Primary Ensemble Project

Do you have an instrumental programme in your primary school? Would you like to develop and improve your school ensemble? Would you like to perform with other school ensembles in the National Concert Hall?

Presented in partnership with the Royal Irish Academy of Music and generously supported by Walkers, a leading financial services law firm and corporate services business, active in championing creativity and innovation in arts and education, the Primary Ensemble Project is making a welcome return post pandemic to rekindle and support the revival of ensemble music making in classrooms.

Through our Primary Ensemble Project, specialist tutors from the Royal Irish Academy of Music visit schools for three engaging and interactive workshops during the academic year. Tutors help ensemble musicians to develop aural and technical skills, and performance and improvisation techniques.

After these workshops, the ensembles then come together at the NCH and perform for their family and friends.

There is no cost to the schools to participate in this programme, numbers of participating schools are limited.

If you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact us at education@nch.ie

Everything you need to know about Primary Ensemble Project

What is the Primary Ensemble Project?

The Primary Ensemble Project aims to support developing ensembles in primary schools. It is aimed initially at primary schools in the earlier stages of school ensemble playing, and aims to complement the existing work of the school and / or music teachers.

Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) specialist tutors will visit schools to lead a series of three engaging and participative workshops. During these workshops, the tutors will help the schools’ young musicians to develop aural and technical skills alongside ensemble performance and improvisation techniques.

Following these workshops the ensembles will meet in the NCH and play with the other participating schools in our Collaborative Performance Day. Family and friends can come along to hear your ensemble on Ireland’s most prestigious stage, in what promises to be a performance not to be missed!

What is the structure of the project & how can my school apply?

The workshop phase consists of three visits to each of the participating schools. These workshops will be facilitated by the Project Academic Coordinator and tutors from the RIAM.

The ensembles will work on one piece to be performed by their ensemble only, and one piece to be performed in collaboration with one of the other participating schools.

The Performance Day is an opportunity to showcase the schools’ work, and to meet and perform with other participating schools. The day will consist of a rehearsal with the collaborating school, followed by a performance on the main stage of the NCH. Friends, family and schoolmates will all be invited to the performance.

Applications are now closed for 2022/2023 programme.

There is no cost to the schools to participate in this programme, numbers of participating schools are limited.

If you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact us at education@nch.ie