The choir picked up the prize in the ‘Workplace Choir Category’ for its rendition of Irish favourite ‘Oró sé do bheatha bhaile,’ and the Cyndi Lauper classic ‘Time after Time’
Members of the SETU staff choir are celebrating after coming second at an international choral festival in Dublin earlier this month.
In what was their first time entering a competition of this kind, the choir was awarded in the ‘Workplace Choir Category’ at the Fingal International Festival of Voices, an event held every March in Balbriggan County Dublin.
Under the stewardship of Sinéad Crowley, Regina Hanley, and Oonagh Drohan, the SETU staff choir has grown from strength to strength, with the group rehearsing on a weekly basis, as well as holding working workshops during the year.
“The SETU Music School and the wider Faculty of Education and Lifelong Learning are incredibly proud of the group's success and wish to acknowledge the efforts of Sinéad, Regina and Oonagh for creating such a special community within our University. There is much more to the group than beautiful singing; the weekly rehearsals and weekend workshops have strengthened wellbeing and relationships across all disciplines and departments.”
Dr Caroline McGarry, Assistant Head of Department of Education for the Music School and choir member
Commenting on the achievement, Dr Caroline McGarry, Assistant Head of Department of Education for the Music School and choir member said:
“The SETU Music School and the wider Faculty of Education and Lifelong Learning are incredibly proud of the group's success and wish to acknowledge the efforts of Sinéad, Regina and Oonagh for creating such a special community within our University. There is much more to the group than beautiful singing; the weekly rehearsals and weekend workshops have strengthened wellbeing and relationships across all disciplines and departments.”
The SETU staff choir is an initiative of the SETU Music School which is part of the Faculty of Education and Lifelong Learning. It was formed in 2023 as a way to bring together staff across all campuses within SETU.
The choir has a repertoire of songs including Irish ballads, favourites from the ‘80s and Christmas hits.
About the SETU Music School
The SETU Music School has been leading music education in Waterford and the south east for over forty years. It aims to be a centre of excellence for performance-based music education for children and adults which values access, quality and developing the whole musical learner.
More information on the SETU Music School, and details on upcoming events can be seen here.
