City children tune in to rural tradition

The world of traditional music is opening up to hundreds of Cork children who are getting in tune with flutes, banjos and concertinas.

Seven city primary schools are taking part in a project aimed at giving pupils an opportunity to learn Irish music, song and dance from expert tutors during school hours.

The Comhaltas Schools Outreach programme is already well established in many rural schools but according to Willie Larkin, one of the organisers, urban children have not had the same opportunities, up to now.

“We felt urban children were losing out. We’re now giving them the chance to learn to play music and maybe discover talents they didn’t know they had. The children are taught to play in a friendly, group setting that’s also a lot of fun for them,” he said.

Mr Larkin, from the traditional music stronghold of Templeglantine in west Limerick, said they hoped to sow the seeds of a life-long interest in music that would get children involved in different musical events, including fleadhanna cheoil.

The programme is tailored to meet each school’s requirements and is in accordance with the music curriculum.

The pupils start with tin whistles, which are provided if necessary.

It is suggested that children try the tuition for at least 10 weeks and the charge is €1 per 30- minute session.

“They really enjoy the programme, which makes it easier to identify the particularly talented children, which in turn should serve to enhance after- school classes that are running throughout the country,” Mr Larkin said.

“Talented and interested children will be eager for more tunes once the bug bites and love to attend their local Comhaltas branch classes, with a view to participating in the fleadhanna and other events. There’s also a great social side to the music.”

Around 125 pupils in Beaumont Boys’ National School, Cork, are taking part. Principal Norma Ryan said the programme was a fantastic opportunity to experience traditional music.

“We have two brilliant tutors in Shane Keating and James Duggan and it’s wonderful that children can learn from musicians and role models of such calibre. And where else would you get a music lesson for €1?” Ms Ryan said.

“The younger the children, the more enthusiastic they are. I’m delighted to have the programme in our school. It’s great for the children and their artistic development.”

* Schools may call 087 1955399.