Giving our presentation to Secondary School students

In Dalriada School, Ballymoney, Co Antrim

In Schools

A wide variety of other instruments are played to demonstrate the variety of instrumentation that has been present at one time or another, here, including some more modern instruments to emphasise just how recently many of these appeared on the scene, like the modern day Bodhran, Banjo, Concertina & Mandolin.

Schools find this programme profitable, as they feel it not only assists the musical development within their school, but also, can be of great benefit in the area of cross-community relations and adult groups find it very interesting & entertaining.

In relation to the Music Curriculum pupils will learn in an interactive way of the development of music in Ulster, in particular the similarities and differences between Scottish & Irish Traditional Music, as part of their shared cultural heritage and how present day music can be influenced by these developments. Children will also have a rare opportunity to see, and hear, a wide variety of musical instruments, learn of their construction and development, and be involved in learning to play simple rhythms together, to various musical pieces, as well as using their own musical and dancing skills to perform in front of others.

Our costumes are authentic replicas of costumes of the period and are worn by us at various historical re-enactment activities throughout the year. We regularly perform at a variety of activities & events with the prestigious 'Irish Arms', who are responsible for authentic re-enactment events at various historical locations throughout Ireland each year, including the National Museum of Ireland, Film & TV work.

For two summers we provided, in costume, the historical musical element to the fascinating tours at the historical musuem - 'Dublinia'.

We are also members of the the historical re-enactment group 'The War of the Three Kingdoms', who are soon to have their own website. In the meantime though, you can learn about this exciting period in history by visiting some of the pages below.

References

We have, to date, taken our presentation to twenty six schools in Co. Antrim, and hear are some quotes from letters of thanks from some of the principals of those schools.

"In full historical costume, the visual impact was great and with their natural banter in the question and answer session, the children showed a high level of interest. ..This show led trhe children quite naturally through a synopsis of 'sound' in science for KS2." St. Colum's Primary School, Portstewart

"An exciting educational programme which not only promotes musical elements of the curriculum, but also English, Science, History and Geography." Ballysally Primary School, Coleraine

"It proved to be both fascinating and inspiring, and would certainly help to encourage any young person to take the next step towards learning to play a musical instrument." Portrush Primary School, Portrush

"All of the pupils ( and teachers!! ) thoroughly enjoyed your performance. It was a highly exhilarating programme of musical evolution which stimulated the children's sense of history and enquiry." Braid Primary School, Ballymena

"Dick and Sabine have worked at 'Dublinia' throughout this season ('04) from May to August. They have been very popular performers here with students, visitors and families alike. We have had particularly good feedback from teachers at both primary and secondary level - all agreed that Dick and Sabine's approach greatly enhanced their students level of engagement with the exhibition. Their style is both informative and entertaining and they have been a great addition to Dublinia." Suzanne Costello, Director, Dublinia

Our Instruments

Sabine plays: