{"id":1139,"date":"2025-05-06T06:00:49","date_gmt":"2025-05-06T05:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/donegaletb.ie\/blog\/?p=1139"},"modified":"2025-05-06T09:51:47","modified_gmt":"2025-05-06T08:51:47","slug":"running-a-school-choir-through-the-medium-of-irish-cor-scoile-a-reachtail-tri-mhean-na-gaeilge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/donegaletb.ie\/blog\/2025\/05\/06\/running-a-school-choir-through-the-medium-of-irish-cor-scoile-a-reachtail-tri-mhean-na-gaeilge\/","title":{"rendered":"Running a School Choir through the Medium of Irish \/ C\u00f3r Scoile \u00e1 re\u00e1cht\u00e1il tr\u00ed mhe\u00e1n na Gaeilge"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"PersonMany of our schools organise school choirs as an extracurricular activity while also complementing the music curriculum. The choir often performs at various school and community events and is a great tonic towards student and staff well-being. But did you know that one of our school choirs sings through the medium of Irish? In this blog, our Gairmscoil Chu Uladh music teacher Kelli Nic Ruaidhr\u00ed tells us more about it, and provides some tips on running a school choir and running a school choir through Irish. <\/em><\/p>\n

Running a school choir is always rewarding, but running one through Irish brings something truly special. At Gairmscoil Ch\u00fa Uladh in the Gaeltacht L\u00e1ir, Co. Donegal, our choir has been an important part of school life since it was started by music teacher Kelli Nic Ruaidhr\u00ed in 2009.\u00a0 It\u2019s a space where students come together, find their voices, and celebrate music and the Irish language.<\/p>\n

How Our Choir Works<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Gairmscoil Ch\u00fa Uladh choir is a 40+ strong group of students from 1st to 6th year all rehearsing together at lunchtimes. Everyone is welcome to join, whether they study music or not. Rehearsals are fun and collaborative with students helping to choose the music, which we translate into Irish.<\/p>\n

We sing a mix of styles from traditional Irish songs to pop, country, and musicals. With three-part harmony as our signature, students practice in smaller groups before coming together for full rehearsals.<\/p>\n

The choir isn\u2019t just about singing. It\u2019s about confidence, teamwork, and being part of something bigger. For those studying music, it\u2019s great preparation for state practical exams but the main joy of the choir is how it brings everyone together.<\/p>\n

They also get huge support from staff in the school, who value the time and effort students put into rehearsals. Their encouragement helps the choir thrive. Some staff even join in for big events like our annual carol service, creating an even greater sense of community.<\/p>\n

Performances and Events<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Choir\"Our choir performs at many school events and their music is an important part of school life. They sing at open nights, lunchtime concerts during Seachtain na Gaeilge, awards days, graduation services, and even competitions like \u2018Scl\u00e9ip\u2019, \u2018Waltons Music for Schools\u2019 (2020 choir singing ‘Grace’ and ‘The Parting Glass’ from Walton’s Music for Schools entry<\/a>) and most recently, \u2018Lyric FM\u2019s Choirs for Christmas\u2019.<\/p>\n

One highlight is our annual carol service, which extends beyond the school to include local primary students. We visit these schools to provide music workshops, ensuring that pupils as young as 3rd class can join in the festive celebration.\u00a0 It\u2019s a beautiful example of music uniting a community.<\/p>\n

This year, we added something extra special \u2014 a verse of O\u00edche Chi\u00fain<\/em> in Ukrainian, to celebrate our Ukrainian community.\u00a0 Moments like these show how music can bring people together.\"Choir.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve also had the invaluable experience of live performances on Raidi\u00f3 na Gaeltachta and Highland Radio, proudly showcasing our original compositions. In 2023, our Transition Year students wrote the poignant song An Nollaig Mar a Bh\u00ed<\/em>, reflecting on Christmases past, while in 2016, our choir celebrated success in the GAA 1916 centenary songwriting contest with three original pieces, one of which made the nationwide Top 5.<\/p>\n

Tips for Running a School Choir<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re running a school choir, here are a few tips:<\/p>\n