Classical music isn’t the most popular genre among teenagers, but a TY programme with Lyric FM and the ICO can foster an appreciation
HIDING AWAY in the corner, secret music lovers know their place. Their parents may have bellowed at them to stop singing in the shower, and the choir teacher politely declined.
Performing music isn’t for everyone. However, the emphasis on performance can deny young people the opportunity to appreciate music, or to understand the business, organisation, and behind-the-scenes creativity of musical expression, in its many and varied forms.
One transition year project, organised by the Irish Chamber Orchestra in association with the Rathkeale Arts Group in Co Limerick, aimed to expose students to new types of music – and show them there’s more to it than what’s on the radio or in Simon Cowell’s brain.
On October 26th, second-year and transition year students at Coláiste na Trócaire in Rathkeale took part in a concert with the ICO. While the second-years worked on composing an original song to be performed with the full orchestra, the transition year students worked behind the scenes to organise and promote the event.
Jean O’Brien, music teacher at Coláiste na Trócaire, says that most students wouldn’t normally have exposure to classical music.
“The project started off by asking by them what genres of music they listen to,” she says. “Rap, pop, R’n’B, Irish traditional and dance were all popular choices, but classical didn’t feature. There is a perception among young people that they don’t like classical music.”
A few weeks later, the transition year group spent a morning with Lyric FM presenter Lorcan Murray as part of the station’s Educational Outreach Programme. Split into three groups, each played a part in producing their own short radio show, with students filling the roles of presenter, producer, sound engineer and contributor.
One of the groups produced a short programme, which included a report on an Irish soccer international, a feature on the late Stephen Gately, and some music – the theme tune from Indiana Jones.
“I’m into rap music, which is about as far removed from classical music as you can get,” says 15-year-old Ciarán English, who presented the show with fellow transition year student Emma Quaid. “But once I’d learned a bit more about classical, I was keen to get involved in the ICO project.”
Only three of the transition year class had studied music before, but O’Brien encouraged the students to explore how they could contribute in alternative ways.
“We took on different roles,” O’Brien explains. “This included front-of-house staff, making the programme, taking photos on the night, interviewing the second-years about their experience, and backstage roles.
“Ciarán and I interviewed the second-years about their experience and edited the programme for the big night. We learned a lot – how to interview, how to listen and communicate, and how to organise an event.”
Lyric FM’s Educational Outreach Programme involves producing classical music-based radio programmes with school groups. Schools wishing to participate are invited to write to Lyric FM outlining why they wish to take part, and what they hope to gain. Write to RTÉ Lyric FM, Cornmarket Square, Limerick.
For more information contact RTÉ producer Gail Henry (e-mail henryg@rte.ie), or call 061-207331.
For more information on the Irish Chamber Orchestra, see irishchamberorchestra.info
