Blackrock College Orchestra has been in existence since the 1870’s. Its purpose is to provide a platform for students to perform Classical, Popular and Jazz repertoire as an Orchestral ensemble. The Orchestra's flagship event is the Leman Festival Concert held at the National Concert Hall each January. Recently, the Leman celebrated its Silver Jubilee. Aside from this, the Orchestra regularly participates in National competitions, internal concerts and other artistic events. Since its regular participation at the annual Wesley College Interschools Music Festival in recent years, the Orchestra has consistently received high commendation, first class honours and, most recently, 1st place in 2011.

Numerous past pupils have progressed from the Orchestra on to third-level music study and professional careers. Since 2010, many of these have returned to join the current students for the Leman Festival Concert with great enthusiasm and aplomb. Frequent liaisons with the Leman Choir, Libermann Choir and Parents' choir occur to perform large scale works as Orff's 'O Fortuna' and 'Duel of the Fates' by John Williams.

The Orchestra is currently conducted by Mr. André Cavanagh and directed by Head of Music, Ms. O'Kane.

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Welcome back to what I hope is going to be another excellent year of music-making and performances. Orchestra rehearsals will re-commence on Monday 12th September @ 4.30 in the Orchestra room. For the Leman Festival concert on January 22nd 2012, we will be performing the following music:

George Gershwin - Rhapsody in Blue
Soloists: Cillian Copeland, Peter Ryan

Michael Giacchino - Music from 'The Incredibles'

Karl Jenkins – Adiemus

Andrew Lloyd-Webber - Phantom of the Opera, Overture and Music of the Night

We will also be defending our title as last year's winners of the Wesley College Interschools Orchestra competition with 'The Incredibles'. Further details will be supplied later in the Academic year.

If you are a second year who plays any orchestral instrument, you are invited to join regardless of how long you have been playing your instrument or what grade you are at. We endeavour to play music that is interesting, fun and rewarding. Should you find that your part is too difficult, then let me know. Your contribution to the Orchestra is recognised as just as important as a Fifth or Sixth year. Similarly, if you happen to be a 'superstar' who would like a more challenging part, this can be arranged. I would also like to draw your attention to the individual music lesson form that is available in the second year recreational area. This is a unique opportunity to avail of expert tuition within the College itself.

Finally, a word about commitment to the Orchestra. If you are keen to be part of the whole project, then regular rehearsal attendance is necessary. Should another activity (e.g. Rugby, Basketball) clash with the rehearsal time(s) then please speak to Ms. O’Kane or me and we will work out a solution.

Mr. Cavanagh
Orchestra Conductor

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Summer Concert

'Maria' - from West Side Story
'Somewhere' - from West Side Story
'Do you hear the people sing?' from Les Miserables.



Leman 2012

To include:

Rhapsody in Blue - George Gershwin

Soloists, Cillian Copeland/Peter Ryan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_cWK7evc5E&feature=related

Music from 'The Incredibles' - Michael Giacchino

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZUHlrir4Og&feature=fvwrel

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The Orchestra actively encourages music-making amongst musicians who play any orchestral instrument. Frequently we include guitarists, drummers and solo singers to perform alongside the bona fide instruments. A good grasp of instrumental technique, regular individual lessons (either at College or externally) and knowledge of musical theory are all that is required to join. There are a number of crucial differences that set Blackrock College Orchestra apart from many other Secondary level ensembles. One is that individual parts are usually tailored to suit individual technical capabilities given the premise that the student(s) will improve over time. This allows a second year who may be relatively inexperienced to play in the same group as, for example, a sixth year who has passed grade 8. As conductor, I also endeavour to select music that the boys will enjoy playing ensuring that the concerts they play in are highly rewarding experiences rather than an extra-curricular activity they simply 'must do'.

Rehearsals usually take place on Mondays at 4.30-6pm. The musical staff understand that boys may have other commitments at this time, but it is expected that attendance be made as much as possible (e.g. after Rugby Training)

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