Junior Orchestra is supported by a fantastic group of orchestra managers (volunteer parents) so if you would like to help out please come along and we would be delighted!

See our Junior Orchestra performing at the Feis Ceoil 2013 here.

Senior Orchestra

The Senior Orchestra plays under the directorship of Ruth O’Leary.  Musicians from Fourth Class up to Sixth Class play in the Senior Orchestra, who rehearse on a Monday after school from 2.45pm until 4.15pm.

The Senior Orchestra is supported by a fantastic group of orchestra managers (volunteer parents) so if you would like to help out please come along and we would be delighted!

See our Senior Orchestra performing at the Feis Ceoil 2013 here.

The St Canice’s Cubs

This ensemble consists of our beginner clarinets and saxophones and is directed by Eamon Cahill. It offers a fantastic introduction to playing fun and modern music with others for these young musicians. The cubs practice once a week and are supported by a fantastic group of band managers, so if you would like to help out please come along and we would be delighted!

Junior Jazz Band

The Junior Jazz Band plays under the directorship of Eamon Cahill. They become “to cool for school” when they wow audiences with their swinging beats in the Cream of Kilkenny Cats Concert bi-annually. The Junior Jazz band rehearse on Fridays from 2.45pm until 3.30pm and are supported by a fantastic group of band managers (volunteer parents) so if you would like to help out please come along and we would be delighted!

Senior Jazz Band

The Senior Jazz Band plays under the directorship of Eamon Cahill. They are award-winners at the Wesley College Inter Schools Music Festival and fund-rasiers with their annual performance at the Lions Club Concert in the Watergate Theatre. They too show their wild side when they get feet tapping at the Cream of Kilkenny Cats Concert bi-annually. The Senior Jazz band rehearse on Thursdays from 2.45pm until 3.45pm and are supported by a fantastic group of band managers (volunteer parents) so if you would like to help out please come along and we would be delighted! See the Jazz Band performing at the 30th Anniversary Concert here.