This article is from page 22 of the 2007-03-20 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 22 JPG
WALKING around the narrow halls of Ennis National School the one thing you quickly notice are the pic- tures. There’s quite a few of them.
Old grey images, which chart the school’s achievements through the years, be they sporting or other 8 Ion
Grouped among various teamshots of hurlers, footballers, basketballers, soccer players and the few youth- ful, but instantly recognisable faces of future All-Ireland winners, are photos of the Ennis National School band.
Founded by former teachers Sean McDermott and Michael Collins, the band nurtured and encouraged many
aspiring young musicians.
This year marks the 30th anniver- sary of the band’s formation and to celebrate the occasion a special con- cert will be held in Glor this Wednes- day (March 21).
Two schools from Clare; Knocka- nean National School and Ennis National School will be joined by students from Limerick’s Milford National School for a school band’s spectacular. The students will also share the stage with local piper, Michael Coyne.
This is the second year of the event, which was last year held in the con- cert hall of the University of Limer- ee
Organisers decided it would be ap- propriate to acknowledge the contri-
bution made by Sean McDermott to promoting music in the school.
Teacher Fiona de Buitleir explained how the band developed in the early days.
“We only just realised that the band would be going for 30 years this year. When Sean started the band with another teacher at the time Michael Collins, they didn’t know how to play themselves so they were teach- ing themselves as they were teaching the kids.
“They used to say they were one note ahead of the band while they were playing. At that time they didn’t have a set room, so they used to prac- tice in the hallway.”
Ms de Buitleir said the school band was one of the few forums available
Where children could learn to play music.
“If you think about it, 30 years ago there was no maoincheoil or other eroups where kids could go to play.
“It gave the opportunity to children who weren’t necessarily the best at sport or other areas a chance in the limelight, so from that point of view it was important.
“The band has performed in pa- rades and I| think they got to play in Cusack Park one year.”
The full timetable for the concert is: llam – Knockanean; 11.15am – Milford; 11.30am – Ennis national school during which time the 30 years will be acknowledged.
The grand finale will take place at 11.45am.