The members of the Orchestra are students who receive tuition in the college from professional instrumental tutors Emer Collins (Violin and Keyboard) and James Warren (Cello, Double Bass, Flute and Clarinet). These are classes provided by the school. Students are encouraged to enjoy playing together and individually, and, where possible, to undertake instrumental exams with R.I.A.M. or A.B.R.S.M. These classes also assist with Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate Music. Playing an instrument can have many benefits including well-being and our generous scheme gives that opportunity to our students.
In Enniscorthy Community College, instruments may be rented from the college and a small fee is paid each year. Students, who often are beginners, attend weekly lessons during the school day with the instrumental tutor. Orchestra Rehearsal takes place in our Music Room, and we include other instruments in the orchestra such as trumpet, recorder, piano, guitar, bass guitar, and percussion.
The school Orchestra had its first major public performance in 2011 at the first Wexford Festival of Youth Orchestras in the National Opera House with composer Vincent Kennedy. His music can be seen in our beautiful stained-glass window in our library. In March 2014, the Orchestra travelled to Prague, Czech Republic to take part in the 2014 International Festival of Youth Orchestras. The following year they performed with composer Brian Irvine in the third Co. Wexford Festival in the National Opera House.
In March 2017, the Orchestra and staff hosted a friendship concert with Co. Cork ETB Junior Youth Orchestra in the College and travelled to Coláiste Choilm, Ballincollig, Co. Cork for a very enjoyable return concert. 2018 was a busy year with two concerts in the National Opera House - one an IAYO festival performance with North Wexford Youth Orchestra and St. Senan’s Orchestra and other youth orchestras from Co. Wexford. The other was part of a WWETB concert entitled ‘In Harmony’ where our orchestra collaborated with the orchestral players of WWETB schools in Waterford and Wexford. Cavan Sinfonia came to the Presentation Centre in November 2019 where we hosted an orchestral friendship concert including musicians, singers, choir from our school.
In 2020 and up to May 2021, we didn’t have live performances, but we combatted Covid by continuing online with instrumental lessons, and we are pleased that online RIAM exams were completed in Flute, Clarinet and Violin. Guitar, flute, and violin players took part in an online performance of the popular song The Wellerman for a WWETB video.
We keep in touch with our past pupils, and we are proud to say past orchestra member, Serena Casey, has just graduated from Maynooth University with a first-class honours Arts--Music and Business- degree, including first class honours in performance (flute). We look forward to new students joining us every year.
Brídín Kelly - Orchestra Director