Orchestra & Choirs
Graduation 2017
Blackrock Win Multiple Awards at the Wesley Music Festival
The music department got off to a flying start this term receiving our best results to date at the Wesley Feis. The Wesley Music Festival is the equivalent of the Schools’ Cup for Music. It an opportunity for our boys, to compete with their peers in other schools, on a team and individual basis. We had 38 entries overall, winning 27 awards – six 1st places, eight 2nd places, six 1st Class Honours and seven Highly Commended. Outstanding results!
We congratulate both the Libermann and the 16 Choir on winning their respective competitions. The Libermann Choir has now won the ‘Frank Hughes Cup’ four years in a row.
2nd Year Band ‘Paradox’ [Alex Kelly, Sam Loscher, Robbie Gallagher, Sean Probert, Oscar Bourke-Mullaney and Robert Byrne] won the u’15 Rock Band Category. Oscar also won the U’15 – Solo Singing ‘Popular’, and Sam the U’15 Drum Kit category.
‘Govinda’ [Alex Quinlan, Fionn Byrne, Mark Crowley and Avi Shandilya] (all 5th Year) won the over 15’s Rock Band category.
The College Orchestra finished 2nd as did Mark Landers (Solo Singing U’15), Colm Hogan (Brass U’15), Daniel Beatty (Classical Acoustic Guitar U’15), Alex Kelly (Piano Solo U’16), Gavin Jones (Classical Acoustic Guitar U’15), Cian Hasson and Stephen Ryan (U’15 Duet) and ‘Square One’ (Mark Heavey, John Heavey, Jack Browne, Oisin McEnroe, Sean Byrne and Patrick Haugh, (all 6th Year). Our Corless Choir and Jazz Band were amongst six 1st Class Honours (3rd places).
Stellar Results all round! WOW
Feis Ceoil, 2017
Congratulations to our Libermann Choir who received a highly commended 3rd place, behind Ursuline Secondary School, Thurles and Wesley College who came first in the Feis Ceoil senior choir competition held at the R.D.S. on Tuesday last, 28th March 2017.This was their second appearance at the Feis Ceoil and are delighted with such a strong performance.
Congratulations also to the College Orchestra who competed in the post primary Orchestral Competition and give a stunning performance. This was the first appearance for the College Orchestra at the Feis Ceoil – receiving a well-deserved 85%.
Congratulations to Stephen Ryan (5th Year) who received 2nd place in the U18, Solo Singing Competition. Stunning Performance!
Harry Kearns (5th year) also gave a wonderful performance in the u17, Solo Piano Competition. This was Harry’s first time competing in this category and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Congratulations to all!
Battle of the Bands
Govinda, 5th year band consisting of Fionn Byrne, Alex Quinlan, Mark Crowley and Avi Shandilyia was formed in the summer of 2015. They’ve had a fantastic term which saw them win the over 15’s Rock Band competition in the Wesley Feis performing their own song ‘Aisle’. Following their great win, they went on to participate in the Battle of the Bands in Oatlands which provided a great platform for the boys to perform their own songs.
They went to battle again playing in ‘The Academy’ which saw them play their biggest set list to date and a battle which they thoroughly enjoyed! This was an occasion which featured the best of young school bands from around the country and the level of musical talent did not disappoint.
Govinda are looking forward to many more performances in the future, but for now, if you hear these boys warming up along the corridors of the college take a minute to have a listen – you won’t be disappointed! Well done boys!
Father Dowling Festival Concert – 1st Year Willow Park
The Fr. Dowling Festival Concert was held last Thursday night, March 30th, in the Willow Park Sports Hall. It was a fitting tribute to the legendary Fr. Jarlath who inspired generations of Willow boys to sing, to play, to entertain.
The College’s Libermann Choir was in fine voice as they performed ‘My Souls been anchored in the Lord’ and joined the Willow 1st Year Choir in singing ‘Who wants to live forever’. It was great to see the senior boys performing alongside our 1st Years.
It was a fantastic night’s entertainment. We look forward to the Willow Boys arriving in the College and participating in the music programme that awaits them.
Blackrock College Choir on RTE
The Orchestra has over 40 members drawn from all years. They have weekly rehearsals and perform in the Leman and Summer concerts. They also take part in competitions and provide accompaniment to the more talented soloists.
The Jazz Ensemble is comprised of 16 talented musicians from the main Orchestra. It provides a platform for a smaller group of excellent players to develop their chamber music skills and explore different styles of music.
Boarders’ Choir
The Boarders’ Choir sing at the Sunday Boarding School Masses and perform at the Leman and Summer concerts.
Leman Choir
The Leman Choir perform at the Leman Concert and at other celebrations during the year. They also take part in competitions.
Libermann Choir
This is a Chamber Choir of 25 singers mainly from 6th Year who are auditioned from the Leman Choir. They perform at the Leman and Summer concerts and at the Graduation Mass. They also take part in competitions.
