From next Wednesday (25th September) until the mid-term break (week beginning Monday 28th October) Senior Orchestra rehearsal times will change from the current rehearsal time of 3.45pm-5.00pm to 6.45pm-8.00pm. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. The change has been made to accommodate those pupils involved in the school’s gaelic football teams, who are involved in matches on Wednesday afternoons.
Please click on timetables in the header menu to view 2013-2014 timetables.
Please note that lessons have been organised with reference to teacher’s availability, children’s availability (if they are partaking in more than one class) and classroom availability. It is extremely difficult to re-arrange a child’s lesson time or group so unless it is absolutely necessary to do so, it would be greatly appreciated that you do not request changes to the timetable.
If you have any queries regarding the timetable please send by text to 087 7917960 and email to stcanicesimp@gmail.com or alternatively contact us here
Our thanks to Kilkenny Borough Council, who under the Arts Act Grant, have given us a grant of €700. We will be using this towards the purchase of new violin cases.
We are delighted to welcome two new teachers to the programme this year, Margaret Murran to teach flute and Katie Murphy, to teach violin, theory and pre-instrumental. Both are highly qualified and experienced performers and teachers and are delighted to be joining us. You can read their biographies in our teachers section.
Patrons enjoyed an incredible night of musical excellence at the 30th Anniversary Gala Concert celebrating the foundation of St Canice’s Instrumental Music Programme. It was a showcase of current musicians in the school and of several artists who have gone on to become renowned musicians in their own right, such as Maria Ryan (current holder of the Heineken violin); David O Leary, Alison Comerford and Mark O Leary.
It marked the debut of St Canice’s Gateway Orchestra, a very special adult orchestra of amateur musicians. Eamon Cahill, synonymous with teaching jazz featured two of his jazz bands. It was a night of musical diversity; from French horn, and trombone, played by brother and sister Muireann and Lorcan Brennan to violin and flute, played by Aisling O Dwyer-O Brien and John Donovan. One of the highlights was the performance of Mendelssohn’s “Octet for Strings”. Maria Ryan, violinist played Tchaikovsky’s “Melodie” followed by the frenetically paced “Banjo and Fiddle” by Kroll. David O Leary, violinist with the English National Opera, played ‘Carmen Fantasy’ by Sarasate and received a standing ovation. St Canice’s Senior Orchestra, conducted by Ruth O Leary, closed the show. For many of the older children on stage, it marked their last time in the familiar red orchestra sweatshirt, as they leave for secondary school in September. The night would not be complete without special mention of the woman who made this all possible, Regina O Leary. She received a special presentation from her son David in recognition of her creation of a legacy of music for thousands of children in Kilkenny. Regina thanked all who contributed to the success of the programme over the last 30 years. Dublin conductor and adjudicator Dr Albert Bradshaw praised Regina for the profound impact she has had on the lives of so many through her work in music education.