Music Archives
Kilkenny College broke exciting new ground on Sunday 21st May when the Chamber Choir and String Ensemble gave a Concert in the Castalia Hall, Camphill-Ballytobin outside Callan, Co, Kilkenny.
They performed Carissimi’s Oratorio Jephte and Purcell’s Opera Dido and Aeneas to a full audience. Congratulations to all concerned, especially to all the soloists. Their leader and harpsichord accompanist, Mr. David Milne, can be justly proud of all his musicians.
The Chamber Choir consisted of Dioreann Geoghegan, Alison O’Connor, Audrey Coe, Eleanor Trousdell, Alyssa Kidd, Margaret Mulholland, Kate Rothwell, Rory Fleck-Byrne, Graeme Haslam, Sarah Gethings, Evelyn Johnston, Hollie Hastings, Meghan Tyner, Joy Melbourne, Isolde Proud, Elizabeth Stewart Andrew Candler, Jason Boland.
String Ensemble: Patrick Rafter, Sheena Mahon, Grainne Kavanagh, Isabelle Rafter, Zaki Mahfoud, Jeremy Mahon, Eve O’Connor.
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On 04.05.06 members of the singers and others who rose for 06.45 a.m. repeated their “dawn Chorus’ appearance in Kilkenny from last year on this special “co-incidental” date.
On Sunday 21st May in the Castalia Hall, Ballytobin, Callan, the Chamber Choir will perform "Jephte" by Carissimi and "Dido and Aeneas" by Purcell. The annual Musical Evening will be held in the College on Thursday 25th May.
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The old Irish, wire-strung harp which is taught, uniquely in the whole of Ireland, at Kilkenny College was featured in a recent broadcast on KCLR96FM by our harp teacher, Ms. Siobhan Armstrong. One of her pupils, Sheena Mahon (Form 5) performed some pieces live, on-air.
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WESLEY INTERSCHOOLS‚ MUSIC FESTIVAL 3rd and 4th March 2006
RESULTS: Junior Choir - Highly Commended. Senior Choir - 1st place Watson Cup
1st place winners: KCK Orchestra - Rachel Pearson/Emma Walker - Patrick Rafter - Jason Boland. 2nd prize-winners: KCK Jazz Band - Isabelle Rafter - Victoria Earle and Gwenda Neill - Shane Tobler - Lesley Cobbe. 3rd prize-winners: Alison O’Connor/Hollie Hastings - Lesley Cobbe/Nicola Caldbeck - Isabelle Rafter. 1st class honours: Rory Fleck-Byrne (two awards) - Doireann Geoghegan. Highly commended: Doireann Geoghegan/Elizabeth Stewart /Margaret Mulholland - Julie Starrett and Jen Matthews Isabelle Rafter - Elizabeth Stewart - Margaret Mulholland - Isabelle Hoyne (two awards) - KCK Flute trio - 4th year group. On the Friday 129 pupils participated. On the Saturday 138 took part. Congratulations to all our competitors.
Confirmation Service - the Senior Choir will be singing at the College Confirmation Service in St Canice's Cathedral on Friday 7th April.
Chamber Choir Concert - On Sunday 21st May at 4 p.m. in the Castalia Hall, Ballytobin, Callan, the Chamber Choir will perform "Jephte" by Carissimi and "Dido and Aeneas" by Purcell.
The annual Musical Evening will be held in the College on Thursday 26th May.
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PREVIOUS NEWS:
26 members of staff and students attended a performance of Bach's B minor mass given by the Guinness Choir in a packed Whitehall Church in Dublin on 28th January. The concert was conducted by David Milne and several former KCK teachers and past pupils sang in the choir. Unfortunately, the leading English soprano, Emma Kirkby, had to cancel her visit to to conduct the planned workshop with the chamber choir and masterclass with our singing pupils.
Pupils from Kilkenny College who competed in competitions run by the Kilkenny Music Festival included clarinetists Andrew Hopkins (2nd) and Sarah Caulfield (Highly Commended), the Senior Choir (Very Highly Commended) and the Chamber Choi(2nd).
On Monday 30th January, the Chamber Choir performed at the Prizewinners Concert of the Kilkenny Music Festival, held in the Watergate Theatre. Pupils from Kilkenny College who competed in competitions run by the Kilkenny Music Festival included clarinetists Andrew
Hopkins (2nd) and Sarah Caulfield (Highly Commended), the Senior Choir (Very
Highly Commended) and the Chamber Choir (2nd).
On Friday 11th February, the Chamber Choir, directed by David Milne, led the singing at the Requiem Eucharist for a former Chairman of the Board of Governors, the Rt Revd Noel Willoughby, held in St Canice's Cathedral. The music included: "The Funeral Sentences" (Croft), "The Lord bless you" (Rutter), "Ave verum" (Byrd) and - at the late Bishop's own request - the Spiritual "Steal Away" (Phillips).
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2005
Kilkenny Lions' Club Christmas Concert - the annual schools' concert took place in a packed St. Canice's Cathedral on Thursday 8th December. Kilkenny College was represented by the Junior Choir under the direction of Ms Nicola Mahoney. They sang her effective arrangement of the traditional Irish carol "Don Oiche ud i mBeithil".
Next, the Jazz Band, under Mr Eamon Cahill, performed "Have yourself a merry little Christmas", featuring Isolde Proud as soloist, and "Fly me to the moon". Finally, the Chamber Choir performed
"Ave verum corpus" by William Byrd and "The Windmills of your mind" by Michel Legrand.
THOMAS MOORE COMPETITION 2005
Congratulations to all our singers who prepared for the competition which was held recently.
Senior Section 1: Marianne Murphy, Katie O’Farrell, Rosie Thompson
Senior Section 2: Kerielle O’Connor, Laura Treacy, Grace Hendy, Jill Horan, Margaret Mulholland, Sarah Gethings, Laura Coe, Elizabeth Stewart, Joy Melbourne, Audrey Coe, Rebecca Goddard, Eleanor Trousdell, Isabelle Rafter, Meghan Tyner, Hollie Hastings,
Vivien Thompson, Edwina Hanbidge, Nicola Caldbeck, Linnea Bel-Maguire.
Recalled and Very Highly Commended: Kate Rothwell, Isolde Proud, Jason Boland, Alison O’Connor, Isabelle Hoyne. 3rd Prize: Lesley Cobb, 2nd Prize: Evelyn Johnston, 1st Prize: Rory Fleck-Byrne. (In addition to the trophy, Rory wins a scholarship for a year’s tuition at the DIT Conservatory of Music)
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Congratulations to Andrea Jacob who travelled to UCC recently to receive a permanent tsb High Achiever's Award for her outstanding playing in her RIAM piano exam.
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On Friday 14th October, 130 members of the Senior Choir, the Orchestra and the Chamber Choir directed by David Milne and Nicola Mahoney travelled to Roscrea to perform the following programme in St Cronan’s Church of Ireland in aid of Chernobyl Lifeline and the Tsunami appeal.
A large and very appreciative audience were present. It is remarkable that with a 25% turnover in the membership of the Senior Choir and the Orchestra each year, and 70% in the Chamber Choir, our repertoire and performance experience allows us to put together such a programme in only a few weeks since the beginning of term.
CONCERT PROGRAMME
Senior Choir Jubilate Deo Althouse Orchestra Grand March from Aida Verdi
Chamber Choir Totus tuus Górecki
Patrick Rafter Csardas Ponti
Chamber Choir The Lord Bless you Rutter Senior Choir Look at the world Rutter Listen Archer Urbs fortitudinis Milne
David Milne Organ Solo
Orchestra Pomp and Circumstance Elgar
Senior Choir German Sanctus Schubert
Chamber Choir Windmills of your mind Legrand
Andrew Candler Ol’ man river Kern
Orchestra Jupiter Holst Chamber Choir Cry me a river Hamilton Close to you Bacharach
Senior Choir I got rhythm Gershwin Tutti Anthem: Comme je trouve Milne
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THE KILKENNY COLLEGE SENIOR CHOIR comprises members of IIIrd, IVth, Vth & VIth year pupils. They perform regularly throughout the school year at Prize Day, the Carol and Confirmation Services, and in concerts in school and in various other venues. They also compete in competitions, and in March 2004 they won the Rathdown Cup at the Wesley Inter-Schools’ Music Festival. They participated in the Lyric fm “Choirs for Christmas” competition and a carol was broadcast on that station last December. In January of this year they won the secondary schools’ competition at the Kilkenny Music Festival and broadcast a live television service of Holy Communion on RTÉ One.
THE KILKENNY COLLEGE CHAMBER CHOIR was formed in 2003 from among the senior singing students to investigate and rehearse a wide ranging repertoire of choral music in up to 8 vocal parts. In December that year they performed an early 16th cent. 4 part polyphonic motet, singing from a ledge, high up in the west window of St. Canice’s Cathedral. They subsequently recorded this piece for Lyric fm. Last October they performed at a reception for a plenary meeting of the Arts Council in Kilkenny. They have sung at services and concerts in the Parade Tower, Kilkenny, and the National Concert Hall, Dublin, in Durrow, Port Laoise, Shillelagh, Ballycanew, New Ross and Templemore. On 05/05/05 at 5.55am they performed a “Dawn Chorus” to over 200 early risers outside Kilkenny Castle.
THE KILKENNY COLLEGE ORCHESTRA was formed eleven years ago, following an initiative which allowed the school to purchase a range of “starter’ orchestral instruments in order to stimulate instrumental and orchestral playing. There are now eleven music teachers teaching on a wide range of instruments to a large number of pupils within the school. Each year, the orchestra numbers 30 - 35 players with a good representation of all the orchestral departments. They play at important events and concerts throughout the year and take part in festivals and competitions.
A CD Recording of the Kilkenny College performing groups 2004 featuring 20 representative tracks is available.
The number of pupils studying music and learning an instrument (or two) continues to grow, and we welcome Ms Yvonne Collier back to assist with the piano and singing. The new grand piano is already getting great use and the pupils are thrilled with it - it really is a lovely instrument. The Chamber Choir has expanded this term to 17 selected singers -including fout boys and has started preparing a comprehensive repertoire. Plans for this term include a concert in St Cronin's Church, Roscrea on Friday 14th October at 8.00pm to be given by the Senior Choir, Chamber Choir and Orchestra; entries in the Thomas Moore Competition on Saturday 3rd December and the annual Carol Service in St Canice's Cathedral on Wednesday 21st December at 2.30pm. It is always heartening to welcome support at these events.
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THE GRAND PIANO ARRIVES!
On Thursday 26th May, with due ceremony the sleek shiny Yamaha C7 grand piano was gently maneuvered into the Music Room through the specially adapted French doors and ramp. However it was only for looking until the tuner arrived to crank up the notes to paying pitch after its journey but now its dulcet sound from the fabulous keys can be heard and tried. This is a wonderful asset to music in Kilkenny College and to our pianists in particular. We acknowledge with gratitude al the hard work, fund raising and generosity of all who helped to realise this aspiration. Thank you, everyone!
THE CHAMBER CHOIR
The Chamber Choir has had an extraordinarily successful year. Four boys were adopted for their performance of Górecky’s Totus tuus at the Musical Evening. Boys will be included in the make up of the new Chamber Choir, next year. For their last singing event together, the current Chamber Choir recorded seven pieces from their repertoire in St Canice’s Cathedral. We say
goodbye and thanks to Rachel Earle, Laura Corrigan, Keri Stewart, Olwyn Williams, Jo-Anne Tickner, Jenny Deacon and Kate Krohn-Daniels.
MUSIC IN FOURTH YEAR
Music was well represented in the programme for the Fourth year awards ceremony held on Friday 20th May 2005. The music classes combined to perform a medley of popular songs and there were individual contributions from Danielle Downes, Alison Cobbe, Sarah Gethings, Margaret Mulholland, Alyssa Kidd, Laura Treacy, Emma Rothwell, Emma Treacy, Kate Rothwell, Sarah
Bentick, James O‚Reilly, Andrew Harper, Eleanor Trousdell, Sheena Mahon with Oscar Tootell) and Rory Fleck-Byrne.
MUSICAL EVENING 2005
Another extremely successful Musical Evening was held in the Sports‚ Hall on Thursday 19th May. The performances, detailed below, were of a very high standard and reflected the wealth of talent and energy in the music department. Over 500 people attended, including the chairperson of the Past Pupils‚ Association, Ms. Valerie Twomey, who formally presented a cheque for
€5,500 to Mr Milne towards the Grand Piano Fund from the Past Pupils.
PROGRAMME
CHAMBER CHOIR PLUS Totus Tuus Górecki
FORM 2 STEPHEN BRENNAN BELINDA & MOLLY (duet), ANDREA DEACON (piano) SERENA
HATTON (piano DAVID MOYNAN (piano)
JUNIOR CHOIR California Dreamin‚ Phillips
FORM 3 ISOBEL & KATIE(duet) LAURA COE (voice) ANDREW SHEIL (piano) GRACE
HENDY (voice) The “G G s” (flute trio) ISABELLE RAFTER (voice)
GARETH DUNNE (piano) LAURA McCAFFERTY (trad flute0 EDWINA & LESLEY (duet)
SENIOR CHOIR & ORCHESTRA Jubilate Deo Jay Althouse; Give us hope Papoulis;
Grand March from Aida Verdi; Anthem Milne
FORM 5 JEN & JULIE (duet) GRAEME HASLAM (piano) SEAN D RAFTER (clarinet)
JESSICA ROTHWELL (piano) EVELYN JOHNSTON (voice) MEGHAN TYNER (piano)
JASON BOLAND (himself) SUSAN OVINGTON (piano) ANDREW CANDLER (voice) DAVID
BRENNAN (piano) VIVIEN THOMPSON (voice0 EMMET HUGHES (flute) GWENDA NEILL
(piano) JOY MELBOURNE (voice) EMILY CUNNINGHAM (piano)
SIMON LANGGARTNER (saxophone) AUDREY COE (voice) ISOLDE PROUD (piano)
HOLLIE HASTINGS (herself) CORA DEACON (piano)
CHAMBER CHOIR Cry Me a River Hamilton; Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy Raye/Prince..
FORM 6 STEVEN CASSELLS (himself) CAROLINE WATCHORN (voice) CLAIRE MOYNAN
(flute) JO-ANNE TICKNER (voice) MIRIAM BRENNAN (piano) RUTH
CALDER-POTTS (voice) LAURA YOUNG (piano) LAURA CORRIGAN (voice) KERI
STEWART (piano) SARAH POWER (voice) OLWYN WILLIAMS (flute) JAMES TROY
(Voice)
GEMMA & STEVEN (duet) JENNY DEACON (voice)
SENIOR JAZZ BAND The A Train Ellington.
The Jazz Bands took part in an inter-schools‚ music competition in the Watergate Theatre in late April. The event attracted entries from six schools in Kilkenny city and county.
The Senior Jazz Band took part in a Jazz Spectacular in the Watergate Theatre on Friday 6th May. The event, which was organised by Mr Eamon Cahill also featured the Kilkenny Wind Ensemble and the Wind Ensemble of the Royal Irish Academy of Music.
05.05.05: The Chamber Choir were early risers to join the dawn chorus when they performed at Kilkenny Castle at 5.55am to mark the 5th day of the 5th month of the 5th year of the millennium. They sang Morning has broken, Steal away, Mary had a baby, O vos omnes and Now is the month of Maying to a large and appreciative audience.
The Chamber Choir performed to an audience of 400 in St Mary’s Church, Templemore on 20th April. They sang a varied programme from their extensive repertoire of motets, spirituals and a selection of close-harmony numbers. Tanya Sewell sang a selection of arias and songs and the organ was played by Mr David Milne.
43 Leaving and Junior Certificate pupils completed their practical performances with varied programmes of a very high standard. It is exciting to see the benefits of experience developing in these performances.
The 5th year members of the Senior Choir sang at the funeral service for of Mrs. McClure in St John’s Church on 1st March and included the anthem "Listen" by Malcolm Archer. They were directed by Ms Nicola Mahoney and the organist was Mrs Joy Bibby.
Inter School’s Music Festival Wesley College Dublin 4th & 5th March. The Junior Choir were placed 3rd in their competition and the Chamber Choir were 2nd (1 mark behind the winners!) in the unaccompanied and unconducted vocal ensemble section. On the Saturday Kilkenny College were represented by 90 individual performances in 23 different competitions. All our participants had put in a great amount of hard work in preparation for their events and are to be complimented on the high standards achieved by all. The adjudications were complimentary and helpfully encouraging and the experience gained by our pupils is invaluable.
Cup winners included - Jennifer Matthews, Julie Starrett, James Troy, Andrew Candler, Caroline Watchorn, Patrick Rafter Isabelle Rafter and the Jazz Band.
Medals & Commendations - Simon Langgartner, Frances O’Morchoe. Fiona Rothwell, Hollie Hastings, Laura Corrigan, Andrew Candler, Isabelle Rafter, Edwina Hanbidge nad Lesley Cobbe. The Orchestra came 4th in their competition.The Chamber Choir sing in Ballycanew.
The 12 members of the Kilkenny College Chamber Choir, under the direction of
Mr David Milne, took part in a Service of Peace and Reconciliation for Youth
organised by the Mothers‚ Union in St Mogue’s Church, Ballycanew, Co. Wexford on Monday 31st January, where they sang "Prayer of St Francis" by Jan Nieland, "The Lord bless you" by John Rutter, and a setting of the spiritual"Mary had a Baby" by John Phillips.
Kilkenny Music Festival 2005.
A number of our music pupils entered for various competitions in this year’s
local Music Festival held in various venues in the city. For the first time in many years, the Senior Choir was able to enter the post-primary schools senior choirs class and they were the winners of the Smithwicks Cup, ahead of seven other schools in the competition held in St Mary‚s Cathedral. They will perform their winning programme at the prize-winners concert in the Watergste Theatre on Sunday 6th February.
Individuals who competed included Conor Kavanagh (Very Highly Commended in the Senior wind instruments), Sean Rafter (Clarinet), Sarah Caulfield Silver Medal in the U15 wind instruments), Jen Matthews & Julie Starrett (winners, senior piano duet), Emily Cunningham (piano), Isabelle Hoyne (Highly Commended), Isabelle Rafter (cello - silver medal) and Patrick Rafter (violin - gold medal)
Live broadcast of Holy Communion on RTE One.
Sunday 23rd January - a very, very early start as 72 members of the Senior Choir, the Chamber Choir and the Orchestra, together with 10 members of staff left the college in the dark and frost under a very big moon. We arrived in a very quiet television centre at Montrose about 9am and after some refreshments and a quick change into our best turn-out, we were brought into studio 2 for the camera rehearsal which was in fact a complete run-through of the service. We broke at 11 and 15 minutes later we were live
on-air!
The Service of Holy Communion was conducted by Canon Black and introduced by Ms Starrett. The readers were Kathryn Simpson, Mr Garrett and Ms Shirley. The accompanist was Ms McCann. The hymns included: As with gladness men of old; Just as I am; Lord of all hopefulness; and a robust setting of the Hymn 'Tres Magi de Gentibus" by C.S.Lang.The Chamber choir sang 2 movements from Britten's "Ceremony of Carols" with Laura Corrigan as soloist. Other music included "The Lamb" by John Tavener, "Sanctus & Benedictus" from a German Mass by Franz Schubert, and settings of the "Gloria" and "Agnus Dei" and the canticle "Urbs fortitudinis" by Mr Milne.
At the end of the Christmas term we had our visit to the Parade Tower, our annual carol service and our participation in the Lion’s Concert in St. Canice’s Cathedral.
We are looking forward to the RTE live television broadcast on the morning of Sunday 23rd January 2005. Please tune in to us – or set the recorder!
In the annual Thomas Moore competition held in St. Kieran’s College recently the following pupils performed well: Miriam Brennan, Caroline, Watchorn, James Troy, Laura Corrigan Keri Stewart, Sarah Power, Isolde Proud, Hollie Hastings, Alison O’Connor, Sarah Gethings, Rory Fleck-Byrne, Laura Coe, Nicola Caldbeck and Grace Hendy. In the Junior Competition, out of 61 competitors, Grace Hendy was recalled and was awarded Highly Commended. In the Senior Competition, out of 41 competitors, Isolde Proud and Keri Stewart were Highly Commended, Laura Corrgian was very highly commended and James Troy was awarded third prize.
We trust that many of you have purchased our CD ,we are very proud of it and we hope it gives you hours of enjoyable listening. The music department is currently fund-raising for a grand piano. There are now 90 pupils having piano lessons in school and, especially for the advanced players, access to a good instrument is essential so that they may develop their technical skills and expressive facilities to a high degree.
The proceeds from two Musical Evenings, recent and planned performances by the various choirs and instrumental ensembles plus the sale of the CD have already realised c€ 10,000. The Board, the Parents’ Association and the Past Pupils Association are also assisting
The Chamber Choir travelled to Portlaoise to take part in the Bi-centenary celebration at St. Peter’s. This was in the form of a Songs of Praise and the choir augmented the choirs of St. Peter’s Church, Maryborough School, Laois Choral Society. David Milne played the organ.
The choirs sang "Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness" to the tune "Maryborough" written by Dr. Rachel Pike daughter of the late Bishop of Meath.
The Chamber Choir gave two renditions on their own: "For the beauty of the earth" by John Rutter and a setting of the Prayer of St. Francis of Assissi by Jan Nieland and concluded the service with a John Rutter Blessing sung by the College Choir.
The Chamber Choir also performed for the Arts’ Council in Kilkenny and this weekend will be appearing in Shillelagh.
The numbers of pupils taking music at Junior and Leaving Cert. levels are the highest ever, as are the numbers taking individual instrumental and singing tuition. The Senior and Junior Choirs, the Orchestra and Jazz Band are well subscribed, too, and the Chamber Choir will feature 12 of our best singers.
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A CD recording of 20 tracks featuring the Kilkenny College performing groups 2004 which was recorded in May is in production and will be available soon. Proceeds from its sale, and other events will be added to the fund for the purchase of a good grand piano for the music department which currently stands close to € 8,500.
The CD will feature performances of a varied repertoire by the Orchestra, Senior Choir, Chamber Choir, Junior Choir & Jazz Band.
To order: Please complete the form below and return to Mr Milne with 15 euros per copy
(cheques made payable to Kilkenny College).
All proceeds from the sale of this CD will go towards the purchase of a grand piano for the music department.
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To: Mr David Milne, Music Department, Kilkenny College, Kilkenny.
I wish to order ____ copies at 15 euros each of the CD recording of the Kilkenny College Music Performing Groups 2004.
I enclose _ ____________NAME: _________________________________
ADDRESS:______________________________
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Chamber Choir star at the National Concert Hall
The Kilkenny College Chamber Choir had their biggest audience to date when they performed Bach's Magnificat with the Guinness Choir in the National Concert Hall, Dublin on 25th April. This was a first for the Choir taking part in this prestigious concert in the Capital. They not only sang with the Choir and orchestra but had a Trio “spot” to sing on their own. It was truly a memorable evening with several Kilkenny College connections. The Concert was conducted by our own Mr. David Milne, the mezzo-soprano soloist was former KCK pupil Tanya Sewell, now making a name for herself in the classical world of oratorio and several members of the Choir are also past pupils of the College including Nigel Buttimer and Brian Thornburgh. The audience included the headmaster and his wife and many supporters and parents from Kilkenny.
The Chamber Choir consists of Laura O'Connor, Rachel Earle, Laura Corrigan, Rachel O'Farrell, Laura Smith, Olivia Hanbidge, David Milne, Jenny Deacon, Amy Williams, Jo-Anne Tickner, Olwyn Williams, Lyn White, Kate Krohn-Daniels.
INTER-SCHOOLS‚ MUSIC FESTIVAL AT WESLEY COLLEGE, DUBLIN 2004
Kilkenny College were well represented in the competitions over the two days, 5th & 6th March, and featured a number of times on the winners‚ lists. All the performers were well prepared and received favourable and positively helpful comments from the adjudicators in the various classes.
We achieved 1st places in the following competitions: Epworth Cup for Junior Choirs: The Junior Choir; William Watson Cup for Senior Choir : The Senior Choir (best out of 18 schools); Rathfarnham Concert Band Cup: The Jazz Band; Vocal Duet U15: Laura Coe & Grace Hendy; Solo Singing Popular O16: Andrew Candler; Wind U16: Séan Rafter; Piano Duet U15: Jill Horan & Fiona Rothwell.
The following were runners-up: Madrigal Groups: The Chamber Choir; Solo Singing Classical U16: Andrew Candler; Piano Duet U15: Serena Hatton & Patricia O’Morchoe; Piano Duet O15: Emily Cunningham & Julie Starrett.
The following were Highly Commended: Solo Singing Classical U16: Caroline Watchorn; Solo Singing Popular O16: Rachel O’Farrell: Vocal Duet O15: Laura O’Connor & Rory Fleck-Byrne;
Unaccompanied Irish Song O15: Doireann Geoghegan.
110 pupils sang in the choir competitions on Friday. There were 25 in the Orchestra, 16 in the Jazz Band and 79 individual competitiors on Saturday.
Special thanks to my colleagues in the music department - Nicola Mahoney, Eamon Cahill, Maura Rafter and Danette Milne for their hard work with the preparations for the competitions and to all who travelleg with the groups and assisted with food and accomodation.
Details of musical involvement in events on Friday 5th February 2004
At the Requiem Mass for Conor O‚Brien in St Canice‚s Church,
the Kilkenny College Chamber Choir sang
Entrance Hymn - Be Thou my vision
The Responsorial Psalm - The Lord is my Shepherd (arr. Fr Tom Egan)
(Cantor: Ms Nicola Mahoney)
Alleluia verse
Offertory Hymn - Ag Críost an síol (Seán Ó Riada)
Sanctus - German Mass (Franz Schubert)
Memorial Acclamations, Amen, Agnus Dei (Michael Joncas)
During the Communion - Prayer of St Francis (Jan Nieland)
- Steal Away (Spiritual)
Post Communion - Pie Jesu (Gabriel Fauré)
(Soprano soloist: Rachel O‚Farrell - VIth year)
Final Hymn - Now Thank We All Our God
The organ was played by Mr David Milne
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At the Memorial Celebration and Act of Thanksgiving for the late Sam McClure
in St. John‚s Church on Friday evening,
the Kilkenny College Orchestra played Jupiter from the Planets Suite (Gustav Holst)
Pomp & Circumstance Marches Nos 1 & 4 (Edward Elgar)
and accompanied the congregation in the hymns:
To Zion‚s hill I lift mine eyes
Now thank we all our God
Between the readings, the Kilkenny College Chamber Choir sang
Prayer of St Francis (Jan Nieland)
Ships of Arcady (Michael Head)
Steal Away (Spiritual)
For the Beauty of the Earth (John Rutter)
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Thomas Moore Competition
Congratulations to Andrew Candler who was the overall winner at the Thomas Moore Competition in Kilkenny recently. Laura O’Connor and Laura Corrigan were highly commended. Others who took part were Sarah Power, Keri Stewart, Miriam Brennan, Tara Caldbeck, Rachel O’Farrell, Jenny Deacon and Lyn White.
Prize Day October 2003
The Event was accompanied by a rousing version of Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance played by the Orchestra and the Choir sang The Rhythm of Life and concluded with a rendition of the College Anthem - Comme je trouve.
Under the direction of Mr. David Milne and Ms. Nicola Mahoney, the following took part in the Choir on Prize Day Sixth year : L. de la Marche, L. Smith, R. O’Farrell, S. Brennan, A. Williams,
O. Hanbidge, A. Haslam, L. Stotesbury, L. White, A. Lynas, D. Shaw, O. Mahfoud, J. Starrett, B. Fogg.
Fifth year: K.Stewart, R. Earle, K.K.Daniels, L. Keenan, J. Deacon, J-A. Tickner, S. Power, L. Corrigan, J-A Gilbert, M. Brennan, O. Williams, C. Watchorn, J.Troy, S. Cassells, C. Kavanagh, S. O’Connor.
Fourth Year: J. Boland, R. Leech, V. Earle, E. Beirne, E. Masterson, J. Dempsey, L. Hanbidge, N. Stoddart,
E. Johnston, J. Coyle, J. Matthews, J. Starrett, V. Thompson, G. Neill. L. Stoddart, H. Hastings, I. Proud, A. Coe, S. Carpenter, N. Stanley, A. Candler
Third Year: V. Wallace, J. Younghusband, K. Moynan, K. Rothwell, A. Roe, D. Geoghegan, R. Case, K. Condren,
S. Carter, A. Cobbe, M. Allen, D. Downes, L. Grothier, E. Treacy, L. Cox, J. Caulfield, J. Roe, A. Kidd, L. Treacy, S. Gethings, G. Beattie, S. Fallon, K. McArdle, Z. Fennell, C. Masterson, G. James, S. Mahon, M. Griffith,
A. Williams, T. O’Neill, E. Trousdell, R. Fleck-Byrne, K. Baker.
Orchestra: A. Lynas, S. Mahon, J. Starrett, L. Corrigan, R. Calder-Potts, A. O’Connor, C. Deverell, O. Williams,
P. Reid, E. Hughes, H. Fogg, S. Rafter, B. Fogg, Jl. Starrett, R. Leech, O. Mahfoud, J. Boland, I. Rafter,
L. O’Connor, S. Kiersey, C. Hayes, K. Stewart, L. McCafferty.
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KCK turns Handel
Another first for the College and its music Dept. when it recently joined forces with the Dublin-based Guiness Choir to sing part of Handel’s Messiah in St. Canice’s Cathedral.
It included the massed voices of the Kilkenny College senior and chamber choirs along with the ladies and gentlemen of the Guiness Choir, organist Malcolm Proud, string quartet with tympany played by Avril Wellwood.
Soloists from the College included Amy Wiliams, Jenny Deacon, Elaine Young, Laura Smith, Rachel O’Farrell, Heather Besanson, Laura O’Connor, Laura Corrigan, Deidre Armitage, Catriona and Andrew Candler and also former pupil of the school, Tanya Sewell, singing with the Guinness Choir and also following a solo career. The entire company was held under control by David Milne who successfully brought together for the first time his Dublin Choir and his Kilkenny musical proteges.
The programme opened with pieces from both sections including the first public airing of the College Anthem newly composed by Mr. Milne, the Chamber Choir gave rendition of Earth while the Guinness Choir sang Locus Iste and Mozart’s Ave Verum.
Then the combined choirs sang Part Two of the Messiah raising the ancient Cathedral roof with the famous Hallelujah Chorus The Passion and Part Three, The life of the World to Come, and concluding the evening with the great Amen.
CHICAGO, CHICAGO!
A large group of choir and orchestra accompanied by a group of staff made a trip to Dublin recently to see the current stage production of "Chicago" in the Point.
The show was hugely enjoyed by all, not least swooning over Marti Pellow, formerly of Wet,Wet, Wet. The music and dance was of the highest quality and dreams of hoofing of the McAdoo Hall again could yet come true!!
MARCH
Interschools‚ Music Festival at Wesley College 28th February/1st March 2003
The Senior Choir won their competition (Rathdown Cup)
The Chamber Choir were 2nd and Very Highly Commended, 1 mark behind winnerThe Junior Choir sang very well although un-placed
45 pupils played with the Orchestra and Jazz Band
Good performances from both though un-placed in their competition
(3 marks behind the winners)
- 57 individual performances
Omar Mahfoud & Jeremy Starrett were Highly Commended in the Chamber Music
Ruby-Kay Davelaar & Jeremy Starrett were Highly Commended in the Wind O16
Amy Williams & Laura Smith were Very Highly Commended in the Vocal Duet
Elaine Young, Heather Besanson, Rachel O‚Farrell & Laura Corrigan were all Highly Commended in the Popular Solo O16
Catriona Candler was 3rd (medal) ,
Rachel O‚Farrell & Lyn White were Very Highly Commended and
Laura Corrigan was Highly Commended in the Classical Solo O16
Andrew Candler was 2nd (medal) in the Popular Solo U16
Jenny Deacon was Highly Commended in the Piano solo O16
A great, but tiring week-end: excellent performances from all, reflecting a
great deal of hard work and preparation. It is especially noticeable how
greatly improved all our competitors are in performance as they gain more and more experience.
Kilkenny College was mentioned many, many times over the 2 days as our
entries were a significant proportion of the whole.
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2003
Currently there are 2 music option classes in each year with increased numbers. Over 300 pupils take individual vocal or instrument tuition. 10 pupils took practical examinations in the RIAM and the Leinster School of Music last term. 2 bands comprising pupils from KCK took part in the national Real Events competition in November. “Idée Fixe” was selected to play in the regional heats in Athlone and have released a demo CD. Elaine Young (VI) together with a quintet of musicians has also recorded a CD.
50 singers from both choirs went carol Singing in Hospitals and Nursing Homes in Thomastown and Callan at the end of the Christmas Term. 16 pupils have formed a Chamber Choir and sang a four -part polyphonic motet at the Carol Service singing from a ledge on the West Window in St. Canice’s Cathedral. This piece was composed in 1525, about 10 years before Kilkenny College was founded. They have submitted a recording of this to the Choirs for Christmas competiton on Lyric FM which was broadcast over the Christmas period.
The orchestra perdformed at Prize Day and showed off its expanded percussion section to great acclaim. The Jazz band continues to flourish and performed at the Lions’ Christmas Concert with Lyn White (V) as lead vocalist.
In 2003 events will include: the Kilkenny Music Festival, the Inter-Schools’ Music Festival at Wesley College, Junior & Leaving Certificate Music Practicals, RIAM Practical Examinations and the Confirmation Service,
In May music students will perform at the IVth Year Awards Evening, the Open Day, the annual Musical Evening with a newly composed Anthem and there are plans for a performance of part of Handel’s Messiah in conjunction with a visit to Kilkenny by the Guinness Choir from Dublin.
Music Staff include Mr. D. Milne, Ms. N. Mahoney, Ms. P. Hogan (flute), Mr. E. Cahill (Clarinet & saxophone). Ms. M. Rafter (piano & cello), Mr. C. Kavanagh (Guitar), Ms. M. Patterson (violin), Ms. S. Armstrong (harp) and Mr. A. Sheehan (guitar).
OCTOBER 2002
Choir for Prize Day was conducted by Mr. Milne, with Ms. Mahoney on keyboard
Choir
Deirdre Armitage, Olivia Deacon, Catriona Candler, Vicki McCullagh, Heather Besanson, Sarah Brennan, Laura de la Marche, Sarah Flood, Olivia Hanbidge, Amy Haslam, Laura Smith, Sasha Stanley, Laura Stotesbury, Amy Williams, Miriam Brennan, Laura Corrigan, Kate Daniels, Jenny Deacon, Rachel Earle, Julie-Anna Gilbert, Alison Greene, Claire Hanbidge, Lisa Hatton, Viola Hendy, Rebecca Hutton, Laura Keenan, Michaela Kinsella, Nicole McCormick, Jamie Pearson, Sarah Power, Kathryn Simpson, Gemma Stanley, Zeda Stanley, Keri Stewart, Jo-Anne Tickner, Caroline Watchorn, Olwyn Williams, Laura Young, Jason Boland, Carly Boyd, Cora Deacon, Ann Dore Dania El Amin Julie Starrett Rafaela Gibson-Brabazon Linda Hanbidge Hollie Hastings Emma Harper, Lauren Holmes, Evelyn Johnston, Jenny Lalor, Sarah Lett, Jennifer Matthews, Joy Melbourne, Sarah Murphy, Gwenda Neill, Alana Power, Jessica Rothwell, Rebecca Stack, Lyanne Stoddart, Nicola Stoddart, Vivienne Thompson.
Orchestra;
Ruth Lee, Sheena Mahon, Adam Lynas, Julie Starrett, Alison O'Connor, Ruth Calder-Potts, Suzanne Yates, Laura Corrigan, Omar Mahfoud, Arnold Mahon, Isabel Rafter, Heather Besanson, Ruby-Kay Davelaar, Vicki McCullagh, Emmet Hughes, Catriona Candler, Harry Fogg, Sean Rafter, Mr E Cahill, Jeremy Sarrett, Billy Fogg, Emma Harper, Avril Wellwood, Deirdre Armitage, Keri Stewart, David Shaw.
Orchestra item: WILLIAM TELL OVERTURE Rossini arr. David Andrew
Choir item: ALL MY TRIALS LORD trad. arr. Gwyn Arch
