Milford School Band
Since the foundation of Milford N.S. in 1982, music has been an integral part of daily school life. It seemed a natural progression that a school band should develop, tapping into the wealth of musical talent evident in our pupils.
The essence of Milford N.S. Band is performance. We are fortunate to have musicians studying a wide range of instruments. This year, our band comprises of violins, harps, guitars, recorders, tin whistles, keyboards, glockenspiel, accordion and percussion. We are interested in a broad range of musical genres from Traditional Irish melodies to Contemporary Chart music. Children very quickly build up a varied repertoire and are equally at home performing at school Masses as at the UL concert hall.
Through our association with other school bands, we have been in the past invited to play at “The Band Spectacular” in UL and in Glór, Ennis. We hope to continue this association in the future. Indeed like every other school band, we perform at many school celebrations and special occasions.
Each Christmas, music takes centre stage in Milford NS as the rehearsals are in full swing for the Junior and Senior pageants, the latter being performed on Christmas Eve as a traditional part of the Christmas Eve Mass.
In the spirit of Christmas, a group of musicians also perform for the residents of Milford House, bringing the Christmas spirit to all.
Milford NS Band, Óige le Ceol has a long standing tradition of fundraising for Milford hospice and has produced two CDs showcasing the musical talents of our pupils while raising funds for a most deserving cause. “I Lár na Farraige/ El Kreiz Ar Mer” was a collaboration between Milford NS and Ecole Jules Ferry, Brittany, a school with whom we have had long association. The second CD “Óige le Ceol” is a collection of traditional, popular and rock tunes. We have also collaborated with a selection of other equally enthusiastic bands in the CD, “School Band Spectacular”
In September 2008, as a tribute to Mr Tom Browne, retiring principal, many former band members returned to once again perform with the band, taking time out from work, college and secondary school to do so. It certainly was experimental, given that as a group they had not performed together before! But fears were allayed as the familiar music sheets were produced. And the sound was good!
In February 2009 many former band members and former students of Milford NS returned to take part in the funeral Mass of George Fitzpatrick, former teacher and principal of Milford NS. Mr Fitzpatrick had been a driving force behind the school band since its inception in 1983 and the participation of his former students was a fitting tribute to his memory. We wish all our former band members well and hope that music continues to be an important part of their lives.
Through Milford NS School band, “Óige le Ceol”, we endeavour to provide children with rich musical experiences but above all, the joy of performing together.
Currently, the band led by Ms. Linda O’ Meara, Ms. Gemma Ryan, Ms. Siobhán Fenton, Ms. Angela Reidy and Ms. Deirdre Taylor, practice each Thursday at lunch time. The band performs for a variety of occasions and celebrations such as “The Band Spectacular” every year, the Junior and Senior pageants, children’s Masses and Communion and Confirmation ceremonies. In the spirit of Christmas, a group of musicians also perform for the residents of Milford House, bringing the Christmas spirit to all. Musicians from 4th, 5th and 6th classes may join Milford NS Band. The only requirements are: basic sight reading and a love of music.