Primary School Pupils Making Music In Orchestra Education Scheme
Issue Date: 4th February 2008
Northern Ireland primary school children are hitting the high notes in an initiative to bring music into the classroom. A series of musical workshops will take place in schools across Ireland as part of the Up the Tempo project, a partnership between Ulster Bank Group, the Ulster Orchestra and The National Concert Hall of Ireland. First to raise the baton in Northern Ireland is Round Tower Primary School in Antrim.
The workshops hosted by Ulster Orchestra musicians introduce pupils to tempo, counting and numbers and encourage the children to compose, listen and learn through the medium of music. From the schools participating in the workshops, two will be invited to perform their own compositions at pre-concert receptions in The Waterfront Hall, Belfast and The National Concert Hall, Dublin.
Up the Tempo is part of Ulster Bank's community investment programme which has as its theme ‘youth education and social inclusion'. It recognises that lack of educational opportunity for young people is often a major barrier to them realising their full potential and ultimately taking their rightful place in society.
Mike Bamber, Chief Executive, Ulster Bank Retail Markets, says: "Music can play an invaluable role in enriching young people's lives as we have seen over the years in our relationship with the Ulster Orchestra's educational programmes. Ulster Bank is privileged to support this work which has introduced hundreds of primary school pupils to music."
David Byers, Chief Executive of the Ulster Orchestra, said: "We have enjoyed a long standing relationship with Ulster Bank and are pleased that once again we are working with them to develop young children's musical skills through Up the Tempo."