The National Concert Hall, UCD and TCD Announce New Term of ‘Quavers to Quadratics’ Workshops for Primary School Children Exploring the Intersection Between Science and Music this June

Media Release Wednesday 13th of March 2024, 10am  

The National Concert Hall (NCH), University College Dublin (UCD) and Trinity College Dublin (TCD) are delighted to announce the return of their long-running science and music programme for primary school students - Quavers to Quadratics - from the 4th to the 21st of June 2024.  

Supported by Science Foundation Ireland and ESB, Quavers to Quadratics sees primary school children (3rd – 6th classes) play with ideas common to science and music. The children are led in their play by undergraduate science and music students, who work as facilitators. Together, children and facilitators figure-out why musical instruments are different shapes and sizes, how musical sound is made, and how to make homemade musical instruments. 

The year the NCH is delighted to offer and present workshops in the Gaeltacht region, in the week of the 4th of June and will deliver the programme through the Irish language on June 11th and 12th.  

Quavers to Quadratics is a collaborative programme with Dr. Shane Bergin (UCD), Dr. Marita Kerin (Trinity College Dublin) and the NCH Learning & Participation team offering a play-based programme that has worked with over 10,000 children and involved hundreds of undergraduate student facilitators since the programme began in 2015. 

With the support from Science Foundation Ireland and ESB, Quavers to Quadratics is offered to school children in different ways:    

 - Children visit the National Concert Hall for hands-on workshops. (Undergraduate science and music facilitators visit the children in their school before and after the visit to the National Concert Hall.)   

- Quavers to Quadratics attend the school. (This version of the programme sees facilitators run science and music workshops in schools over two days.)   

- Schools can also enrol in an online version of Quavers to Quadratics and will be supported with videos and regular virtual check-ins.   

 Robert Read, CEO of the National Concert Hall said:          

“At the National Concert Hall our Learning and Participation programmes are designed to foster and celebrate the appreciation, knowledge and love of music for all. It is of fundamental importance to us that children of all ages have the opportunity to engage and participate with music in all its forms. We are once again delighted to partner with University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin Schools of Education in delivering the Quavers to Quadratics programme, promoting innovation and exploration in music and science and we gratefully acknowledge the generous support of Science Foundation Ireland and ESB in making the programme possible”.     

  Sarah Sharkey, Group PR & Sponsorship Manager, ESB 

“ESB proudly supports partners that deliver STEAM initiatives for young people, strengthening their curiosity, creativity and pursuit of scientific discovery. We are proud to continue our support of the work of the National Concert Hall’s Learning and Participation team and their Quavers to Quadratics programme, which explores the fascinating relationship between science and music, bringing an original bilingual programme directly into the classroom.”

Since its establishment, Quavers to Quadratics has been running workshops for primary school children around Ireland, primarily in DEIS schools. The programme has seen more than 200 undergraduate students lead the programme, with many choosing to become teachers based on their involvement in the programme. The programme has been the subject of several education research projects: it is also a key part of the National Concert Hall’s Learning & Participation programme which seeks to support engagement and enjoyment of music, enhancing understanding of music and music-making, and encouraging personal and societal development through music.      

 QUAVERS TO QUADRATICS INFORMATION   

Quavers to Quadratics Gaeltacht School Visits – week of the 4th of June. 

National Concert Hall Quavers to Quadratics On-Site Workshops - 11th - 21st June 2024* (National Concert Hall Quavers to Quadratics Workshops Idir Cheol agus Chearnaci: Ceardlanna Ceoil agus Eolaíochta - 11th - 12th June 2024)  *This is a free but ticketed event for DEIS schools, early booking is advised.  Booking for DEIS Schools available from 10am, today 13th March 2024. Any remaining spaces will be opened to non-DEIS schools at noon on May 7th. All bookings to be made by calling the NCH Booking Line Tel: 01-4170000 or in person at NCH.    

Online Programme Applications

In School Programme Applications

ENDS      

Media Queries to Sinead Doyle, Marketing & PR Manager, National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2. Tel: 087 1775334 or Roisin Dwyer, PR & Publications Executive, National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2. Tel: 085-7129628.   

 ABOUT THE NATIONAL CONCERT HALL            

The National Concert Hall (NCH) is Ireland’s national cultural institution for music, proudly serving the Irish public since it opened in 1981 through live music performances and significant educational and cultural programmes. Based in the heart of Dublin’s city centre, next door to the picturesque Iveagh Gardens, the NCH is proud home to our National Symphony Orchestra, as well as providing residence for a range of other music organisations including Chamber Choir Ireland, Irish Baroque Orchestra, Music Network, Crash Ensemble and Music Generation. It is currently planning for a major redevelopment of all facilities as part of the National Development Plan and Project Ireland 2040.