5th Birthday Celebration at Coole Music

Coole Music Orchestra



Programme cover

On the way home from the PPMTA  conference I  called into the Lady Gregory Hotel in Gort to hear the concert celebrating 5 years anniversary of Galway Music School, Coole Music.

Music Mentoring in Athlone PPMTA Conference 2010

I attended the annual post music teachers' conference, hosted by the PPMTA  this weekend at the Sheraton Hotel in Athlone. It was a packed programme of lectures and workshops, jam session, networking oppotunities and with the hotel conveniently juxtapositioned beside the shops, opportunity for a little retail therapy without missing too much of the conference action.

Sandy Kelly /Patsy Cline at Glór

Sandy Kelly brought a bit of sparkle to the Glor last Thursday with her homage to Patsy Cline. Her outfits were stunning and she looked fabulous . I loved the fiddle player who looked liked he was really enjoying himself and made it look effortless.

Phil Coulter at the West County Ennis

I am listening to Phil Coulter being interviewed by Ivan Yates on the radio and I am reminded that I saw him back in July at the West County Hotel, Ennis.

Irish Chamber Orchestra at Glór

One of the outstanding events of the musical calendar in Ennis in the year to date was the visit by the Irish Chamber Orchestra to Glor in Ennis on Thursday 30th September. The orchestra performs regularly at their base in UCH Limerick but a performance in Ennis is a rare treat. The ensemble consisted of 18 string players and directed this evening by violinist Catherine Hunka.

Will Martin at UCH

Young Kiwi singing sensation Will Martin was supported by a strong line up of local talent in this pleasant concert which offered something for all tastes at University Concert Hall.

United in Harmony Barbershop Convention UCH

Great fun was had by all at the International Open Entertainment Competition run by the Irish Association of Barbershop Singers at UL over the weekend.

Founders' Day at Colaiste Muire Ennis

24th September is Catherine MaCauley Day in honour of the founder of the Mercy teaching order. As the music department were missing some personnel on the day I went along to assist director Michael Hennessy at the liturgical service to mark the day and the start of the academic year.

Swinging Strings at Ennis NS

Ennis National School
'Swinging Strings' begins!
The "Swinging Strings" music programme got off to a great start with all three 4th classes taking part in their first lesson. Mr. Blake's classroom was transformed into a music studio for the morning and each class in turn came in for their session. To begin, thirty mats were placed on the floor with a violin on each.



Pupils stood beside a mat each, and were taught how to hold the instrument in 'rest' and in 'play' positions. They learned the names of the strings and how to play 'pizzicato' (plucking the strings). They listened to music on CD and played along with some Vivaldi.

Smiles all round!