MOATE Community School is celebrating a historic first this week, following their spectacular success at the All Island School Choir Final on Sunday night last.
Breaking new ground, the south Westmeath school is the first community school to take the competition’s top accolade in its five year history.
The final of the prestigious cross border competition was held in the breath- taking Titanic Centre in Belfast on Sunday evening last. The contest, organised by the all-island peace- building charity, Co-operation Ireland, is now in its sixth year. Following regional heats involving 20 schools, four schools successfully reached the Grand Final, which was televised, treating viewers to the cream of traditional choral singing.
OVERJOYED
A pitch perfect performance by Moate Community School’s choir ensured that they beat off competition from other finalists, Sullivan Upper School from Holywood Co, Down, Wesley College, Ballinteer in Dublin and Regina Mundi College from Cork.
There was elation at Moate Community School this week as news of the win began to sink in.
“We are overjoyed here at the school. It has just been a phenomenal day,” said Principal of Moate CS, Tom Lowry.
DEDICATION
The win is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the school’s musical department.
“We have a very dedicated team here at Moate Community School and this wonderful win acknowledges this. Lorna Duignan is the Director of the Choir and teachers Giselle Foley and Ann Marie Farrell have worked tirelessly to bring the choir to this standard,” said Mr. Lowry.
The journey to the landmark Titanic Centre began for Moate Community School in August of this year.
The 100 strong choir at the school have tilted at this windmill in previous years and so, auditions began with a view that this was always going to be a big mountain to climb.
A choir of 38 was selected by Ms. Duignan to compete and a rollercoaster of regional heats commenced.
CHALLENGING
There was intense competition from the start, with more than 100 choirs from right around the island singing their best for the coveted place in the final. Having reached the regional stage, Moate Community School were in an elite group, each with the single-minded purpose of proving to be the best.
Each stage saw the bar rise even higher, challenging entrants to reach for all of their potential.
“After the Regional Final in Maynooth, the choir had to learn two new pieces going forward. They chose a gospel piece, ‘John the Revelator’ and the Russian ‘Bogoroditse Devo’ to perform at the final,” said Mr. Lowry.
On Sunday night last, a sterling performance assured all involved that they had more than earned their place at this renowned event.
“We knew that the delivery of the performance was excellent but you never know what adjudicators will think. We were so thrilled when we heard the announcement that we had won it,” said Mr. Lowry.
“As part of the winning of the competition I understand we will be invited to Áras an Uachtaráin to sing for the President, Michael Higgins. I understand it is an accepted addition to the prize and also there may be opportunities for other appearances,” he said.
TALENT
So how does he account for the success? “The victory is a testament to the talent we have at this school. We have very committed teachers and choir,” Mr. Lowry said.
The win brings a €4,000 prize fund as well as the prestige of holding the esteemed honour of a well- deserved All Ireland title.
The school opened on Monday to an immediate buzz of success. Congratulations poured in, while the local community absorbed the news of what has been achieved.
“The phones have not stopped ringing here, it has been phenomenal,” said Mr. Lowry.
The school has a long tradition of music that has been fostered and nourished over decades.
Home to a choir of more than 100 students, Moate Community School also maintains its own orchestra and the annual musical is a highlight on the calendar for the school and the wider community.
RECITAL FOR THE COMMUNITY
To share this momentous win with the people of Moate, Mr. Lowry said that the school will throw open its doors later this week to the community, who will be welcomed to a short recital by the award-winning choir.
“We want to share this amazing achievement with the community and give the people the opportunity and pleasure of hearing the choir,” said Mr. Lowry.
VICTORY CELEBRATION
This Friday evening, 21 November at 6pm a victory celebration will take place in the school gym. The choir will preform the four pieces they sang in the choir competition. Light refreshments will be served and everyone is welcome to attend.
