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. Budding Bows rehearse Mondays from 5.30 – 6.30pm.
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 Mondays from 6:30 – 7:30pm.
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.
Conductor: Stephen Mackey
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
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. The orchestra is directed by Dylan Bible and Nóra Kavanagh. Rehearsals take place on Monday evenings from 7pm – 8.30pm. There is an audition process and interested players should contact nora.kavanagh@setu.ie
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: Jonathan Bulfin & Joe Whelan
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