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Music Generation Waterford & St. Paul’s Community College host American Wind Band from Georgia
35 young musicians and their Musical Director Mr. Dan Grass from Forsyth High-school, Georgia stopped off in Waterford City for a jam packed day and evening, building new international friendships, sharing cultural traditions and enjoying Irish school life experiences.
On Tuesday 2nd April, St. Paul’s Community College student council welcomed the visitors and gave them an informative tour of the school facilities. This followed with a taste of school life where our new American friends enjoyed some class time in two 40 minute periods before lunch. The afternoon activities continued with a joint concert in the school hall with the American High-School Band opening the show with a lively march. St. Paul’s Community College Choir, under the direction of music teacher Mrs. Mary Minchin and accompanied by assistant principal Mrs. Andrea Murphy, performed a wonderful version of ‘Africa’ and ‘Wise men Say’.
While the afternoon concert came to a close it wasn’t long before the evening began. Forsyth Band, Music Generation Waterford Traditional Ensembles and some of the students from St. Paul’s Community College gathered in Waterford City Central Arts for another joint concert by the band and trad groups. Once the live music ended, the dancing shoes came out and musician Eoin O’Meachair and teacher Ms. Ciara Larkin led the 87 young musicians in a Céilí Mhór. The visitors brought us American sweets to share, including pop tarts and twinkies. It was a fantastic international exchange made possible by our friends at Gateway Music Festival and Tours and the hard work and dedication of those behind the scenes in St. Paul’s Community College, Music Generation Waterford and Central Arts. Congratulations to all involved