Berklee in Dublin: DCU Groove School and Concert in Balbriggan

Students from three Balbriggan Schools joined other musicians in a brilliant concert showcasing their successful participation in The Groove School programme.   As part of the commitment to the Our Balbriggan Plan, Fingal County Council and Dublin City University partnered to bring the Boston-based Berklee Music School's Groove School programme to Ireland.  

The Groove School programme offered Irish Secondary school students access to the Berklee method of music education, encompassing theory, ear training, improvisation, ensemble performance, and instrumental instruction. It ran over three days in DCU St. Patrick's Campus from Wednesday 31 July to Friday 2 August, culminating in the performance in the Bracken Court Hotel in Balbriggan. 

The programme features faculty from both Berklee College of Music in Boston and DCU's BA in Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance. 31 of the 80 places on the  programme had been given to students from Balbriggan's Loreto Secondary School, Ardgillan Community College and Bremore Educate Together Secondary School and the students were involved in the concert.

Mayor of Fingal Cllr Eoghan O’Brien said: “I would like to compliment the talented musicians who took part in this concert and congratulate everyone involved in bringing the Groove School to Ireland. It is clear that the opportunity to take part in the Groove School has been of great educational benefit to the participants.”

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the students from Balbriggan to improve their musical education and then to give a showcase performance in their town’   said Emer  O’Gorman, Director of Economic Enterprise & Tourism Development.

Fingal County Council Interim Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly said: “The partnership approach adopted in developing the Our Balbriggan Plan is exemplified in this very successful joint initiative with DCU.  The programme now in its second year continues to be of great benefit to the students in developing their musical abilities and this initiative is an example of what is being achieved in Balbriggan.”

During the programme, participants also had the opportunity to audition to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston.  Scholarships were awarded to a number of students following the performance for Berklee online courses; summer projects in Boston Groove School; full tuition scholarship for guitar programme & vocal scholarship.  

ENDS
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