From the womb, children are exposed to sounds. They may be sung to sleep, or have a favourite song from a movie, or hear music on radio in the kitchen, or in the car. There is not always the opportunity for the same exposure to live professional musicians and performance. To see instruments and to hear them played live.
PLAY - Music in the Schoolyard makes that possible, by bringing the musicians, their instruments and a range of genres and styles right into the playground with the children. Music can be a wonderful stimulus in the classroom and is a natural starting point for children to observe closely, think critically and share their thoughts and reactions through their own words to what they have seen and heard. By playing music live in the yard, the children have the freedom to dance, play, respond, or even ignore if they wish.
Following a highly successful pilot project in 2020, PLAY was developed in direct response to the Covid-19 restrictions, as Draíocht sought meaningful, sustainable and innovative ways of engaging with our local schools. This highly interactive and fun programme ran in five Dublin 15 schools across May and June 2021. We are delighted that it continues again this Autumn, reaching another 4 schools during September-November.
Schools will be offered the opportunity to experience PLAY, with visits from established musicians directly to their schoolyard over 4 days, showcasing a range of musical genres from popular to traditional to contemporary, with well known tunes from pop, tv and movies.
Teachers will receive a support video from The Mobile Music School and a downloadable guide from Draíocht in advance.
Musicians
Solo Trumpet – Niall O’Sullivan
Solo Trombone – Paul Frost
Solo Sax – Dave McGauran
Quintet – Niall O’Sullivan (Trumpet), Dave McGauran (Soprano Saxophone), Hannah Miller (French Horn), Mick Marshall (Bass Trombone) & Paul Frost (Trombone)
Project enquiries to Sarah Beirne, Children & Youth Arts Officer, e sarah@draiocht.ie
