Ceol sa bhForhalla / ‘Ceol sa Foyer’

Gan amhras da laghad ann, is cuid lárnach dár gcultúr é an ceol.  Is cuid lárnach dár gcultúr í an Ghaeilge chomh maith.  Déanaimid an dá ghné sin dár gcultúr a cheiliúradh i Scoil San Treasa - le linn Seachtain na Gaeilge ach go háirithe - am a mbíonn ceol uirlise á seinm gach maidin i bhforhalla na scoile. 

Every morning during Seachtain na Gaeilge pupils from first to sixth class and staff members are encouraged to play instrumental music in the school foyer. 

There is no formal stage – just a performance area.  The audience is made up of the children in the school, parents and school staff. 

Although planning is done in advance, the whole event is a very informal one.  Children with a wide range of musical ability take part.  Typically, over a hundred children play music each year.  Some play in groups, some play individually.  Instruments played this year include piano, keyboard, recorder, flute, guitar, electric guitar, harp, drums, violin, fiddle, mandola, accordion and tin whistle. 

‘Ceol sa bhForhalla’  (or ‘Ceol sa Foyer’, as it has come to be known!) runs for just a week but its impact is much more long-lasting than that.  Children look forward to seeing and hearing other children and teachers play music.  They look forward to their own chance to play too.  Learning a musical instrument involves a lot of hard work – having a chance to play for others in a positive and friendly atmosphere can help to motivate children (and adults!) to persevere and to put in that extra bit of practice!  It’s also a great chance for the children to see a wide range of instruments being played – this might even prompt them to start learning to play a new musical instrument.

Although the musicians are very important in ‘Ceol sa Foyer’, members of the audience also play a vital role.  This year, they really did themselves proud – showing great respect to all the musicians, listening well, giving lots of applause and encouragement, and generally co-operating with the various routines.  Scoil San Treasa Abú!

The children themselves introduce the various musical items ‘as Gaeilge’.  Sa chaoi sin, bíonn an Ghaeilge fite fuaite le h-ócáid bheoga thaitneamhach i saol na scoile. 

Of course, the Naíonáin are not forgotten!  On one afternoon, some of the musicians are brought together to play for the Infant Classes.  During this session, the Infants are treated to a ‘sampler version’ of the events of the week. 

‘Ceol sa Foyer’ is one of the highlights of the school year.  It’s an event that is put together by the School Community and for the School Community.  It’s something to look forward to beforehand…and it gives us warm memories to cherish afterwards…

Well done to all who have helped out in ‘Ceol sa Foyer’ in any way!

(Note:  During AprilMay 2009 the photos of the musicians involved in Ceol sa Foyer 2009 will be on display on the lower corridor in the school.  When you come in the main door of the school, go down the corridor to the left of the main stairs and you will soon see the display.)