Junior Cycle Music
The first year program is designed to give pupils a basic grounding in music theory in preparation for the Junior Certificate. Students study:
- Notation
- Sol-fa
- Chord construction
- The Orchestra
- Irish Music
- Music History
- Music Performance
- Technology in Music
- Ukulele playing
- The Drum kit
In second year students can choose to take music as an option for the Junior Certificate. As well as a written paper in June of Third Year, 30% of the overall marks are awarded for performance in April. The standard required for this performance exam is equivalent to a grade two in a RIAM or ABRSM exam, but students do not need to have taken these exams in order to study music.
Throughout second and third year, Students study:
- Selected songs and works from various composers throughout history
- A range of genres and styles
- Chord structure and adding backing chords to compositions
- Melody writing
- Melodic and Rhythmic Dictation
- Instrumental and Compositional techniques
- Irish Music
- Music History
- Aural Skills
- Music Performance
- Technology in music
- Music in TV, film and Advertisements
- Ukulele playing
Transition Year Music
The main aim of our transition year music programme is to introduce students to a wide range of musical styles and genres and broaden their musical knowledge and develop their music performance skills. Topics covered may include:
• illustrative and film music
• Jazz music
• Rock music
• Music Technology
• Garage Band
• Recording using Loops
• Samba drumming
• Traditional Irish Music
• Guitar Playing
• Ukulele Playing
As well as the topics above, transition years get the chance to enter music competitions such as ‘Walton’s Music for Schools’, and ‘Siansa’ for traditional Irish musicians. We also have showcased Transition Year musicals such as ‘Breaking the Habit’ and most recently in 2018; ‘Footloose’ in collaboration with the Royal School Cavan.
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Senior Cycle Music
The Leaving Certificate Music syllabus provides continuity and progression from Junior Certificate Music. In providing the musical knowledge, understanding, practical competencies and attitudes appropriate to their age, abilities and interests, the syllabus caters for the varying needs of all students including those who wish to pursue further studies in music.
Leaving Certificate Exam:
The exam is based around the three components:
1. Listening (25%)
2. Composing (25%)
3. Performing (25%)
Students choose one of these three components to complete the remainder 25% of the exam.
This will allow students to gain up to 50 per cent of the total marks in the musical activity that best suits their talent.
Music Technology is also included in Senior Cycle and can be used for the Practical exam.
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Extra-Curricular Activities:
Instrumental Tuition
Individual instrumental tuition is offered at competitive rates to all students in piano and voice. Lessons take place within class time, alternating each week so that the same subject is not missed consecutively.
Choir
In Loreto College Cavan, Choir is seen as a core subject in our well-being programme. Each first year class has a timetabled choir class and in 2nd year, each student then has the choice to audition and join the school choir.
Loreto College School Choir
Loreto College school choir consists of students from 2nd to 6th year and rehearsals take place during lunch breaks each week. The choir have sung on radio and performed at many concerts including our own variety concerts in school, a collaboration concert with Phil Coulter, Nice International Choral festival and many more. The choir enter many competitions and most recently claimed 2nd prize at the renowned Navan choral festival. One of the highlights of the year is the Christmas Carol service in Cavan Cathedral in which the school choir join the rest of the choirs in Cavan to perform a feast of Carols. Here is a clip of our school choir performing:
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‘Stars Point the Way sung by Loreto College Cavan’
Irish Traditional Music Group:
Any traditional Irish musicians are welcome to join our ‘Trad Group’ who meet weekly for a lunchtime session and to share tunes. The group perform at various school functions and hold sessions for Seachtain na Gaeilge. Members of the group also compete in the renowned ‘Siansa’ competition, hosted by Gael Linn.
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FAQ:
Do I need to play an instrument outside school to study music for the Junior Certificate?
No, students that decide to study music will be taught the ukulele in class and are also involved in class-based singing. Some students decide to take up an instrument after they choose music as a subject but this is not a necessity.
Can I do music if I am not a good singer?
Yes, although class based singing is taught in class, it is not necessary to sing for the practical exams in music.
Can I study music for the Leaving Certificate even though I haven’t sat the Junior Certificate Music exam?
Yes, some students who play an instrument or sing outside school will take music up for the Leaving Certificate.
Is music a recognised subject for the Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate?
Yes, music is a recognised subject for both the Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate.
Why study Music?
Here are some of the benefits of studying Music:
A mastery of memorization: Even when performing with sheet music, student musicians are constantly using their memory to perform. The skill of memorization can serve students well in education and beyond.
Increased coordination: Students who practice with musical instruments can improve their hand-eye coordination.
Students stay engaged in school: An enjoyable subject like music can keep students interested and engaged in school.
Preparation for the creative economy: Investing in creative education can prepare students for the 21st century workforce. The new economy has created more artistic careers.
Development in creative thinking: Students who study the arts can learn to think creatively. This kind of education can help them solve problems by thinking outside the box and realizing that there may be more than one right answer.
Links to “fun stuff”
http://listeningadventures.carnegiehall.org/ypgto/index.aspx - Carnegie Hall Instruments of the Orchestra adventure game. (Click on Local Game)
http://lab.andre-michelle.com/tonematrix/ - Just to mess around
http://www.mtrs.co.uk/namethatnote/ - Practise your Lines and Spaces
Useful Links
Overviews of the six main periods in music history: Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Twentieth Century. There are biographies of nearly 70 composers.
http://www.essentialsofmusic.com/
Third Level music courses in Ireland
http://www.riam.ie/full-time-courses.html
http://www.spd.dcu.ie/main/academic/music/