It is a great pleasure to be with you today to officially open the newly refurbished premises of the Artane School of Music. This school is one of the country’s most important musical institutions. And, today represents a brand new chapter in the school’s distinguished history, not just in terms of bricks and mortar, but also in terms of the range of music classes available.
The Government has provided funding of over €240,000 towards the work of the Artane School of Music over the last six years. And as Taoiseach, I am here to congratulate and show my support for the Board of Directors and all of the teachers and students as they plan for the years ahead.
I want to pay special tribute to Matt Browne and all on the Board of Directors, to Joe Burke and the Management Committee and to Ronan O’Reilly and all of the teaching and administrative staff for their part in what we celebrate today. The standard of musical performance at Artane owes a great deal to the expertise and commitment all of you.
The growth of the school over the years is a testament to the dedication and commitment of all the partners involved. It is an excellent example of how linking with the local community and using local facilities like St David’s can result in a visionary idea coming to fruition. This, I believe, makes it a role model for the country and I would like to thank St. David’s CBS for their cooperation and support with the project.
Over the last decade or so, our country has made immense strides, both economically and socially. As Dublin prospers as an international capital, the performing arts in general, and musical performance in particular, should be an integral part of the cultural infrastructure. In order to achieve this we must ensure that our young people gain greater access to musical education.
This is why today is of such importance. The ethos of the Artane School of Music is to provide quality learning to those who may not have had an opportunity for a formal musical education before. Here they can learn their favourite instrument. Nearly all of the woodwind, brass, percussion and keyboard instruments are taught. And for the first time ever, strings have been added to the list.
I am sure, with the popularity that the violin, viola and cello enjoy and with the wide range of pieces written for strings, you will have a great uptake in this area. And because of the additional space available to you, I am pleased that the school can now enrol a much greater number of students. This will give musical education the higher profile it deserves.
The prominence, energy and professionalism, which we have long associated with the Artane Band, reminds us too that a very important element of the learning process for all musicians as they advance, is to perform in a collaborative setting. It is vital that the school is so committed to providing access to a wide range of ensemble classes. Indeed, students are spoilt for choice with a wind, jazz and recorder ensemble, as well as a full band ensemble on offer. This also means that students are given wider access and an appreciation of the different styles of music that have developed over the centuries.
Sometimes, those of us who do not play instruments can forget the importance of music theory and harmony for musicians as they perfect their skills. It is good to know therefore, that in addition to the highly respected Associated Board exams, the school offers courses for Junior and Leaving Certificate students.
As well as performing the official opening today, one of my other duties is to present well earned certificates to the last 16 boys to graduate from the Artane Boys Band. All of us have fond memories of the Artane Boys Band. Ever since my very first visits to Croke Park in the late ‘50s, I have associated their rousing performances with the passion and excitement felt as All-Ireland matches got under way. And this holds true for many thousands of GAA fans up and down the country.
And just as the Band is synonymous with Gaelic Games, so to is it synonymous with excellence. As I present the certificates to these young men, I would like to thank them for the musical pleasure they have provided to so many as committed band members. To persevere with any musical instrument and give so many years of dedicated service to a band of this calibre is an achievement worthy of the highest praise. We, like you, have benefited from your sacrifices. And we are here to celebrate with you, to congratulate you and wish you every success in the future.
Times are changing of course. It is the end of an era – the band is no longer an exclusive boys club! In line with what has been happening nationally, the Artane Band is promoting equal opportunities. And it is good to know that girls now have the opportunity to perform alongside their male counterparts.
I have no doubt that with the many changes and strides you have made in recent years, you will see this school – and the boys and girls associated with it – go from success to success.
Thank you.
ENDS.