Music - St Louis High School website - new version

MUSIC AT ST LOUIS

St. Louis High School celebrated 100 years of education during the year 2013-2014. Music featured prominently in these celebrations. A Centenary Concert was held on December 12th 2013. For this special occasion, a Past Pupil and Friends of St Louis Choir and Orchestra was established to perform Vivaldi's Gloria. The junior and senior choirs of St. Louis High School also featured prominently in this concert, singing a beautiful selection of Christmas carols. The music at the Centenary School Mass was led by the senior and first year choirs and instrumental group. In October in association with St. Mary's College, Rathmines, we staged Les Misérables - school edition. In March 2014 for the Past Pupils' Day, the 5th Year choir led the music during the celebratory Mass. Finally when the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins visited the school, the traditional Irish Music group and the 5th & 6th Year choirs entertained the Presidential entourage.

As part of the St. Louis Sisters' 150 year celebrations of their arrival in Ireland, St Louis High School choir and instrumentalists recorded a CD in our beautiful arts venue - Cuisle - St Louis Arts and Cultural Centre. Please click here to sample a track from the CD recording.

Choral Work

A Past Pupil Choir was established during the 2013-2014 year. The aim is that this will continue - 'popping up' on occasion to prepare for a concert or event.

A strong choral tradition exists in the school. Cross-Border choral links were established in the year 2000 with Hunterhouse College, Belfast. Since then joint performances have been staged in both Dublin and Belfast of the works Gloria - Vivaldi, Adiemus- Karl Jenkins, Mass for Peace, Mass for the Armed Man- Karl Jenkins and selection of music from the Musicals. Our last collaboration was held in March 2013.

A performance of The Messiah - Handel was presented in January 2006 in association with St Louis Secondary School Carrickmacross in the Church of the Three Patrons, Rathgar. All soloists and instrumentalists had St Louis School connections. This performance was a fabulous celebration of the St Louis Music Tradition.

All first-year students participate in choral class as part of their main curriculum timetable. Over the past few years, the first years have worked on cantatas such as: Adam in Eden and Swingin' Samson, presenting them as part of our annual Spring Concert.

The Special Choir meets after school once a week and rehearses material for competitions and concerts. Students from all years are welcome in the group. In the Senior Cycle years, a choral option is provided for students to develop their love of choral singing.

Cantairí Óga Atha Cliath is a choir that was set up in 1960s. It is made up of pupils from St Louis Primary and Secondary school as well as past pupils. They take part in festivals all over Europe and have had many successes.

As part of our choral tradition, we usually participate in Carol Singing for different charities in the run up to Christmas. This year was no exception. We were delighted to raise much needed funds for both the St Vincent de Paul.


Curriculum Music

There is a very strong music tradition in St. Louis High School. Mainstream curriculum music is provided at both Junior and Leaving Certificate at higher and ordinary levels. Leaving Certificate Music Technology option is also offered as part of the senior cycle music programme. In Transition Year, Music and a Performing Arts module are offered.


Extra-Curricular Music

Every second year a musical is staged in the school in association with St Mary’s College, Rathmines. A very high standard is realised in these productions and students work with a professional production team and orchestra. Our 2013 production was Les Misérables - school edition Previous productions include: The Sound of Music, The Wiz, The Hot Mikado, Oklahoma, Little Mary Sunshine, Fiddler on the Roof, Guys ‘n Dolls, Calamity Jane, Annie Get Your Gun, Oliver and High School Musical. To view images from some of these productions please go to our Gallery.

Instrumental

St Louis High School's Instrumental Group rehearses regularly. Students from all years are welcome in the group.

St Louis High School's String Ensemble rehearses regularly. Students from all years are welcome in the group.

St Louis High School's Drumming Group meets at lunchtime twice a week. Students from all years are welcome in the group.

St Louis High School's Traditional Music Group meets regularly. Students from all years are welcome in the group.

Instrumental and Singing Lessons are organised every year for students who express a desire to participate in individual lessons. They are usually held after school and are provided by visiting qualified instrumental/singing teachers.

Music Performance Overview

Instrumental and choral performances happen on many occasions during the school year e.g. liturgical celebrations, variety shows, open evenings, concerts and lunchtime recitals. Students with musical talents are encouraged to participate in all events to develop their skills, build confidence and share their talents with the school community.