Crumlin school orchestra wins top music prize

SCOIL Úna Naofa Violin & Orchestra Project, Crumlin has won the International Music Council’s (IMC) 2019 Music Rights Award.

This award recognises a project or programme that supports, in an exemplary way, the Five Music Rights proclaimed by the IMC.

Sister Bernadette Sweeney, Seamus Doyle, Chairperson of St Agnes’ Community Centre for Music & the Arts (CCMA) and Carl Jones, a member of the St Agnes Chamber Orchestra, attended the award ceremony in Paris on September 28. 

The Scoil Úna Naofa project was initiated in 2006.

Before that time, no child in the school learned to play an instrument, or knew any adults who played instruments.

Now, pupils and past pupils of the school are given the opportunity to benefit from free instrumental tuition, music theory, and participation in performing ensembles.

In less than 15 years, the initial project has developed into three performing ensembles: Scoil Úna Naofa Orchestra (Primary School), St Agnes Chamber Orchestra (secondary students) and St Agnes Parents’ String Orchestra.

An intergenerational summer camp brings everyone together for a week of music-making which is always a highlight of the year.

Among those celebrating the win was Carl Jones from Crumlin. Carl came through the Scoil Úna Naofa Violin and Orchestra Project and is currently a member of the St Agnes Chamber Orchestra. He has also played double bass with the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble.