Double act for Coole Music

Coole Music School, which celebrated its fifth birthday in October 2010, will reach a new milestone this Saturday when its Youth Orchestra, under the baton of Katharina Baker, performs for the first time in the National Concert Hall, at the 16th Festival of Youth Orchestras. On the same day, The Coole Kidz Choir, conducted by Noreen McDermott, will perform at the Peace Proms Event with the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland in Leisureland, Galway.

“The effort the orchestra has put in is amazing. As well as the individual lessons the kids take, they also put in a minimum of two hours every Saturday for the orchestra itself.
“Just two weeks ago they took part in a full weekend of practice. Katharina deserves a lot of credit too, as does her orchestra assistant, Yuki Nishioka.
“They, along with administration officer Fiona Buckley and the parents’ committee, dedicate countless hours to bringing the children to a stage where they can perform on this national stage. Principally though, it is the children themselves who give their time to it and are so dedicated. This is a wonderful reward for their efforts,” said Barry Kavanagh, Coole Music PRO.
“The Coole Kidz Choir has done really well to get to perform at the Peace Proms. Noreen McDermott has done a great job.
“They have reached a very high standard and should be very proud of themselves. Like the Youth Orchestra, there is huge support from parents and the effects of this cannot be overstated,” he added.
To make music together in all kinds of ensembles, orchestras and choirs has been a very important part of Coole Music right from the beginning. By now, the school boasts two orchestras, six string and wind ensembles, nine chamber music groups and a choir. The young musicians are often seen performing in the community at festivals, launches, receptions, poetry readings and other events.
The latest gig for the Youth Orchestra was on a snowy December night when they played in a huge marquee at Pepper’s Pub in Feakle to celebrate the legendary pub’s 200th birthday.
This Saturday the Coole Music Youth Orchestra will present their music to a national audience in Dublin, which is an exciting endeavour for the 47 young musicians who have been working very hard to prepare for this event.
Their performance will include film music from the Hunchback of Notre Dame and the Adventure Suite in four movements, which was composed for the orchestra by their conductor Katharina Baker.
At the same time, Coole Kidz Choir will join up with 500 singers for the Peace Proms, which is part of a series of nationwide concerts by the renowned Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland that gives young people the opportunity to perform with a full symphony orchestra. Undoubtedly, both Coole Music groups will have a truly memorable day.
More information on Coole Music, its classes, orchestra and choir, is available from www.coole-music.com.