Music in St. Michael’s
Music is an integral part of daily life here at St. Michael’s. The school has a long and proud history of choral and instrumental performance. Many students take part in a weekly choir class, learning songs from various genres and performing them in harmony while having fun.
Ceola is composed of students from 2nd to 6th year, and they perform at all school events, the “Opening of the School Year Mass”, the annual “Christmas Carol Services", “Carols by Candlelight”, and the 6th year “Graduation Mass”. Ceola has enjoyed much success at the Arklow Music Festival and Navan Choral Festival in the past. The choir rehearses weekly at lunch and after school, coming up to a performance. Ceola prides itself on modelling student leadership with the inspiring involvement of music captains in the ensemble.
In addition to singing, there are many instrumentalists in the school. Every Thursday, our student-led Irish Traditional Music group meets at lunchtime to play. They share different tunes, which gives each member a lovely opportunity to learn and play music they are passionate about. The group performs at “Open Night”, all the school’s masses and services and at various locations around the school during Seachtain na Gaeilge.
The Orchestra of St. Michael’s meets weekly at lunchtime. It is made up of string, percussion and woodwind players. New members are always welcome. The Orchestra rehearses weekly to prepare for the Christmas Carol Services and the “St. Michael’s Melodies” concert held in May of the academic year. This night is always special, showcasing the incredible talent in the school.
Students at St. Michael’s are also encouraged to take up a new instrument. Piano, woodwind (clarinet, descant recorder, flute, saxophone), guitar, ukulele, singing, and cello lessons are available to all.
“Music is the greatest communication in the world. Even if people don’t understand the language, they still know good music when they hear it.” Lou Rawls