‘The Sound of Unity' – schools put voices together for charity
A night of contemporary music is promised on Sunday, January 27, in the Mullingar Park Hotel, when six local schools join in one voice to raise funds for six charities.
St Finian’s College, Mullingar, St Joseph’s, Rochfortbridge, Loreto College, Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar Community College and St Brigid’s School will join together for an epic night of music.
Supporting them live on the night are musicians Paddy Hassett on drums, Greg Bentick on keys, Ben Mulligan on guitar and Robbie Arnold on bass.
The brainchild of Helen Hassett (St Finian’s) and Yvonne Muldoon of (St Joseph’s, Rochfortbridge), the aim of the night is to sing without competition, simply for the fun of it.
“Years ago Yvonne and I talked about bringing our choirs together, combining them and then this year we decided to finally make it happen. We thought ‘why not ask all schools to get involved’,” said Helen Hassett.
“I always liked the community spirit of music, the fact that music brings people together. All these kids already know each other, but the music world in Ireland can be very competitive, choirs are up against each other, bands are against each other, trad bands, orchestras – it’s all very competitive.
“There’s nowhere that they can just come together and sing and we thought why not do something where nobody’s there to judge you or mark you on your singing. Let’s sing just for the joy of it!”
Leading the other school choirs are Patricia Magee of Mullingar Community College, Lynn Brophy and Olivia Thoman of Loreto, Annmarie Connelly of St Brigid’s School, and Mary Maguire and Fiona Fennell of Coláiste Mhuire.
More than 160 voices will join together for the event, covering a vast array of contemporary material including Africa, Titanium, I’ll Be There, Creep, One, Uptown Funk, and a number of songs from last year’s musical hit The Greatest Showman.
“We’re learning about how to sing well together, to be a unit, and be expressive. The whole point for me and Yvonne is that there is collaboration. For us, it’s all about making the kids realise that everything is not a competition. This is to be an enjoyable experience, fun,” said Helen.
• Tickets €10 for the Sound of Unity in the Mullingar Park Hotel on the door on the night, and all school offices. It’s on Sunday, January 27, at 7.30pm.
