Willow Park Junior School, music

Music in Willow
SONGS IN THE PARK 2009
A particularly memorable 'Songs in the Park' was staged on the the last days of April '09. Under the careful direction of Fr.Cormac O'Brolchain and Mary-Rose Stauder, the boys performed an eclectic and joyous programme that emphasised the hard-work and talent that is being fostered in the school. Choirs, soloists, ensembles, rock-groups all performed excellently. Undoubtedly, the Performing Arts' Initiative is paying off handsomely, as more and more boys are introduced to choir and instrument! Particularly entertaining was the emergence of a large number of recorder and brass players, who as the years progress, will embolden the talent of the school orchestra (......which sounded rich and harmonious this year). Willow has a long and rich tradition in music, but like all traditions, it can quickly decline without continued care and fostering. This recent 'Songs in the Park' emphasises that music is alive and thriving in Willow and that Fr.Cormac's original vision of 'one hour of intense musical pleasure' remains a joy and reality. Congratulations and thanks to all who made the evening so harmonious. Jim Casey Principal


Shades - Visiting Capella Group from Yale


3rd Form to 6h Form had the privilege of attending a performance of Shades, a capella group from Yale University visiting Ireland over the St.Patrick's period. The young Yale students entranced their Irish audience with their rich harmonies and distinctive movements. Indeed , the boys found it hard to sit still throughout the performance, the music was so rhythmic! The highlight of the performance was their own special rendition of 'We shall overcome' which moved everyone in the audience. Following a light lunch in Willow, Shades moved on to the Phoenix Park to entertain our President, Mrs. McAleese. We would like to thank Moira Shipsey and her son, Matthew (ex-Willow and now studying in Yale) for organising the event. A CD of Shades is available for purchase at the school Office. Shades is a co-educational a cappella group founded to celebrate music of the African Diaspora at Yale University. It is the group's objective to offer a unique, musically excellent, and spiritually enriching performance experience to audiences at Yale and beyond. Drawing from the diverse backgrounds of its members and the oral traditions of blacks in America, Shades strives to portray authentically the depth and complexity of the black experience with a focus on R&B, gospel, jazz, soul, pop, and traditional Caribbean, African, and African-American music. Visit Shades @: http://www.yale.edu/shades/
Performing Arts Initiative............
Click image to enlarge	A glimpse into the performing arts' room as two boys participate in our 'Sound it out: - Strings initiative' whereby boys in 1st & 2nd Forms have the opportunity to try out 'age-specific' violins over a 9 week period after school. The violins are rented-out to the boys for the duration of the course and if they enjoy the instrument, they may continue to practice over the coming years and join the school orchestra. Boys are already signed up to the woodwinds/brass initiative on the same 'rental' basis. The 'Sound it Out' programme should give the boys of Willow a real chance to enhance their musical talents.

Dublin Brass visit
'Dublin Brass', a local ensemble, visited Willow on Tuesday, 2nd September to welcome the boys and present them with an example of how our orchestra will sound by the end of the year! Mary-Rose Stauder organised the group to attend, so that the boys could experience the 'real' brass sound. The performance was part of our Performing Arts' initiative, encouraging boys to get involved in the Arts in an active way. They even heard (& saw) .....a man play sweet music on a garden hose-pipe! From the positive response of the audience, it looks like we will have many young musicians in the near future. 'Dublin Brass' make a return visit during our Arts' Week, just before mid-term. Mary-Rose, Mr. Tom Keogh & Mr. Chris Turner (our Music Department) welcome all boys interested in learning an instrument over the coming year/s.