Ensembles

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Orchestras and Ensembles

A community where music comes together

From first notes to advanced performance, the orchestras and ensembles offer a vibrant and inclusive musical environment for players of all ages and abilities. Whether you are just beginning your journey or looking to refine your skills at a higher level, these groups provide the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and perform in a supportive and inspiring setting.

Across each ensemble, there is a strong focus on developing confidence, musicality, and a sense of teamwork, with experienced tutors and conductors guiding players along the way. Members benefit not only from regular rehearsals, but also from performance opportunities, workshops, and the chance to engage with a wide and varied repertoire. With ensembles spanning classical, jazz, traditional Irish, and contemporary styles, there is something to suit every interest, while fostering a shared passion for music and the enjoyment of playing together.

Budding Bows

A joyful introduction to ensemble string playing

Budding Bows consists mainly of primary school aged children who wish to improve their string playing in a fun, group environment. Members join once they reach approximately Grade 1.

The group have taken part in workshops with musicians from around Ireland and Europe, and perform in their Christmas and Summer concerts to a packed audience of family and friends.

Rehearsal: Monday 5:30 - 6:30pm

SETU Concert Strings Orchestra

A thriving ensemble for advancing young musicians

Concert Strings was formed 20 years ago by retired staff member Deirdre Scanlon and performs a variety of classical, musical theatre, sacred and traditional repertoire.

It consists primarily of secondary school students who have reached a Grade 4 or 5 standard. The orchestra is in high demand, performing alongside musical groups in Waterford such as the Waterford Male Voice Choir, Voci, Intonations and at Winterval at Christmas time.

Most recently, they entertained audiences with a programme encompassing music from ‘Bach to Bond’ at the Large Room in Waterford. They have also travelled for weekend workshops where they develop their skills with guest tutors and performers. Nationally, they have performed in venues throughout the country including taking part in the Festival of Youth Orchestras in the National Concert Hall. Concert Strings rehearse

Rehearsal: Monday 6:30 - 7:30pm

SETU Orchestra

A leading orchestra for accomplished performers

The SETU Waterford Orchestra is the Institute’s most senior orchestra and consists of third-level students, advanced second-level students and adult members from the region. The orchestra rehearses once a week and prepares a wide range of chamber and symphonic repertoire for performances and concerts staged throughout the year. Players of this group are expected to have completed Grade V or have an equivalent playing standard.

Conductors: Stephen Mackey & Andrew Sheeran

Rehearsal: Wednesday 5:30 - 7:00pm

SETU Jazz Big Band Orchestra

Learning the language of jazz in a supportive ensemble

This group is intended to be a ‘rehearsal band’ – to rehearse and perfect new charts, not specifically towards the end point of a gig, but for its own sake. It aims to pursue an authentic jazz aesthetic, and all that that entails. We encourage interested younger players and students of a suitable standard to come along, with experienced players acting as mentors. Further information from phillip.collins@setu.ie

Conductors: Phill Collins

Rehearsal: Wednesday 6:45 - 7:45pm

SETU Irish Traditional Music Orchestra

An inclusive ensemble celebrating Irish traditional music in an orchestral setting

The ethos of this orchestra is to provide an inclusive setting for SETU staff, students, advanced secondary students and adults from the region to collaborate, embrace innovation and to reinterpret traditional and newly composed pieces in an orchestral setting. There is an audition process and interested players should contact nora.kavanagh@setu.ie

Conductors: Dylan Bible & Nóra Kavanagh

Rehearsal: Wednesday 6:45 - 7:45pm

Guitar Ensemble

A collaborative guitar ensemble for all styles and levels

The guitar ensemble class aims to involve all guitar students, regardless of standard or experience, in playing with fellow students. All styles of music are played with particular emphasis on pop, rock, blues, classical and traditional Irish music. In this way students are introduced to music styles and playing standards that they may otherwise not encounter. Those who favor pop, rock, blues or traditional get to play music learned during their one-to-one lessons in its natural ensemble context with other players. Classical guitarists are given the opportunity to add to their solo repertoire a rich variety of music for duo, trio and quartet ensembles. Ensemble playing can dramatically improve elements of technique such as rhythm and dynamics and provides students with an added impetus to practice well. Tunes can be learned using tablature, notation or by rote and played in a sociable and relaxed setting.

Tutors: Dylan Bible, Jonathan Bulfin & Joe Whelan

Rehearsal: Wednesday 5:30 - 6:30pm

Wind Ensemble

A lively wind ensemble with big band energy and broad musical style

This ensemble draws most of its material from the ‘big-band’ genre but also plays symphonic wind and a wide variety of popular music. There is not any mimimum grade requirement and most wind instruments are accepted. Piano, guitar, percussion and bass are welcome too although a moderate ability to read is a prerequisite. It’s good fun and good music!

Conductor: Stephen Mackey

Rehearsal: Monday 5:30 - 6:30pm

Timetables

Full Ensembles Timetable

Ensemble	Date & Time	Conductor / Tutor	Location
SETU Budding Bows	Monday 5:30 – 6:30pm	Eimear Heeney	Chapel
SETU Concert Strings	Monday 6:30 – 7:30pm	Eimear Heeney	Chapel
SETU Wind Ensemble	Monday 5:30 – 6:30pm	Stephen Mackey	Dance Studio
SETU Orchestra	Wednesday 5:30 – 7:00pm	Stephen Mackey, Andrew Sheeran	Chapel
SETU Guitar Ensemble	Wednesday 5:30 – 6:30pm	Joe Whelan	Dance Studio
SETU Jazz Big Band	Wednesday 6:45 – 7:45pm	Phill Collins	Chapel

Got a Question?

We’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re interested in lessons, choirs, or general enquiries, our team is here to help.

You can fill out the form, Phone us on 051 302277 or email us directly at musicschool.wd@setu.ie