This year for the first time RETNS took part in the Cross Border Peace Proms. Our fourth class students joined other choirs, a full orchestra, soloists and dancers in what was a wonderful evening of entertainment.
The Peace Proms is a programme of the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland (CBOI). The CBOI was established in 1995 as a peace initiative and is composed of 120 exceptionally talented young musicians from all over Ireland, north and south. For the past 19 years, the CBOI has played an important role in building and nurturing vital cross border and cross community relations. This award winning orchestra has performed all over the world to great acclaim, from Europe to America and Asia, and has just returned from a sell-out four state tour of the USA, culminating in a showcase performance at Carnegie Hall, New York. The CBOI plays a vital role in enhancing Music and Arts Education in Ireland and beyond through their Peace Proms programme, a programme which promotes culture connections, peace, tolerance unity and excellence in music education and performance.
Our involvement in the project began in September when the children began learning the songs and movements in class. They practised each week in school and in December they had a workshop with other participating choirs in the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght. The Peace Proms were held over four concerts in the RDS with over 200 choirs taking part in total. Our concert was on Sunday, February 1st and on the night the children rose to the occasion with their wonderful participation.
In response to the concerts schools received the following message from the organisers of the 2015 Peace Proms.
Years of research show the benefits of stepping outside the classroom in order to transform learning and raise achievement through practical engagement. We hope that the experience of being part of this large scale production and singing with a full symphony orchestra and soloists will strengthen the children’s confidence; develop their curiosity about different musical styles; and encourage them to participate in musical projects throughout their lives.
To everybody who has been working with us for years, and to all of you who joined up for the first time, HUGE THANKS AND CONGRATULATIONS from all the Peace Proms Team.
The pupils, staff, parents/guardians and wider RETNS community were delighted to have been part of this wonderful celebration of music, song and dance and we hope to keep it on our calendar for years to come.
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