In Harmony
Digital Program
Wednesday 21st February 2024
National Opera House
On behalf of our staff and the Board of Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB), I am delighted to welcome you to our ‘In Harmony’ concert, taking place in the National Opera House. This concert brings together students from all twelve WWETB post-primary schools across Waterford and Wexford. It is a unique opportunity for these students to perform under the expert guidance of Liam Bates, conductor and composer along with the opportunity to perform side by side with a broad range of talented students from across the two counties. WWETB is also delighted to welcome the staff choir to the stage this evening, again, under the expert care and direction of Liam Bates.
Huge thanks goes to our Music teachers who have worked tirelessly over the past number of months to prepare their students for this performance. Their dedication and expertise has ensured that these students can take to the stage with skill and confidence. Special thanks to our Education Coordinator, Sinead O’Hara, supported by our Director of Schools, Eimear Ryan for their dedication to this event. They have worked tirelessly to plan and execute this concert and they recognise and value the importance of performance opportunities for young people as part of their education experience. WWETB places huge value on the creative arts and music as part of an holistic approach to education. We are delighted that Music Generation Wexford and Music Generation Waterford are part of our family at WWETB. These programmes are providing music performance education opportunities to over 9,000 children and young people across Waterford and Wexford. We are lucky to have such rich opportunities for our young people – within school and outside of school. I hope that this opportunity will give our students the confidence to progress from here – to wherever they want to go. Dr Karina Daly Chief Executive (Acting) It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to this evening of celebration – a concert that stands as a testament to the collective talent and dedication of students and teachers from twelve WWETB schools. As the Director of Schools, I am immensely proud to witness this collaboration. This concert exemplifies the commitment of our schools to the core values of excellence in education, care, equality, respect and community. It also demonstrates the impact that the arts can have on shaping well-rounded individuals. Beyond the notes and melodies, music instils discipline, fosters community, and ignites a passion for excellence. These qualities will undoubtedly serve these students well in their future endeavours, long after they have left our classrooms. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the students, teachers, other staff, and parents who have played an integral role in making this concert a reality. The students taking part are a credit to themselves, their families and their schools and should be very proud of themselves. May this evening be a source of inspiration for all who are present, showcasing the remarkable potential that emerges when we connect in the pursuit of harmony. Eimear Ryan Director of Schools
"Music, at its essence, is what gives us memories”- Stevie Wonder We hope that tonight's show will be a wonderful experience for our performers, their families, and the audience. Students from across our 12 post-primary colleges are the most fantastic ambassadors for WWETB. We have seen the sense of connection they have with their own classmates and now they have built new friendships across our community of students. They have represented each of their colleges with pride. We could not be prouder of their talent, hard work, kindness, creativity, and energy. It has been a privilege to produce this show in collaboration with our team of Music teachers and our students. Together, as a community, we will share lasting memories. Sinéad O'Hara, Education Coordinator (Schools) Producer of ‘In Harmony’
In Harmony - Act 1 WWETB Schools Traditional Ensemble & Dancers Set of Polkas, Captain O'Kane, Reels with dancers - The Teetotaller and Crowleys No. 1, Slip Jig - The Butterfly
Bridgetown College Band and Singers Rule the World
Selskar College Ella Lambert, Hannah O’Connor and Joshua Bradley I Know Him So Well
St. Paul’s Community College Band and Singers Hey Jude
Creagh College Sophia Nelson There are Worse Things I Could Do
Coláiste Abbáin Rock and Trad Band Trad/Rock Mash Up – Nothing Compares to You, Aoibhneas an Grá, Nowhere Nice, Step it out Mary
St. Declan’s Community College Chloe Power New York State of Mind
WWETB Schools Orchestra Harry Potter, Sunny Day in Fethard-on-Sea, Game of Thrones, Star Wars
15 minute Interval
In Harmony - Act 2 WWETB Staff Choir Dreams, Africa
Enniscorthy Community College Band Katie Cloke, Ric Jones, Jack Redmond and Andrew Kehoe Here Comes the Sun/Ten out of Ten
Bunclody Vocational College Band and Singers Viva la Vida
Meánscoil San Nioclás Trad Group Mashup of: Paddy Fahy's (slow reel) Dá mbeadh agam Ór agus airgead (song Áine Ní Fhoghludha) Reel - Miss Langtons
Coláiste an Átha Chloe O’Neill, Cathal Kelly, Jack Kealy Richardson, Kate Smith, Sophie Daly and Ciara O’Leary Holding Out for a Hero/Mama Says from Footloose
WWETB Student Choir Times Like These, Shine Your Way, From Now On
Show Finale Student Choir & Staff Choir I’m Still Standing
Musician Biography
Liam Bates
Arranger & Conductor
Liam’s long association with schools’ music-making continues tonight in the second WWETB In Harmony concert. Working closely with students and staff from twelve WWETB schools across Wexford and Waterford, they present a diverse programme featuring beloved orchestral movie scores, the richness of Irish traditional music, an original composition by the talented Vincent Kennedy, and poignant songs resonating with themes of courage, openness, acceptance, and belonging. As an arranger, orchestrator and conductor, Liam has performed and recorded with many artistes including Luciano Pavarotti, Pete Townsend, Bon Jovi, Meat Loaf, Bryan Adams, Dave Stewart, Michael Kamen and Elliot Goldenthal. Composing for the screen, Liam’s film scores include Let The Wrong One In, Bird Song, Last Passenger (starring Dougray Scott), Earthbound (Rafe Spall and David Morrissey), Ghostwood (Patrick Bergin) and Razor Fish (Brenda Fricker).
Other films include music for Show Girls (directed by Paul Verhovan), Circle of Friends (Chris O’Donnell, Colin Firth and Minnie Driver), Don Juan De Marco (Johnny Depp and Marlon Brando), The Shell Seekers (Vanessa Redgrave) and the romantic comedy Leap Year (Amy Adams). Liam has written the music for the staged musicals Lords of Love and Noël the Christmas Musical, with Wexford author Eoin Colfer. He is a Promax World Gold Award Winner and a World Soundtrack Award and IFTA Award nominee.
Nick Bailey Percussionist
Nick is a freelance percussionist and producer, with a career of over 30 years in the music industry as a professional performing and recording artist. Nick toured the world for 10 years with Riverdance and Celtic Woman, recording albums and DVDs, including the Emmy-Nominated Celtic Woman Live at Powerscourt, and several Billboard Chart record breaking albums. Over the years, Nick has also toured and recorded with artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Juan Garcia-Herreros (The Snow Owl), Lyra, Mairead Nesbitt, Kento Masuda, Hermitage Green, Stockton’s Wing, Liam O’Connor, Tommy Fleming and many more. Nick has performed in venues such as Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, The Greek Theatre LA, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, The Royal Albert Hall, Wembley Arena, Sydney Opera House, and Tokyo International Forum. TV appearances include The X Factor UK, Regis and Kelly,
Good Morning America, The Eurovision Song Contest Final (2013), The Voice of Ireland, and Dancing with the Stars. One of Nick’s most important creations is the Extreme Rhythm percussion ensemble. Extreme Rhythm‘s high profile has seen them perform with Kelly Clarkson on THE X FACTOR UK and continue to perform live as part of her STRONGER World Tour. The band released their debut studio recording, entitled SATURN’S SHADOW in December 2016. Produced by Nick Bailey, SATURN’S SHADOW made the official Grammy® ballot in 3 categories. SATURNS SHADOW also won 3 Silver medals for outstanding achievement at the Global Music Awards. In September 2020, Nick was awarded a First Class Honours Masters Degree in Music Performance from CIT Cork School of Music.
Musician Biography
Yvonne Collier Piano
Yvonne is a graduate of the Birmingham Conservatoire where she received her Master of Arts specialising in Piano Performance. Yvonne specialises in accompaniment work and especially loves working with choirs. She works regularly with Irish Youth Training Choir, Carlow Choral Society, Kilkenny Choir, Wexford Festival Singers, Gorey Choral Group, Wicklow Male Voice Choir amongst many others. Orchestra performances include National Symphony Orchestra, RTE Concert Orchestra, Ulster Orchestra, Irish Choral Sinfonia, Wexford Sinfonia, Cork School of Music Symphony Orchestra and Queen’s Park Sinfonia (UK). Television performances include The Late Late Show, The Late Late Toy Show, Nationwide, Féilte and RTE School Choir of the Year Competition along with being the accompanist for the Presentation School, Kilkenny on their Britain’s Got Talent success.
Opera work includes projects with Irish National Opera, Wide Open Opera, NI Opera and Lismore Opera Festival. Community Opera projects include ‘Shelter Me From The Rain’ by Brian Irvine and Elaine Agnew’s ‘Paper Boat’ which premiered in 2022 as part of ‘Music for Galway’ series. She was also delighted to be part of Irish National Opera’s creative team for their 2022/23 season. Another highlight of Yvonne’s career has been working as piano tutor to Irish actress Saoirse Ronan on Neil Jordan’s film Byzantium. Yvonne works closely with the Association of Irish Musical Societies for their annual festival along with performing in many orchestras for productions of musicals around the country. She has also enjoyed working with the students in the Gaiety School of Acting. Her current project is the launch of her new accompanying website www.pianosoundz.com where backing tracks can be downloaded to sing or play along to in preparation for exams, concerts or simple enjoyment.
John Cullen Guitar
John Cullen, a talented singer songwriter and guitarist, comes from Kells, Co. Kilkenny. He moved to Wexford town and has been living there for the past 18 years. Husband and wife team John and Anita, have been singing together for over 20 years. John, a very talented songwriter, has written many songs and has performed them over the years in many venues including on the RTE talent competition ‘Go for it!’, the Wexford Art Centre, in the Speigeltent at the Wexford Festival Opera and in many Charity events. John is a well- known guitarist in Kilkenny and Wexford town. He is a prominent member of Bride Street folk Group, has played guitar for the Taghmon Tops group in the South East Tops, has won awards for his musicianship in Wexford Opera Festival singing pubs and encourages young talent through his work with young guitarists in the area. John would love in the future to record some of his music. He has a vast repertoire of over 40 songs.
Musician Biography Greg has been playing bass and guitar for nearly 40 years for various bands, groups, shows and concerts. A once leading man in West Side Story, Guys and Dolls, Grease, and Chess to name but a few, Greg now enjoys the behind-the-scenes aspects of theatre from Stage Manager, to Projection and Programme Design, and was Chairperson of Oyster Lane Theatre Group when they won the AIMS Best Show award for Michael Collins a Musical Drama in 2018. He’s delighted to be playing for this great group of students and hopes everyone enjoys the show.
Greg O ‘Leary Bass
Composer Biography
Vincent Kennedy Featured Composer
A Sunny Day in Fethard on Sea is a movement from my suite The Hook - A Place and A People. The suite was commissioned by Wexford County Council under the per cent for Art Scheme in 2004 and received its premiere on the 2005 June Bank Holiday weekend in Fethard-on-Sea when I conducted 70 mostly local musicians. Two more performances took place that Summer, one outdoors at the Hook Lighthouse with a couple of thousand people in attendance and a pod of Whales who arrived after the first strains of music were heard across the sea and stayed for the whole concert. The final concert took place in Campile. In writing the music I wanted to say something about the place and people who inspired it and in so doing bring a bit of Wexford inspiration and beauty everywhere the music is performed.
The music is happy and peaceful reflecting the beauty, magic, places to discover and sounds to be heard on a sunny day around Fethard-on-Sea. I recorded the music for my recently released album Music of People and Place with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra. And I hope that on its 20 year anniversary next year in 2025 the whole suite can once again be heard in the National Opera House and at the Hook. I am thrilled that the music has been chosen to have a special place and connection in this wonderful concert and I am delighted with the reaction to it from the fabulous young musicians. I hope the music gives you a lift and a smile. I am very grateful to the wonderful Brídín Kelly for choosing this music and to conductor Liam Bates for his great work in bringing out the best in the music through his work and inspirational guidance of the young performers.
Music Generation
We are grateful for the support from our colleagues and friends in Music Generation for their additional support in preparing students from some of our post-primary colleges for this show, as well as other performances! Danny Pullman, is a wind musician educator with Music Generation Waterford. Peter Taylor is a brass & percussion musician educator with Music Generation Waterford. Danny and Peter have been working with the students in St. Paul’s Community College since 2018, with some students continuing on to study music at third level. With the support of the Music Department teachers Ms. Larkin, Ms Malone and Ms. Callery, they have built a strong wind and brass programme in partnership with Music Generation Waterford. Students of St. Paul’s Community College have the opportunity to access subsidised tuition on flute, clarinet, trumpet, euphonium, trombone, alto, tenor and baritone saxophone and drum kit. Since the programme started in 2018, some of the young musicians have performed in University Limerick, DIT, Carlow Arts Festival, Summer in the City, Old Fort Festival Laois, Blackwater Valley Opera Festival and take part in residential events with IAYO and MGW SoundCrowd to name a few. The wind and brass students of St. Paul’s Community College are also involved in Music Generation Waterford Wind Band, an ensemble of young musicians that rehearse weekly in Waterford City. They are currently preparing for their debut performance at Waterford St. Patrick’s Day parade before travelling to France in mid-April. Conor Clancy is a musician educator with Music Generation Waterford and Anita Mahon is the lead musician on the singing programme with Music Generation, Wexford. Conor and Anita have been working together to support and prepare the students of Kennedy College for ‘In Harmony’. Over the last number of weeks Conor and Anita have supported them with their singing for the choir element of the show. Aside from supporting Kennedy College, Conor teaches guitar and singing with Music Generation Waterford City Music Hub. He also teaching Songwriting and works with Rock and Pop bands in Dungarvan and GOMA Jam Clubs with Music Generation Waterford. Anita is a lead musician on Music Generation Wexford's singing programme. She teaches singing in Bunclody Hub and has worked with a number of ‘In Harmony’ singers in these classes. She co-facilitates Yellow Bellows youth singing group who have performed all over Wexford including Culture Night and at the Creative Connexions Festival in Sitges, as well as leading whole classroom singing programmes in various schools throughout the county.
Bridgetown College
Bridgetown College performers: Niosa Kelly, Riona Kelly, Pearl Redmond, Conor Keating, Noah Bates, Clare Mercer, Caoimhe McCarthy, Lucas Walsh, Rhys Sheil, Joy Mpofu, Wiktoria Kunz, Ava Barry, Xana Ruocchio, Ruby Redmond, Emily Martin, Rose Mercer, Sarah Burton, Josh Phillips, Sarah MageeDevereux and Luke Mulvany.
Bunclody Vocational College
Bunclody Vocational College performers: India Mernagh, Sophie Roche, Grace Tobin, Abbie Doran Walsh, Rachel Doyle, Tanya Gentleman, Sam Bolger, Karolina Ryl, Amy Cloke, Ariadna Plata Garcia, Gosia Baczek, Isabelle Sales, Jamie Nolan, Cillian Jeffers, Katie Tobin O'Reilly, Rose Donegan, Leah Barron, James Kenny, Tomás Breen, Jake Breen, Grace O'Neill and Corey Nolan.
Coláiste Abbáin
Coláiste Abbáin performers: Tyler Blanzy, Lexirose Blanzy, Aoife Banville, Holly Cloke, Saoirse Coleman, Kayla McDonald, Ellie Kehoe, Dearbhla Kelly Dunne, Blathnat Doyle, Casey Dobbs, Zoe Buckley, Conor Joyce, Casey Alfred, Hannah Roche, Tommy O’Hara, Saoirse Byrne and Emma Farioli Vecchioli.
Coláiste an Átha
Coláiste an Átha performers: Caoimhe Fortune, Joanne Hyland, Róisín Hyland, Sasha O’Danza Sheridan, Faye Fitzpatrick, Lilly May Tohill, Lauren Turmell, Kiera Milling, Laura Hope, Sophie Daly, Ciara O'Leary Byrne, Kate Smith, Kamila Swider, Darragh Mazer, Brandon McMahon, Aidan Boland, Zachariah Farrell, Gearoid Neary, Chloe O'Neill, Cathal Kelly, Jack Kealy Richardson and Ciara Colfer.
Creagh College
Creagh College performers: Ava Kenny, Sophia Nelson, Charlie Maloney, Lia Hulin, Kallie Byrne, Emelia Kate Smith, Leah McGowan, Gabriella Dzene, Alannagh Murphy, Kaelyn McGlacken, Katie Bannon, Doireann O’Hanlon, Heather Falconer, Molly Kavanagh, Ele Darulyte, Ally Cahill, Orla Dunne Murphy, Alenora Tuohy, Camilla Kapirowicz, Makayla Kavanagh, Alenora Tuohy and Alannah O'Connor.
Dungarvan College
Dungarvan College performers: Róisín Browne, Luana Sacco, Rihanna Connors, Amber Kelleher, Tia Duggan, Kornelia Kozluk, Micayla Moroney and Nicole Reszel and Finlay Cunningham.
Enniscorthy Community College
Enniscorthy Community College performers: Kendra Martin, Megan Dagg, Keeley Tobin, Julia Kilian Pilarek, Elayna Rodgers, Rian O'Brien, Katie Cloke, Ric Jones, Shannon O'Reilly Murphy, Elaine Murphy, Kathleen Giltrap, Margo Dobel, Stefanny De Souza Belo, Caoimhe Creavin, Kayla Murphy, Ruby O'Brien, Kirsty McInerney, Andrew Kehoe and Jack Redmond.
Kennedy College
Kennedy College performers: Joey Moloney, Éabha Cahill, Lucy Murphy, Bailey Erasmus, Gabrielle Hamm, Courtney Bosch and Katie McKerr.
Meánscoil San Nicholás
Meánscoil San Nicholás performers: Siubhán Nic Craith, Dubhalta Mac Murchadha, Ben McCabe, Caitlin Ní Fhaoláin, Domhnall Mac Murchadh, Aisling Ní Dhroma, Grace Ní Shíthigh, Ailbhe Ní Chadhla, Marc Ó Dighe, Domhnall Ó Gealbháin, Ruadán Ó hAilín, Chloe Ní Coimín, Leo de Barún, Mary Ní Dheagh, Teagan Ní Earáin, Daire Ó Coimín, Caoimhe Conroy O'Neill, JJ O'Riordán, Riain Ó Laoire, Alannah Ní Fhaoláin, Abigail Conroy O'Neill agus Kacie Ní Earáin.
Selskar College
Selskar College performers: Hayley Kenny, Jesse Sludds, Arianna Hovkavenko, Shannon Hynes, Viktorija Kairiss, Hannah O' Connor, Abbie Cullen, Sandra Cullen, Ramona O’Neill, Rose Doyle, James Bates, Aurita Keblyte, Ella Lambert, Niamh Malone, Rhianna Burke, Kaycee O'Connor, Amelia Iwanicka, Leila Ferihough, Jacob Baxter Fitzpatrick, Goran Brodarac, Skye Fernihough, Cael Negosanu, Ethan Travers Sheil, Candice Kenny and Joshua Bradley.
St. Declan’s Community College
St. Declan’s Community College performers: Rebecca Murray, Aisling Kelly, Joanne Brunnock, Ella Hennessy, Catherine McConnell, Brnan Cornwell, Jack Coady, Chloe Power, Katie Doyle, Spenser Bowman, Eva O'Sullivan, Cocomae Milne, Hazel Walsh, Molly Power, Danyl Coady, Seán Grace, Natasha Lucitt, Chloe Weldon, Lucy Power, Hannah Dooley, McKenzie Millea Kirwan, Laura Walsh, Ellie Kenny and Grace Breen.
St. Paul’s Community College
St. Paul‘s Community College performers: Isla Rose, Evan O'Keefe Reid, Daniel O'Sullivan Westphal, Alex Smyth, Edvard Gusakovas, Miguel Edigo Navarro, Harvey Crowley, Dylan Ryan, Shanice Cullinane, Grace Collins, Anna-Rose Murray, Ava Regan, Tyra Owie, Jordan Arikan, Zara Ekedozie, Ben Jacob, Jack Scully, Alex Simpson, Max Wilmott, Evan Rawson, Patryk Rzeszutek, Zach Griffin, Adam Holohan and Matthew Walsh.
Music Teachers Graduate of Maynooth University and Limerick University. As a student I studied cello and piano and was involved in many orchestral performances from a young age. Over the years I have found myself diversify into other areas including choral work and musicals both in school and in the Kilmore community. With the students of Bridgetown College, we have performed many musicals and variety shows over the years and I am looking forward to our next one, Legally Blonde, in the National Opera House in April.
Eileen Creevey Bridgetown College
Karen Johnston
Bunclody Vocational College
Yvette Connor
Bunclody Vocational College
After completing the Performing Arts – Music PLC in Enniscorthy Community College, I studied Music in Waterford Institute of Technology and Trinity College Dublin. I started my musical journey attending classical piano lessons but quickly found that my true passion lay with Traditional Irish Music when I joined my local Comhaltas branch at the age of 11. Button Accordion is now my main instrument and I have been fortunate to travel all over Europe performing with different groups in some amazing venues. I am currently a member of the Wexford based music group, ‘The Session Sisters’ where we enjoy taking classical and popular pieces of music and arranging them to suit our sound. I love sharing my passion for performance with our students.
Studied Music, Economics and Business at Maynooth University followed by a masters degree in Musicology at Maynooth University. Studied Postgraduate Diploma in Education at University of Limerick. Classical Soprano and pianist. Musical interests include choral singing, conducting and Musical theatre. Have had the pleasure of performing with several choirs across the country and internationally as well as performing in several Musicals in both Ireland and the UK. My greatest musical achievement however is seeing my students take a score from "page to stage" and having the opportunity to watch their confidence grow throughout the process.
Music Teachers
Rosaline Power Coláiste Abbáin
Fiona Quirke Coláiste Abbáin
Orla Kirwan Coláiste an Átha
Graduate of Trinity College Dublin and NUI Maynooth. Piano is my main instrument and I specialised in performance for my degree. I completed my RIAM piano teaching diploma and 2 performance diplomas and won a Sligo Feis Ceoil bursary playing piano many moons ago in 2000. I was a member of NUI Maynooth choir for 3 years and have a great interest in singing. I also love traditional Irish music and was involved in Scór competitions growing up in the midlands in ballad groups and grupaí cheoil playing guitar. I`ve been involved in many shows and productions in various schools, from End of year shows to Talent competitions. In Coláiste Abbáin I enjoyed forming a band for our pantomime productions and our music department has raised money for charities through Christmas concerts and trad performances for Seachtain na Gaeilge on many occasions. We are very lucky to have such talented students in Coláiste Abbáin! Fiona has been playing traditional music since she was eight years old. She represented Wexford at both Leinster and All Ireland Fleadh placing 3rd in 2012 in the senior flute slow air competitions. Fiona started studying for a BA Honours in Music in WIT in 2008 and completed her Diploma in Education from Maynooth in 2013. Fiona has directed and produced 5 school Pantomimes. Fiona works with various groups with in school and had the privilege of hosting a joint concert between Coláiste Abbáin Embrace choir and the Wexford Male Voice Choir in 2019. Fiona has been working with the Wexford Male Voice Choir since 2019 and has taken on the role of musical director since January 2023.
Past Pupil of Business and Computers PLC Course in Coláiste an Átha and then studied Music in Waterford Institute of Technology and Trinity College Dublin. Past member of the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland and Wexford Sinfonia on Double Bass. Currently working as Teacher Creative Associate with Creative Schools/Arts Council. Member of local female vocal ensemble “Suantraí”. Most recently, have enjoyed being Musical Director of our school show “Footloose and Fancy Free”. I love to see our students having the opportunity to perform on stage.
Music Teachers
Tessa Crosbie Coláiste an Átha
I am a first year Professional Master of Education Student in Dublin City University. I am teaching in Coláiste an Átha with my fabulous mentor teachers Orla Kirwan and Caitlin Carty. I am proud to be a part of the female choir ensemble Suantraí. I completed my undergrad degree with the Southeast Technological University studying music. I majored in performance which developed my coloratura soprano style under the masterful vocal coach Bridget Knowles. I was honoured to be awarded with the Bridget Doolan Award for Performance Excellence. I have 13 years experience in performance arts with Carmel Corish Wallace drama school and I have completed a number of examinations with the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art, the Royal Irish Academy of Music and Trinity College London. Within the In Harmony concert I have been working with Coláiste an Átha’s talented Traditional Irish Group and I am so excited to see them perform!
Graduate of St. Patrick’s College, Dublin City University. I have been performing on stage from a young age and I love it. I have been involved with the Wexford local theatre groups for many years. I am currently rehearsing with WLOS for The Phantom of the Opera. I have loved being involved in In Harmony this year. It has been a joy to see the students enjoy their involvement and work so hard. It is great for them to perform on such a fabulous stage!
Caitlin Carty Coláiste an Átha
Eilish Sheridan Creagh College
Graduate of UCD. I began my Musical journey at the age of 12 with classical vocal training and studies under the direction of Irish Soprano Deirdre Masterson. I always had a strong passion for Music and Performance, and I continued my studies in 2012 with a Masters in Drama and Performance. I have been singing at various ceremonies such as weddings for many years, and I have also performed with UCD Philharmonic Choir. I have performed in a variety of musical productions such as Fiddler on the roof, Brigadoon, Carousel, The Wedding Singer, and The Wizard of Oz. It is such a privilege to perform again in the National Opera House with colleagues and students from WWETB.
Music Teachers
Mairéad McGuire Creagh College
Nicola Travers Creagh College
Debbie Wright Dungarvan College
Graduate of St. Patrick’s College DCU and Oxford University. I am a classically trained soprano and piano player. I started playing classical piano at the age of 7 and then began vocal lessons are the age of 10 with Sister Mary Walsh. Throughout my school life I enjoyed performing in various choirs and in school events and productions. I also spent time at this age in dance and drama school. I am a past member of the Gardener Street Gospel Choir, Oyster Lane Theatre group and The Little Sea Musical Society. I really enjoy working with students on exam pieces in the classroom and for upcoming school events outside of the classroom. Most recently I have enjoyed working with the Music department to put on our annual Christmas concert, ‘Christmas at Creagh’. I am really looking forward to hearing all the wonderful talent that will be showcased in our upcoming ‘In Harmony’ concert from all schools across WWETB.
Graduate of University College Dublin and University of Limerick. My musical journey began at the age of seven with piano lessons and I expanded my instrumental repertoire in my teenage years to include the classical flute. Throughout my school and college years, I actively participated in numerous productions, cultivating a diverse range of musical experiences. Driven by a passion for community music, I returned to my studies and received a Diploma in Community Music from the Royal Irish Academy of Music in 2013. This is my third year working in Creagh College and I am thrilled to be part of the ‘In Harmony‘ concert for the first time. Collaborating with such talented students and teachers has been a wonderful and inspiring experience.
Graduate of DCU and UCD. From the age of 9, and throughout my teenage years, I studied piano, violin, and voice, performing in school choirs and shows. In college, I focused on vocal studies and choral singing, and have been a member of choral groups for many years, both inside and outside of education settings. I advocate for group singing as an inclusive, wellness practice for all, due to its numerous physical, psychological, social, and emotional benefits. I am passionate about supporting the singing and music making of my students and promoting the wellbeing benefits of music in school.
Music Teachers Graduate of WIT, Trinity College Dublin and UCD I play classical flute, sing and play guitar. I am actively involved in musical theatre in Wexford as a member of OLTG and Wexford Light Opera Society. I am the musical director of Bride Street Folk Group. I sing with John Cullen performing his songs at many events including recently supporting the Dublin Gospel Choir.
Anita Cullen
Enniscorthy Community College
Bridín Kelly
Enniscorthy Community College
Graduate of UCC and UCG. Proud member of our English and Music Departments with responsibility for the instrument scheme and school orchestra. Began piano studies at home in Tipperary and continued in Cork School of Music. Joined the family of Wexford Gateway and Sinfonia Orchestras playing viola in National Opera House, NCH and concert trips to France and Portugal. Attended conducting courses by Bobby Houlihan; brought ECC orchestra, with our Music Department, to Prague International Festival of Youth Orchestras and other IAYO events. Taking part in the staff choir and WWETB orchestra, attending school rehearsals with my Pobalceoil family has been a pleasure - really don’t want it to end! I am excited for the young singers, orchestral, rock, pop and traditional musicians from both sides of the historic Hook; the Déise and Model county. Thanks to all of WWETB, ECC management and colleagues, producer Sinead O’Hara, Liam Bates, and Vincent Kennedy for these opportunities. Brigid has been teaching Music in St Declan's Community College for the past 24 years, having established it as a subject. Fortunately, it is has gone from strength to strength. She has had the pleasure of working with so many marvellous students throughout that time, including my niece Ciara, who now teaches Music in St. Paul’s Community College!
Brigid Morrissey
St. Declan’s Community College
Music Teachers
Sinéad Ní Fhathaigh
Meánscoil San Nicholás
Graduate of UCC. I grew up in a household full of Irish music and spent my formative years following my Dad Mattie Fahey around as he taught in various Comhaltas branches and parish halls. By trade I’m a whistle, flute and piano player learned from copying Dad, but I’ve picked up many other trad instruments over the years. I trained in classical piano with the Leinster school of Music continuing studies in WIT and then CIT with John Gibson. I also came up through the ranks of Dungarvan Brass Band playing cornet, expanding to jazz trumpet while I studied in UCC. But traditional Irish music is in my blood, it is central to my identity. While I love to perform, holding Senior All-Ireland titles in flute and whistle and having performed on international stages as part of the “Rhythm of the Dance” show, my passion is for transmitting our vibrant living tradition on to the next generation.
I have spent time in Jefferson High, Florida as a visiting musician, and was artist in residence with Central Missouri Celtic Arts Association 2004. Teaching and playing Irish music with my students and having the privilege of seeing them grow as musicians and the rich musical futures they find for themselves is what truly motivates me.
Mary Byrne Selskar College
Graduate of National University of Ireland, Maynooth (NUIM) and UCD From a young age, I studied both piano and vocal studies, which I developed throughout my educational years. In my third level education, I concentrated primarily on vocal training and development. I have been a member of choral groups since joining secondary school and am still partaking to this day both inside and outside of the educational setting. I also participate in solo performances on a personal level. I have been involved in performing in events on a local scale as well as The Point Theatre and The Wexford Opera House. I am passionate about encouraging Music education and performances from an early age and providing opportunities for all students through extra-curricular musical activities. I strongly believe this greatly supports wellbeing and confidence building in all students on a holistic scale. “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” Plato
Music Teachers
Ciara Larkin
Graduate of UCC and Hibernia College Past Pupil of St. Declan’s Community College - and of Ms. Brigid Morrissey, who was my co-operating teacher when I was a PME on placement… and I am also her niece! Proud to work on this show with my aunt! I am lucky enough to have come from a very musical family, so have been singing since before I could talk! I’ve enjoyed participating in countless Musical Theatre and Drama productions with many groups over the years- both on stage and backstage- locally, nationally and internationally. My favourite aspect of my job is being able to share my love for performance with my students- and watching them get ‘the bug’!
St. Paul’s Community College
Philippa Callery
St. Paul’s Community College
Graduate of Trinity College Dublin and DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama. I started my musical journey with the County Wexford School of Music where I learned the piano and clarinet. I played in many orchestras growing up, have played many times with Wexford Sinfonia, and have performed in both the National Opera House and the National Concert Hall. I was also a member of the choir Vocare. I taught instrumental lessons for 10 years before becoming a full-time post-primary teacher. I’m passionate about performance music education and providing opportunities for students through extra-curricular musical activities. It was experiences like these growing up that helped me decide to pursue music as a career.
Graduate of WIT and University of Limerick I have a passion for jazz and pop vocals, choir and ensembles. I have a strong background in performance as part of various bands and groups around the south-east.
Hannah Malone
St. Paul’s Community College
Student Choir
Student Choir Members: Pearl Redmond, Conor Keating, Noah Bates, Caoimhe McCarthy, Rhys Sheil, Joy Mpofu, Wiktoria Kunz, Ava Barry, Xana Ruocchio, India Mernagh, Sophie Roche, Grace Tobin, Abbie Doran Walsh, Rachel Doyle, Tanya Gentleman, Sam Bolger, Karolina Ryl, Amy Cloke, Ariadna Plata Garcia, Gosia Baczek, Isabelle Sales, Rose Donegan, Grace O'Neill, Tyler Blanzy, Lexirose Blanzy, Aoife Banville, Casey Dobbs, Zoe Buckley, Conor Joyce, Casey Alfred, Hannah Roche, Tommy O’Hara, Caoimhe Fortune, Joanne Hyland, Róisín Hyland, Sasha O’Danza Sheridan, Faye Fitzpatrick, Lilly May Tohill, Lauren Turmell, Kiera Milling, Laura Hope, Sophie Daly, Ciara O'Leary Byrne, Kate Smith, Kamila Swider, Darragh Mazer, Brandon McMahon, Aidan Boland, Zachariah Farrell, Ava Kenny, Sophia Nelson, Charlie Maloney, Lia Hulin, Kallie Byrne, Emelia Kate Smith, Leah McGowan, Gabriella Dzene, Alannagh Murphy, Kaelyn McGlacken, Katie Bannon, Doireann O’Hanlon, Heather Falconer, Róisín Browne, Luana Sacco, Rihanna Connors, Amber Kelleher, Tia Duggan, Kornelia Kozluk, Micayla Moroney, Nicole Reszel, Kendra Martin, Megan Dagg, Keeley Tobin, Julia Kilian Pilarek, Elayna Rodgers, Rian O'Brien, Katie Cloke, Joey Moloney, Éabha Cahill, Lucy Murphy, Bailey Erasmus, Gabrielle Hamm, Courtney Bosch, Katie McKerr, Hayley Kenny, Jesse Sludds, Arianna Hovkavenko, Shannon Hynes, Viktorija Kairiss, Hannah O' Connor, Abbie Cullen, Sandra Cullen, Ramona O’Neill, Rose Doyle, James Bates, Aurita Keblyte, Ella Lambert, Niamh Malone, Rhianna Burke, Kaycee O'Connor, Amelia Iwanicka, Leila Ferihough, Ethan Travers Sheil, Rebecca Murray, Aisling Kelly, Joanne Brunnock, Ella Hennessy, Catherine McConnell, Brnan Cornwell, Jack Coady, Chloe Power, Katie Doyle, Spenser Bowman, Eva O’Sullivan, Cocomae Milne, Hazel Walsh, Molly Power, Danyl Coady, Seán Grace, Natasha Lucitt, Chloe Weldon, Lucy Power, Hannah Dooley, McKenzie Millea Kirwan, Laura Walsh, Ellie Kenny, Grace Breen, Isla Rose, Evan O'Keefe Reid, Daniel O'Sullivan Westphal, Alex Smyth, Edvard Gusakovas, Miguel Edigo Navarro, Harvey Crowley, Dylan Ryan, Shanice Cullinane, Grace Collins, Anna-Rose Murray, Ava Regan, Tyra Owie, Jordan Arikan, Zara Ekedozie and Max Wilmott.
Student Choir
A student representing each WWETB school!
Orchestra
Orchestra Members: Niosa Kelly, Riona Kelly, Conor Keating, Noah Bates, Clare Mercer, Caoimhe McCarthy, Ruby Redmond, Rose Mercer, Sarah Burton, Josh Phillips, Sarah Magee-Devereux, Tyler Blanzy, Lexirose Blanzy, Saoirse Byrne, Faye Fitzpatrick, Alenora Tuohy, Finlay Cunningham, Kendra Martin, Megan Dagg, Ric Jones, Shannon O'Reilly Murphy, Elaine Murphy, Kathleen Giltrap, Margo Dobel, Stefanny De Souza Belo, Caoimhe Creavin, Kayla Murphy, Ruby O'Brien, Kirsty McInerney, Andrew Kehoe, Jack Redmond, Jesse Sludds, Arianna Hovkavenko, Shannon Hynes, Viktorija Kairiss, Jacob Baxter Fitzpatrick, Goran Brodarac, Skye Fernihough, Cael Negosanu, Isla Rose, Evan O'Keefe Reid, Alex Smyth, Edvard Gusakovas, Miguel Edigo Navarro, Ben Jacob, Jack Scully, Alex Simpson, Max Wilmott, Evan Rawson, Patryk Rzeszutek, Zach Griffin, Adam Holohan and Matthew Walsh.
Traditional Music Ensemble
Traditional Music Ensemble Members: Niosa Kelly, Riona Kelly, Pearl Redmond, Ruby Redmond, Emily Martin, Aoife Banville, Holly Cloke, Saoirse Coleman, Kayla McDonald, Ellie Kehoe, Dearbhla Kelly Dunne, Blathnat Doyle, Casey Dobbs, Emma Farioli Vecchioli, Caoimhe Fortune, Joanne Hyland, Roisín Hyland, Sasha O’Danza Sheridan, Gearóid Neary, Molly Kavanagh, Ele Darulyte, Ally Cahill, Orla Dunne Murphy, Alenora Tuohy, Camilla Kapirowicz, Makayla Kavanagh, Alannah O'Connor, Megan Dagg, Shannon O'Reilly Murphy, Siubhán Nic Craith, Dubhalta Mac Murchadha, Ben McCabe, Caitlin Ní Fhaoláin, Domhnall Mac Murchadh, Aisling Ní Dhroma, Grace Ní Shíthigh, Ailbhe Ní Chadhla, Marc Ó Dighe, Domhnall Ó Gealbháin, Ruadán Ó hAilín, Chloe Ní Coimín, Leo de Barún, Mary Ní Dheagh, Teagan Ní Earáin, Daire Ó Coimín, Caoimhe Conroy O'Neill, JJ O'Riordán, Riain Ó Laoire, Alannah Ní Fhaoláin, Abigail Conroy O'Neill, Kacie Ní Earáin, Hayley Kenny, Jesse Sludds, Shannon Hynes, Rebecca Murray, Aisling Kelly, Joanne Brunnock, Ella Hennessy and Catherine McConnell.
TraditionalDancers
Traditional Dancers: Kayla McDonald, Emma Farioli Vecchioli, Kiera Milling, Leah McGowan, Ele Darulyte, Makayla Kavanagh, Mary Ní Dheagh, Teagan Ní Earáin, Kacie Ní Earáin, Hayley Kenny and Candice Kenny.
Staff Choir
Staff Choir Members: Alice James, Anita Cullen, Anne Quinn, Anne Sutton, Anne-Marie Toomey, Annette Gaynor, Avril Buttle, Brendan Byrne, Brídín Kelly, Bronwyn Butler, Caitlin Carty, Ciara Larkin, Cindy Ryan, David McGough, David O'Grady, Deirdre Wickham, Diana Sanchez, Eileen O'Carroll, Eimear Ryan, Elaine Howlin, Emer Collins, Fabian Flood, Fidelma Rossiter, Fiona Dee, Fiona Mc Dermott, George O'Grady, Hannah Malone, Helen O'Brien, Hugh O'Neill, Jacintha Cloney, Joan Flanagan, Karen Johnston, Lisa Penwell, Mairéad McGuire, Mairead Redmond, Maria Hayes, Marie Carmen Postigo, Mary Byrne, Mary Flynn, Mary Roche, Nancy Rochford Flynn, Paul Glynn, Paula Malone Carty, Philippa Callery, Rosaline Power, Sandra Bates, Shauna Niamh Long, Sinéad O'Hara, Stephanie McKenna, Tessa Crosbie, and Tiina McDonnell.
In Harmony
Thank You
Eimear and Sinéad would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to…
⭐ The staff of the National Opera House who have supported this event every step of the way – Aisling, Phil, Nicky, Anne Marie, Roisin.
🎵 Colin Murphy, our Stage Manager. ⭐ The staff and management of La Vista Café in the National Opera House. 🎵 The team at Fresh Today for their kind sponsorship of refreshments for students. ⭐ Jason Fallon and the team at One Louder Sound for providing sound for our show. 🎵 Our very talented accompanists – Yvonne Collier, Greg O’Leary, John Cullen, and Nick Bailey. ⭐ Our WWETB Staff Choir – we had so much fun rehearsing together! Thanks also to Jennifer Byrne for supporting us at Staff Choir rehearsals.
🎵 The Board of WWETB and the individual Boards of Management of each of our 12 post-primary colleges for their support and encouragement.
⭐ Our colleagues in our administrative offices who did so much to help in the organisation of this event – Tracey Konarski, Lisa Penwell, Carly Whelan, Kate Wilson, Lorraine Fox and Fiona Dee.
🎵 Our media team: from Wexford Youth Film Project, Therese Dalton and her team of talented young
students, Luke Ryan, Amber Hornick, Ella Hussey, Eve Maher, Damien Morales and our colleague Kevin Cogley from Coláiste Abbáin for doing the photography.
⭐ Anne-Marie Toomey from our Digital Learning Team for designing our programme. 🎵 Our school leaders, teachers, SNAs, canteen staff, administrative staff and caretakers who helped us in so many ways on rehearsal days in preparation for our show.
⭐ Our students who came along to help on the day, Cody Jackson, Diana Asekun, Caoimhe Creavin and to all the performers who stepped up to the microphone and acted as MC!
🎵 Our Musical Director, Conductor and Arranger, Liam Bates, for inspiring and motivating our students and staff over the past months at rehearsals and school workshops. You have helped make this experience truly memorable!
⭐ Brídín Kelly of Enniscorthy Community College for additional support conducting the Orchestra, and Sinead Ní Fhathaigh of Meánscoil San Nioclás for leading our Traditional Ensemble rehearsals.
🎵 To our team of WWETB Music teachers, Pobal Ceoil. A music teacher’s legacy is not just in the
melodies they teach, but in the lives they shape. Thank you for everything you have done to prepare your students for this wonderful event.
⭐ And finally, 🎵 To our students. It has been a privilege to work with you.
We hope you are as proud of yourselves as we are of you all. This is your night to shine.
Student Testimonials What taking part in ‘In Harmony’ means to WWETB students
Taking part in ‘In Harmony’ means I can share my talents that I have worked hard for over the years and spent lots of time perfecting, enjoying and practicing music and dance being able to showcase my love for music is the most fulfilling thing I could ever do. Ele
It is a very good experience of working with other musicians in other schools to form a huge band. The songs are slightly challenging so I am learning new things in the process. This is a great experience to have going into the future Ben
Teamwork!
Delightful experience. I’ll miss everyone especially our conductor Liam Bates. He really inspired me to want to join the choir. Doireann
Taking part in ‘In Harmony’ means I get to be part of an amazing opportunity to express my love for music. As well as representing my school! Lia
Performing with a large number of students to create great music! Kayla
Kallie
It mean THE WORLD. It really fulfils my life passion of choir!!! Heather
This event showcases the skill and hard work of students and staff all across Wexford and Waterford from WWETB schools. Most importantly however, it helps us all display our passion for music and bring a bit of wonder and awe to the people who will come and see us. Jack
Student Testimonials What taking part in ‘In Harmony’ means to WWETB students
Taking part in 'in harmony' to me means a fantastic opportunity to play with talented musician and other musicians of my age. Andrew
I’m honoured to be a part of such an amazing event and getting to meet some world-renowned composers Vincent Kennedy and Liam Bates! The rehearsals were long, but those are the ones that will make the most memories.
Taking part in the In Harmony concert means so much to be when I was cast I was extremely excited I am so glad that I got to have this really fun and awesome opportunity Dylan
It's a great experience. I love playing music! Casey
Shannon I met so many new friends when I went to the first rehearsal and everyone trying to help us has been lovely. Alannagh
Meeting other students from other schools who enjoy playing instruments was great! Orla
It was an amazing experience. I met many new people being involved in In Harmony. Gabriella
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