Concert is music to ears of regeneration backers

KIDS’ play is music to the ears of the promoters of the Limerick Regeneration scheme.

One of the most innovative elements of the often-troubled regeneration programme – Sing out with Strings – yesterday sent out a clear, and loud, “all is well” message.

Almost 200 children who attend primary schools in Southill, Galvone and St Mary’s Parish gave their second major concert with the Irish Chamber Orchestra in St Mary’s parish church.

Members of the orchestra, based at the University of Limerick, conduct music classes in stringed instruments at the three schools every day.

Two orchestra members, Kathleen Turner and Lisa Grossman, work full time on the schools’ music project.

And now almost two years into the programme, Galvone primary school has a full strings orchestra of its own – made up of children, teachers and the school caretaker.

Significant funding for the music scheme, called Sing Out With Strings, comes from the regeneration agency.

Charlotte Eglington, the chamber orchestra’s spokeswoman said: “The regeneration agency has been fantastic to us.”

Since the music started to ring out throughout the schools, attendance levels have risen. And teachers say children are better able to concentrate.

John Kelly, chief executive of the orchestra, said: “It is a phenomenal success and has changed the culture of the schools.

“What is happening is that the concentration of the children in school has improved and the school principals tell us attendances are much better. The music lessons also help literacy.

“It improves everything in the schools and this shows that music should be a core subject in our national school curriculum.

“The schools get the kids to use their inventive skills and it shows the children they have a huge potential and builds a desire to succeed, regardless of circumstances.”

For yesterday’s church concert, the young musicians also sang school anthems they composed themselves.

“We facilitate them to write melodies as well,” said Mr Kelly.

All the children get violin lessons as part of the programme. And the first school to embrace the programme, Valvone primary, now has music lessons in five of its classes.

Mr Kelly said: “If this was broadened throughout the educational system, it would save the Government millions in healthcare, social services and the justice system.”

Canon Donough O’Malley, parish priest of St Mary’s, said the music programme in the school was great to develop the skills children have.

He said: “It also sends out a loud and warm message of the quality of life in our city and our appreciation for the finer things in life, such as music.”