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Choirs

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Our Choirs

About the Choral Programme

The SETU Choral Programme is one of the most dynamic and progressive of its kind in Ireland. Since its foundation, it has nurtured thousands of the most talented young singers in the region, providing them with a supportive and inspiring environment in which to grow. Through a fun and engaging approach, members are encouraged to develop their musical, creative and performance skills while building a lifelong appreciation for music.

Our simple but profound aim is to help children achieve high musical and artistic standards through choral singing. Central to the ethos of the programme is the development of self confidence, teamwork, and a positive and aspirational character. Through regular rehearsals, workshops, and performance opportunities, participants gain valuable experience both on and off the stage, fostering discipline, collaboration, and a strong sense of achievement.

The programme also places a strong emphasis on inclusivity and community, welcoming young singers of all backgrounds and abilities. By creating a space where every voice is valued, it encourages personal growth, confidence, and a genuine sense of belonging, ensuring that each member can thrive both musically and personally.
SETU Singing Club

For Senior Infants & First Class

The SETU Singing Club is ideal for children who enjoy music and want to make friends while singing. This group works in a friendly, relaxed and social environment. Through fun, action songs and musical games, members learn the basics of good singing and take the first steps of their musical education.

The aim of this choir is not only to help young children to sing, but also to grow in self-confidence. Concerts are staged regularly throughout the year for friends and family and are an excellent introduction to performing.

Rehearsal: Friday 4:15 - 5:15pm
SETU Children's Choir

Children's Choir 2nd - 3rd Class

The next step in the Choral Programme is the SETU Children’s Choir. Hugely popular and enjoyable, this choir is primarily about fun, but its members have also proven their ability to learn and perform some challenging music with enthusiasm and confidence! This is supported by taking part in Musicianship classes to begin learning how to read and understand music.

In addition to singing in regular concerts in the Music School, the choir enjoys carol-singing annually at Winterval. The group has also featured as guest performers at concerts with many local and visiting groups.

Rehearsal: Friday 4:15 - 5:15pm
SETU Boy's Choir

Boys' Choir for 4th - 6th Class

The last few years that a boy has his unchanged voice are a special time. The Boys’ Choir allows boys to make the most of their voices during this time, while also making friends with other boys who enjoy music.

Members of the Boys’ Choir learn a wide variety of musical styles, tackle music in parts (harmony), and explore important aspects of vocal technique. The choir has been involved in a wide range of projects and performances since its inception, including a live performance on RTÉ Lyric FM, recording a Christmas single, and singing at the opening ceremony of the Tall Ships Race in Waterford 2011.

The level of the choir is such that they have participated in and won prizes at choral festivals throughout Ireland. From time to time the Boys’ Choir combines with the Girls’ Choir for concerts and special events. Together they have staged a children’s opera, won at the Feis Ceoil in Dublin and even closed out the Late Late Toy Show!

Rehearsal: Tuesday 5:30-6:45pm
SETU Girl's Choir

Girls’ choir for 4th–6th class

The SETU Girls’ Choir was the first choir to establish within the SETU Music School and it continues to be a very active and successful group. The choir has considerable performance experience and the high level of commitment shown by the girls means that they have developed to an advanced standard. They have been winners at choral festivals throughout Ireland and in 2026 were named National Children’s Choir of the Year at the Navan Choral Festival.

Travelling with the choir, whether on day trips to choral festivals or on overnight rehearsal camps, helps the girls to grow in confidence and independence and to bond as a group.

Rehearsal: Tuesday 5:30-6:45pm
SETU Junior Youth Choir

Mixed youth choir for 1st–3rd year

The SETU Junior Youth Choir provides a new challenge for singers as they enter secondary school and allows them to experience the rich sound of a mixed-voice choir for the first time. As boys’ voices change, they are carefully nurtured and developed. Members of the choir continue their musicianship studies, while undertaking enjoyable and challenging repertoire at rehearsals.

The JYC typically travels to choral festivals throughout Ireland to participate in concerts and competitions. In 2025 the choir also travelled to Bratislava with the Youth Choir to take part in the International Youth Music Festival, where they won two gold awards.

Rehearsal: Thursday 5:30-7:00pm
SETU Youth Choir

Advanced youth choir for 4th–6th year

The senior choir of the Choral Programme provides a fitting challenge for keen secondary school singers and is widely regarded as one of the leading youth choirs in Ireland. Members perform innovative repertoire, develop advanced vocal techniques, and take part in high-profile performance opportunities including collaborations, national competitions, and international festivals.

Highlights include performances at Carnegie Hall, New York, and awards at international festivals in Poland, Belgium, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The SETU Youth Choir has also achieved repeated success at Irish choral festivals, including multiple wins at the Cork International Choral Festival and being named ‘National Choir of the Year’ at the Navan Choral Festival.

Many members of the choir have successfully auditioned for the Irish Youth Choirs (aged 14-17 and 18-25) where they are highly valued for the abilities and skills they have learned in the Choral Programme.

Former members have gone on to study music at third level, receive choral scholarships, and build professional careers in singing and conducting, with many now performing with leading ensembles such as Chamber Choir Ireland, Tenebrae, New Dublin Voices and the World Youth Choir.

Rehearsal: Thursday 5:30-7:00pm
Our Choir Auditions

What to Expect at Your Audition

The audition itself is free and very straight-forward (a sample is available to view below.) There are two parts to the audition:

Book Audition
Vocal Assessment

Each candidate should prepare a song to perform at the audition. This could be a song from school or a verse and chorus from a favourite pop song or even a simple nursery rhyme for younger candidates.

Musicianship Assessment

The audition will also have some simple listening tests e.g. clapping back and echo singing. There is a short sight-singing test for older candidates along with some questions on musical symbols etc

Our Choirs

Musicianship Requirement

Musicianship is a key part of the Music School curriculum. All students, including Choral Programme members, are expected to develop their knowledge of music theory, notation, terminology, sight-reading and aural skills. These skills help students approach new and challenging music with confidence and broaden their overall musical education. Students from 2nd class onwards are required to study Musicianship and continue their studies until they achieve SETU Advanced 2 level, equivalent to RIAM Grade 5 Theory. This requirement can be fulfilled in one of two ways:
  • Study at SETU: Students attend a SETU Musicianship class from the September they enter 2nd class until they complete the course. Students are assessed in January and June each year.
  • Study externally: Students may apply for an exemption to study Musicianship externally, normally following a recognised theory programme such as a RIAM programme. They must then complete and pass an online grade examination with an external exam board and provide the certificate as evidence of their studies.

Please note: Failure to provide evidence of ongoing Musicianship study may result in a member losing their place in the Choral Programme.

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