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The F.C.J. Music Students came back to school on September 2nd and will begin music lessons and rehearsals next week, September 12th. The Band's strength is now down to just under 100 as we said goodbye last May to our 6th Year students. So this week we begin the task of recruiting a new Junior Band from F.C.J. 1st and 2nd Year students (1st & 2nd Year Junior Certificate, 12½ - 14 year olds).

Gearóid Grant has already met all the 1st and 2nd year classes to find out who is interested in being auditioned for the new Band. Over the next 10 days he will test each child and work out with them which instrument would be most suitable for them. Past Band members who visit this site will know that not everyone's mouth is suitable for playing the trombone, for example ! Anyone can play any instrument but it will prove easier to master it if your embouchure (how your mouth fits the mouthpiece) is correct for that particular instrument. We will have places available for about 50 students, playing instruments which will make up a well balanced sound for the Band. More than 90% of the applicants will be learning music for the first time. Any student who wishes is auditioned even if they are not especially musical. Our policy is one of inclusion and the desire to learn music and be enthusiastic about joining the Band is very important. Gearoid will shortly hold a meeting for parents of prospective Band members to talk to them about what being a Band member entails as regards to rehearsal times, music lessons, cost of instruments, etc. The monies raised by the Fund are very important at this time as we can purchase new school instruments and offer them to students who might find it very difficult to purchase one for themselves. We look forward to telling you all about their progress over the coming weeks and months !

At the Annual Prize giving at the end of the School year, Mr. Grant presented the Music Award (The Shane Power Trophy) to Kevin McEvoy of Ballingate, Carnew, Co. Wicklow, an outstanding Band member for the past six years. Kevin was a most enthusiastic and dependable member of the trombone section and gave unparalleled assistance when the band was "on the move" ! We wish him well as he goes to College to study Science.

In the State Leaving Certificate examinations, held in June, all the Band members and Music students achieved very good results. When the results were announced in August, 75% of students who took Music used them for their points for college entry.

We forgot to let you know that all of the students who took the Grade examinations, of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music London , last March were successful ! We're delighted to say too that 20 students received a Distinction and another 35 were awarded a Merit.

In May the Band travelled to Dublin to play at The Blanchardstown Centre and we are glad to report that they raised over €1,100 for an Irish F.C.J. Sister who works with street children in the city of Maasin in the Philippines. They had a very enthusiastic and appreciative reception and really enjoyed playing for the large crowds.

As Band is an extra-curricular activity in Irish schools, each section has a one hour rehearsal per week, after school. When preparing for a concert or tour extra rehearsals are held at week-ends. Also, each student has a half hour music lesson each week.

Although Choir is no longer on the school's curriculum all students are being released from classes for the next 2 weeks as they rehearse the O Riada Mass for the Celebration of the Beginning of Year Mass in the Church of the Most Holy Trinity Bunclody on the afternoon of Thursday, the 26th of September.

Eileen Martin
School Secretary