String Programme (P1 – P2)

St. Andrew’s An exciting programme which runs extremely successfully

throughout many schools in America, brought to Ireland in St.
College Agnes’s School in Crumlin, 4 years ago. Now every child in the
Junior School school learns a stringed instrument either violin, viola, cello or
double bass resulting in a 60-strong orchestra. 16 of their musicians
have been accepted into the Dublin Youth Orchestra. The
programme is about team spirit, discipline, equality and expression
resulting in a huge increase in self-respect and self-confidence
among the children who take part. Further information can be
obtained from www.stagnesmusiccrumlin.com including footage of
the school’s orchestra performing.

Extensive research has been carried out on the abilities and brain
activity of children who learn a string instrument showing enhanced
brain functions. It has also been proven that skills learned through
this discipline transfer to study, listening, communication and
cognitive skills useful in every part of the curriculum.

This String Programme will be introduced initially in P1 and the two

P2 classes, where all children will learn the violin in their class
groups as part of their weekly music class. Playing in a group such
as this has been proven to build self-esteem and a sense of
community and co-operation which empowers children. It also gives
children a sense of responsibility and commitment to their peers.
They also have a lot of fun!

The College has purchased a violin for every child, each violin will
be numbered and allocated on a yearly basis. Parents will be asked
to pay a small rental fee for the use of the instrument. Children will
be allowed to bring their violin home to practice which is strongly
encouraged. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to ensure
the safe-keeping of their child’s violin. and to pay for any damage to
their child’s violin outside the school premises. A strong part of this
programme will be teaching children how to respect their instrument.

Music Department