In September 2008 the ICO established a pilot project in Galvone National School. Located in Kennedy Park, Galvone is one of seven schools within the Limerick Regeneration area. Beginning in September 2008, all pupils from 4th – 6th class received weekly workshops in singing and song writing. Funding support for this innovative and successful initiative was provided by the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) through the University of Limerick.

Throughout two sessions of ten weeks each, every child developed skills in listening and interpreting music, and in musical composition. They worked with an ICO facilitator to develop school songs that could be incorporated directly into the daily life of Galvone. Over the course of the year pupils composed eight new songs and took part in two public concerts with the Irish Chamber Orchestra.

In the closing weeks of the school term all pupils in the school took part in a small concert series called ‘Meet the Musician.’ Every week they were introduced to musicians from a different genre, with the opportunity to meet with and question the musicians as well as watch them perform in a close setting.

As part of this series, all children in Galvone National School have met with ICO classical musicians, the pop band ‘Size 2 Shoes’, a traditional group of musicians from the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance (IWAMD), the BAVAD choir from the IWAMD and classical flautist, Evelyn Grant.  This is a key element of the project, developing skills in the pupils as a respectful listening audience and also reinforcing their positive aspirations for the future.

In June 2009 Phase 1 of ‘Sing Out Galvone’ was completed and the acting principal Maureen Clune noted the positive effect that it has had on school life;

“…it’s a fantastic project. The children have learned so much from it. It has boosted their confidence. They’ve learned how to work together, how to co-operate with each other. They’ve learned literacy skills and their language has really improved. They can listen to music now and critically appraise it. They have the language to do that, which is amazing really. We’ve also noticed that attendance has increased on those days when the project runs. I sincerely hope this project goes on because it has so much to offer.”

The change that is undergoing in Galvone is not only noted by the staff but, more importantly, by the pupils themselves, as these responses from 4th, 5th and 6th class illustrate.

I think it’s exciting to sing because it makes me feel glad.

Singing makes me feel energised.

Singing makes me feel like I just want to sing on and on, so some day I want to sing with the ICO.

I think it is really good. If you don’t have a hobby I’d recommend it.

I love music because when you’re sad it can cheer you up and it is just great fun.

I think singing is great. It helps you to concentrate.

It is great finding your voice.