This article is from page 31 of the 2008-09-16 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 31 JPG
A HUGELY popular music project which has run in the east Clare area for the past eight years is resuming WOT Were) @
‘Music World’ is hosted by Scariff Community College and is open to the wider community in east Clare. Seven teachers tutor a variety of in- struments including piano, fiddle, guitar, accordion, traditional flute, tin whistle, keyboard and classical voice training.
The classes are run each evening and are open to young music enthusi- asts right through to adults.
While the classes have always at- tracted much interest, the develop- ment of a new state-of-the-art music
room at the school last year signifi- cantly increased interest in music in the east Clare area, and more than 100 people are poised to attend this year’s classes.
The room is fully equipped with a range of musical instruments, in- cluding drums, electric guitars, and a piano, while a specially designed stage gives students the opportunity to exhibit their talents.
According to John O’Brien, who is a music teacher at the school, there is a huge demand for music classes in the wider community, while the new state-of-the-art music room also helps examination students.
“Up to 50 per cent of the Leaving Certificate (music) can be for per- formance,’ said Mr O’Brien.
The new room is a hive of activity throughout the year. A talent show was launched in the school last year and much of the activities for this also takes place in the room. The East Clare Musical Society helped to fund the room and also use it, ensuring that the entire community benefits.
“Not only is it a classroom, it is also a community room. It is a great facility for the school and goes way beyond the classroom,’ said Mr O’Brien.
While much of the music curricu- lum is focused on theory, the advan- tage of the special music room is that students who are keen to progress in playing music are afforded a good opportunity to do so.
“A lot of younger children, aged six and upwards, who aren’t in the school, come and attend lessons.
‘There is a huge interest 1n music. It is fabulous. Setting up the talent competition last year was a big thing. That will take place again this year,’ added Mr O’Brien.
The classes are resuming this week and there are still a number of places available. Further information is available on phone 061 921083.