Music is a central part of both curricular and extra-curricular life at Dominican College. There are many opportunities to get involved. Music is available as a subject at both junior and senior levels. The first year programme in music introduces students to the skills of listening and composing as well as giving a firm understanding of music theory and concepts. All first years are involved in class-based singing. Students preparing for Junior and Leaving Certificate Music also obtain the skills of listening, performing and composing. Many of our Leaving Cert students go on to study music at Third level. In 2000, Sarah Picardo (6th year) was awarded The Ó Cillín medal for being the student who obtained the highest marks in Music in the Leaving Certificate in the country. Well done Sarah!

A non-academic music appreciation class is offered to all first years entering Dominican College so that every student gets to enjoy some aspects of music.

There are also other opportunities to get involved in music in the school. Second and fifth year students participate in a two-part and three-part choir respectively. Here students both with and without instrumental ability get an opportunity to present a high standard of choral singing. They are entered into the Department of Education's choir exam for secondary schools and the final result is always outstanding.

Another group that works diligently throughout the school year is the Traditional Irish Music Group. Here students focus on learning and performing Irish tunes. It is an interesting and welcomed contrast to the other musical activities going on in the school.

Last but not least are the school choir and orchestra who for many years now have provided the music and singing for numerous occasions relating to the school life of the college. The group is at its biggest for many years and is the backbone of musical life in the school. For some of our 6th years who graduated in May, this was the sixth graduation at which they had either sung or played. The staff of the Music Department is very grateful and appreciative to both the students and their parents for their commitment to music in Dominican College.

Useful Website Addresses:

http://www.classical.net
http://classicalmusic.about.com
http://www.cmc.ie
http://www.irish-music.net
http://www.lyricfm.ie
http://www.thebeatles.com

Click This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to mail the Music Department.