Education Outreach for Primary Schools

Discover Opera and Discover Singing – Music Generation Waterford

In 2021 we developed the BVOF education outreach programme, and in conjunction with Music Generation Waterford launched a new Discover Opera project for local primary schools. Generously funded with the support of the Tomar Trust, the project included a series of online and classroom workshops, culminating in an exciting new Discover Opera trail for participating schools at Lismore Castle during the 2021 festival.  Participating schools in our education outreach programme have included Scoil Mhuire Tallow, Modeligo National School, Fews National School, St. James’s National School in Stradbally and Portlaw National School and many more.

The Discover Singing project was established in 2022 for primary school children in partnership with Music Generation Waterford – providing access and opportunity for children and young people in Waterford to experience high quality performance music education where they live, learn and play

“A fantastic experience, learning opportunities are endless. Very enjoyable!…Engaging and fun crew visited our school for Discover Singing and always brought wonderful enthusiasm and interactivity.”
– Louise Lyons, Cappoquin National School

“We liked the quality of the workshop facilitators, their ability to motivate the children, the enjoyment the children got from the Discover Singing workshops, and the improvement in the children’s singing and confidence.”
– Marie Coleman, Modeligo National School

“Our experience has been extremely positive. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the Discover Opera workshops. It opened their eyes to new music and performers – something they wouldn’t usually experience… Our pupils had never experienced opera before, and their preconceived ideas have been challenged through a positive experience both in school and at the festival…I cannot fault the programme. Our junior pupils have heard the fun being had in the senior classroom and have expressed an interest. It has been a positive experience all round.”
– Karen Hennessy, Principal, Park National School

“We absolutely loved it from start to finish…The people giving the Discover Opera workshops were excellent and the programme was really well thought out….The students learned a lot and it was good for their confidence.”
– Orla Irwin / Kieran McCarthy – St Fergal’s National School

“I want to thank you most sincerely for facilitating a most incredible morning in our school recently. The children and adults attending were truly blown away by your performance. From the moment you arrived, you captivated the attention of every child and adult present and many a discussion about opera has been had since you left. As a School Principal, I feel that musical experiences like this are such an important part of school life for children in Ireland. There is so much real-life musical learning to be had.  Once again, a heartfelt thank you.”
– Scoil Íosaf National School, Castlemartyr, Co. Cork

Music Generation Waterford creates access to performance music education for children age 0-18 in Waterford. They support children and young people to make and learn music in creative, diverse, inclusive ways, whether that’s writing and performing a song, playing an instrument, practising as part of an orchestra or jamming with a band. Music Generation Waterford is managed by Waterford Music Education Partnership, led by Wexford and Waterford Education and Training Board in partnership with Waterford City and County Council.  Click here for further information about Music Generation Waterford