Altus - Maynooth University Ladies’ Choir
Director: Mr Will Woods
Contact: woods_wr@yahoo.com
Repetiteur: Aideen Cahill
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 12.00-14.00 Riverstown Hall during term time plus extra rehearsals for concerts if required.
What is it?
Altus (Maynooth University Ladies’ Choir) is an approved ensemble for module MU151 for first-year ladies.
REGISTRATION
Register online at http://musicapps.nuim.ie/MU145RegForm
Rehearsals will take place during term time Wednesdays 12.00-14.00 in Riverstown Hall. Participants are expected to be actively involved in preparing and practising the material outside rehearsals. The principal focus of the choir’s work for this academic year will be a lunchtime concert on campus in Semester 2, date to be confirmed.
MUSIC SCORES
Members of Altus will be required to pay a deposit of €50 to contribute to the cost of purchasing music scores. The deposit will be refunded at the end of the year, subject to the returning of the copies in good condition and with only soft pencil markings. Scores will be made available to members at the first rehearsal.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
To obtain maximum credits, students are expected to attend all rehearsals. Medical certificates may be produced to cover absences. Punctuality is a prerequisite for efficient rehearsals. Members must bring their own copies of music to rehearsals. Late attendance or failure to bring scores may mean a reduction of available credit for any given rehearsal. Full engagement with the work undertaken during rehearsals is essential.
First Rehearsal Date:
Wednesday 28 September 2016
Conductor: : Ruaidhrí Ó Dálaigh
Email: chamberchoir@nuim.ie
2016-17
Rehearsals: Thursdays (see schedule), 6:45 – 9:30pm during term time in Bewerunge Room. Key dates for the year are overleaf. Auditions will take place Wed 21st / Thur 22nd Sep from 6-9pm in the new Music Room. First rehearsal is Sep 29th.
About the Choir
The Chamber Choir is an Approved Ensemble for modules MU145, MU253. The Choir is a selection of the best singers from the University who work on challenging and rewarding material throughout the year. In 2013 the choir performed in Armagh Cathedral and toured New York, Albany, Indiana and Chicago. In 2014 the choir participated in the Canta en Primavera International Competition 2014 in Malaga. In 2015, the choir won one of the most prestegious competitions in the world earning the title “Choir of the World” in Llangollen Wales. In 2016 the choir toured USA and China. The choir contributes to the Christmas Carol Services and also performs a major end-of-year concert in April.
The Choir for this year will have 26 members; seven basses, six tenors, six altos and seven sopranos.
Who is it for?
The Chamber Choir is open to all students of Maynooth University. The Choir is suitably aimed at singers who want to achieve very high standards in choral singing. This comes from the decision made by all members to commit to practicing their music outside of Thursday rehearsal time so that when the choir gathers together, more is accomplished. Having a good voice and good musicianship while being important, are only two parts. Ultimately, singing in a choir is all about team work and members need to be willing to invest time and effort into perfecting a challenging repertoire as part of a group.
The ideal chorister will be able to display individuality and passion in their singing. Choral singing is one of the most rewarding exercises any musician can engage in, and the benefit to general musicianship and performance practice is great.
How do I sing with the Chamber Choir?
Come along and audition! Audition process is below and further details overleaf.
Audition Dates Wednesday 21st / Thursday 22nd of September
Times 6 to 9pm
Venue The New Music Room, Logic House, South Campus
There will be two Audition Sign-Up Sheets, one for each day, in the Music Department Office, first floor, Logic House, from the morning of Monday 19th onwards. You can sign up anytime between Monday 19th and Thursday 22nd. The auditions will have time slots and you just fill in your name beside the time and day you would prefer. Alternatively, just turn up on either day, there will be a sign up sheet outside the New Music Room for you to fill out, before you come in to audition. Please complete your name, contact information, singing experience etc.
Audition Process
Range Test. Simple vocal exercises. First humming, then singing.
Sing for about one minute. Something (anything) that suits your voice and that you enjoy singing. You don’t need to bring sheet music. There will be no accompaniment.
Ear tests. A few simple melodic repetitions, and singing notes within chords.
Sight Singing. Short melodies to sight sing that increase in difficulty as you progress.
Regarding the criteria for assessment, the main focus will be on your vocal technique and tuning. Musicianship and sight-singing is an advantage, not a pre-requisite.
Results
A list of the 26 successful applicants will be up on a notice in the department on Monday 26th September lunchtime. Each new member will be contacted through email that morning.
For any questions you might have about the audition, please do not hesitate in contacting Ruaidhrí Ó Dálaigh on chamberchoir@nuim.ie .
Registration
First year students: Register online at http://tinyurl.com/MU151RegForm
Returning students: please contact Music Department Office to register your ensemble.
Musical Scores
Members of the Chamber Choir will be required to pay a deposit of €50 to contribute to buying music scores. The scores should be collected from Music Dept Office in advance of first rehearsal. The deposit will be refunded at the end of the year, subject to the returning of the copies in good condition and only with soft pencil markings.
What is involved?
Members are expected to commit to the list of dates below. If there are any dates at all that you can’t do, please let Ruaidhrí know during the audition. There will be some small costs involved in the weekends away.
Key Dates NUIM Chamber Choir 2016 - 17.
Choir will rehearse every Thursday of term time throughout the year.
First Rehearsal Sep Thur 29th 6.45 – 9.30pm
Rehearsal Weekend no. 1 Nov Fri 18th / Sat 19th / Sun 20th
Christmas Carol Service Dec Mon 12th / Tue 13th / Wed 14th
First Rehearsal Back Feb Thur 2nd 6.45 – 9.30pm
Rehearsal Weekend no. 2 Feb Fri 24th / Sat 25th / Sun 26th
Choral Society Concert Apr Sun 9th
Choral Competitions, Cork Apr Sat 29th / Sun 30th
Chamber Choir Concert May Sun 14th
Maynooth University Orchestra 2016 - 2017
Director: Mr Lorcan Daly
Email: lorcandaly@hotmail.com
Rehearsals: Mondays 19.00–21.00, Aula Maxima and Riverstown Hall (South Campus)
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What is it?
Maynooth University Orchestra is open to all students and staff of Maynooth University and St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, and to community players. It is an Approved Ensemble for modules MU151 and MU253.
MUO consists of two ensembles: String Orchestra and Wind & Brass Ensemble. Both ensembles will perform together in a concert at a date in Semester 2 and any other engagement to be confirmed.
Who is it for?
Maynooth University Orchestra is a resource for orchestral instrumentalists who wish to develop their ensemble skills and experience a broad range of classical and contemporary repertoire.
How do I join?
To arrange your audition, email Lorcan Daly lorcandaly@hotmail.com
Note: previous members of the MUO are also required to audition.
Auditions
Monday 26th of September from 18.00, Logic House
Repertoire: available from Lorcan on application. Sight-reading.
Results of the auditions will be posted on the MUO noticeboard (Ground Floor, Logic House) Thursday 29 September 2016.
Registration
First year students: register online at http://musicapps.nuim.ie/MU145RegForm
Returning students: contact music.department@nuim.ie to register your ensemble.
What is involved?
A variety of string orchestra, wind & brass ensemble and chamber orchestra repertoire will be selected over the first few rehearsals. PDFs will then be e-mailed to all players, who should set aside an appropriate amount of time for individual practice.
Players with an interest in orchestral management may apply for one of the following:
Librarian, Stage Manager, PR Manager, Music Society Liaison Officer
Who do I contact?
If you have any queries, please email Lorcan Daly.
First Rehearsal:
Monday 3 October 2016
End of Year Concert: to be confirmed
Maynooth University Choral Society
Director: Dr John O'Keeffe
Email: John.Okeeffe@nuim.ie
Repetiteur: Aideen Cahill
2016-17
Rehearsals: Mondays and selected Thursdays (see schedule) 19.00-21.00. . The venue for the full choir rehearsal is Callan Hall. Sectional rehearsals will take place in Physics Hall (Soprano), Callan Hall (Alto), O’Callaghan Room (Tenor) and New Music Room (Bass).
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What is it?
Founded by Father Noel Watson in 1969 and directed by Professor Gerard Gillen from 1985-2007, the Maynooth University Choral Society has gained widespread acclaim for its annual performances of major choral works. Its successes have been founded on a solid tradition of hard work, based on the mutual co-operation of Departmental staff, students and singers from across the campus and local community.
The Choral Society programme of activities is directed towards its Annual Choral Concert (Semester II) together with participation in the Annual Carol Services in the College Chapel. It is an Approved Ensemble for modules MU151 (men only) and MU253.
How do I join?
New members should attend the first rehearsal which begins in Callan Hall on Monday 3 October at 19.00.
First year students: Register online at http://tinyurl.com/MU151RegForm
Returning students: Please contact music.department@nuim.ie or call to the Music Department Office to register for your ensemble.
Performances 2016 - 2017
Annual Carol Services on 12, 13, 14 December 2016.
Annual Choral Concert at 4pm on Sunday 2 April 2017, featuring Verdi’s Requiem, with orchestra and distinguished soloists.
Musical Scores
Scores (deposit €50) should be collected from Music Dept Office in advance of first rehearsal. The deposit will be refunded at the end of the year, subject to the returning of the copies in good condition and only with soft-pencil markings.
John O'Keeffe
John O’Keeffe is Director of Choral Groups at Maynooth University and Head of Sacred Music at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth. A former organ scholar of Westminster Cathedral, London, he is founder-director of Maynooth University Chamber Choir and, more recently, of Schola Gregoriana Maynooth.
General guidelines
To obtain maximum credits, students are expected to attend all rehearsals (please see rehearsal schedule). Medical certificates may be produced to cover absences due to sickness (See Approved Ensemble Assessment Guide - Membership/Attendance Requirements, point 4).
The efficiency of the rehearsal process depends on punctual attendance and on students having their own music at rehearsal. Late attendance or failure to bring your score may mean a reduction of 50% of available credit for any given rehearsal.
A spirited, generous and professional engagement with the work of rehearsal is expected of students of the module. To encourage this and to protect the integrity of the rehearsal process, credit penalties such as that already outlined above will be imposed for chatting, mobile phone texting, or non-participation during sessions.
Rehearsal Schedule
Rehearsal Schedule
Semester 1
October
Monday 3
Thursday 6
Monday 10
Thursday 13
Monday 17
Thursday 20
Monday 24
Thursday 27
November
Monday 7
Monday 14
Monday 21
Monday 28
December
Thursday 1
Monday 5
Thursday 8
December Carol Services[1]
Monday 12
Tuesday 13
Wednesday 14
[1] College Chapel rehearsal at 18.00 each eve, for 19.30 performance.
Semester 2
February
Monday 6
Thursday 9
Monday 13
Thursday 16
Monday 20
Thursday 23
Monday 27
March
Thursday 2
Monday 6
Thursday 9
(Study week)
Monday 20
Thursday 23
Monday 27
Thursday 30
April
Saturday 1:
10.30–13.30; 15.00–17.00[1]
[1]Full day Dress Rehearsal (Compulsory)
Annual Concert*
Sunday 2 April (14.00 – 19.00)
*Limited choir seating: places will be allotted on the basis of rehearsal attendance.
Director: Cathal Twomey Email: http://cathaltwomey93@gmail.com
Rehearsals: Mondays 19.30-21.00, Room 15 (Performance Suite)
What is it? The Maynooth University Early Music Vocal Ensemble is the second incarnation of the Stoyte Consort, which was established in 2014 to perform Renaissance polyphony. The ensemble as it stands has been in existence since October 2015 and is one of the approved ensembles for modules MU151 and MU253.
How do I join? Auditions will take place in Room 15, Performance Suite (behind Logic House) on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 26/27/28 September 19.00-21.00. Candidates are required to prepare one unaccompanied song, minimum level Grade 6 (RIAM/ABRSM), additionally they will be asked to do a sight-reading test.
What is involved? The ensemble meets for weekly rehearsals of two hours. Members are expected to individually prepare and practice material and to contribute fully to rehearsals.
Registration
First year students: Register online at http://tinyurl.com/MU151RegForm
Returning students: please contact Music Department Office to register your ensemble.
Rehearsal Schedule
Semester 1:
Monday 3/10/17/24 October 2016
Monday 7/14/21/28 November 2016
Monday 5/12 December 2016
Semester 2:
Monday 30 January 2017
Monday 6/13/20/27 February 2017
Monday 6/20/27 March 2017
Monday 3/10/24 April 2017
Lunchtime Concert: Semester 2: Date to be Confirmed.
Ensemble Director
Cathal Twomey completed his Bachelor of Music degree at Maynooth University in 2015, majoring in musicology with a dissertation on English Baroque opera. He completed his Masters in Musicology, also at Maynooth University, in 2016, writing on the vocal music of the Baroque composer William Boyce. Cathal is currently engaged in PhD research on George Frideric Handel, funded by the Hume Doctoral Fellowship.
Cathal’s keen interest in early music encompasses a wide range of topics from the twelfth to the eighteen centuries, including historically informed pronunciation and the structural importance of text in vocal music. He has sung with the Irish Youth Choir, the Irish Youth Chamber Choir, and the Maynooth University Chamber Choir, making recordings with both the latter ensembles.. He was also f founding member and musical director of the Dublin based chamber choir Bel Cantar. He remains active as an arranger and editor.
Maynooth University Guitar Ensemble
Director: Dr Pavlos Kanellakis
Email: kanellakispavlos@yahoo.gr
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 19.00-21.00 in Riverstown Hall - South Campus, and extra rehearsals for concerts if required.
2016-17
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What is it?
The Maynooth University Guitar Ensemble is an Approved Ensemble for modules MU151 and MU253.
The group will perform two public concerts in the University during the academic year 2016–2017: a lunchtime concert in Semester 1 and an evening concert at the end of Semester 2. The group also intends to perform a concert outside Maynooth during Semester 2.
Who is it for?
The Maynooth Guitar Ensemble is for you, if you are a dedicated and enthusiastic guitar player and you wish to develop your individual musicianship as well as your ensemble skills by preparing and performing a wide range of arrangements and original compositions for guitar ensemble from the classical and contemporary repertoire as part of an ambitious and hardworking group.
How do I join?
You will have to audition to become a member. You will be asked to play a short piece from your repertoire and you will be given a sight‐reading test.
Auditions will take place on Wednesday 21 September between 17.00 and 21.00 in the Bewerunge Room and will last ca. 5 minutes per applicant. To arrange your audition time please send an email to kanellakispavlos@yahoo.gr
Please make sure to include your full name and your phone number with your email.
Candidates are required to prepare one study, minimum level Grade 6 (RIAM/ABRSM), additionally they will be asked to do a sight-reading test.
Registration
First year students: Register online at http://tinyurl.com/MU151RegForm
Returning students: please contact Music Department Office to register for your ensemble.
What is involved ?
You are expected to attend and contribute to the weekly rehearsal, also to individually prepare and practice your part continuously throughout the year. There will likely be two rehearsal weekends with the entire ensemble, one per semester (please see below for dates and details).
If you are interested in the ensemble management, you may apply to become a member of the Maynooth University Guitar Ensemble organising committee, which includes the positions of Librarian, PR Officer, Stage Manager and Music Society Liaison Officer.
Participating outside the group
It is important that you continue to develop your guitar skills outside the Maynooth University Guitar Ensemble, for example by playing solo or with other ensembles or bands in one of the many performance opportunities the University has to offer.
Important Dates
| Semester 1 |
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| |
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| Rehearsals: |
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Wednesday 28 September
Wednesday 5, 12, 19 October
Wednesday 2, 9, 16, 23 November |
| Rehearsal Weekend in April |
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Lunchtime Concert: Thursday 24 November
Semester 2
Rehearsals:
Wednesday 1, 8, 15, 22 February
Wednesday 1, 8, 22, 29 March
Wednesday 5, 26 April
MU Evening Concert: TBC |
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Contact & Enquiries:
By email to kanellakispavlos@yahoo.gr or by phone 087 7752352
Maynooth University Traditional Music Group
Director: Aisling Ní Choisdealbha
Email: aisling_costello@hotmail.com
Rehearsals: 19.00-21.00, O’Callaghan Room + extra rehearsals for concerts if required.
2016-17
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What is it?
The traditional group is an Approved Ensemble for modules MU151/MU152 and MU253. The group will put on two lunchtime concerts during the year. The first will take place on 1 December 2016.
Who is it for?
Experienced traditional instrumentalists who want to develop their playing by preparing and performing an innovative and challenging repertoire.
How do I join?
Members will have to audition for the group. If you are interested in joining, contact Aisling through email at aisling_costello@hotmail.com.
Auditions will take place in the O’Callaghan Room on Tuesday 20 September, 19:00 to 21:00.
What is involved?
The group meets for weekly rehearsals of two hours. Members are expected to individually prepare and practice material and to contribute fully to rehearsals.
Participating outside the group
Another important way of developing your skills as a traditional player is to take part regularly in sessions, which are usually held weekly in Maynooth. More details are available from the Traditional Music Society at tradmusic@nuimsu.com
Registration
First year students: Register online at http://musicapps.nuim.ie/MU145RegForm
Returning students: please call to the Music Department Office to register your ensemble.
Rehearsal Schedule
Tuesdays 19:30-21:00 during semesters
Lunchtime Concert: Semester 1: 13:10 Thursday 1 December 2016
Lunchtime Concert: Semester 2: 13:10 Thursday 23 March 2016
