Music

At Catholic University School, music is a cornerstone of creative life, offering students an exciting and enriching array of experiences through performance, ensemble, and exploration. Whether you are a seasoned musician, a first-time singer, or someone eager to try something new, the music programme at CUS is about much more than learning notes. It is about expression, connection, and community.

Musical Workshops: Learning Through Sound

Throughout the year, students engage in a variety of practical workshops, led by professional musicians who bring both expertise and inspiration.

Students took part in a drumming workshop with renowned percussionist Rod Quinn. The class rehearsed “Zombie” by The Cranberries and performed it with Rod’s live accompaniment. His expert advice on rhythm, beat-counting, and live performance left a lasting impression.

A standout session was an African drumming workshop with Patrick from African Drumming Ireland. Students explored a wide range of traditional instruments, learned complex layered rhythms, and gained a unique cultural insight into a style of music not often heard in Irish classrooms.

Guitarists especially benefited from a guitar masterclass, where students from 3rd, 5th, and 6th Year received personal feedback on their practical pieces. Helpful tips and focused guidance helped prepare them for assessment and beyond.

CUS Choir: Raise Your Voice

The CUS Choir provides a space for students of all musical backgrounds to sing, grow, and perform. Open to all, the choir works on a broad repertoire, from classical and sacred music to traditional Irish and contemporary songs.

Three choirs perform regularly throughout the year:

• The Junior Choir (1st to 3rd Year)
• The Senior Choir (4th to 6th Year)
• The Chamber Choir (vocalists from 1st to 6th Year)

These ensembles perform at liturgies, ceremonies, and public events, showcasing both the musical talent and unity of the CUS community.

CUS Orchestra: Play with Purpose

Open to all students who play an instrument, the CUS Orchestra brings together talent from across the school to rehearse and perform as one. Through a mix of classical and modern arrangements, students learn musical awareness, ensemble discipline, and the joy of collaboration.

The orchestra is a staple in school ceremonies, special events, and concerts, supporting students’ development as both musicians and performers.

Christmas Carol Service

Every December, the CUS Christmas Carol Service takes place in St. Ann’s Church, Dawson Street, a beloved tradition where students, staff, families, and friends gather to celebrate the season through music.

The event opened with performances by Transition Year students Alexander Mackle, Killian Redmond, Robert Mulligan, and Daniel Kelly, followed by pieces like “In the Bleak Midwinter,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” (performed by a saxophone ensemble), and powerful solo performances by Robert Mulligan (“Last Christmas”) and Kailen Garrett (“Hallelujah”). The Irish Trad Group also delighted the audience with “Eleanor Plunkett” and “Tom McElvogue’s Jig.”

The Carol Service is not only a musical highlight, but a heartwarming event that reflects the spirit, talent, and unity of the school.

CUS Summer Concert

The annual Summer Concert brought the school yard to life. Students from every year group performed a mix of genres, from Irish Trad and Classical to Rock, celebrating the incredible breadth of talent within the student body.

This event was especially meaningful for 6th Years, marking their final performance at CUS. Parents, students, and staff gathered in a supportive and celebratory atmosphere that truly reflected the close-knit and creative community at the heart of the school.

As Fionnán Lynch (6th Year) shared:

“It is events like these that demonstrate the spirit of the school. The support, talent, and sense of celebration show why the CUS music community is so special.“

Whether you are performing in the choir, rehearsing with the orchestra, attending a workshop, or taking the stage at a concert, Music at CUS is about growing as a performer, supporting one another, and making unforgettable memories.

Thanks to Ms. Ryan, Ms. Arlow, and all who contribute to making music at CUS a truly extraordinary experience. Whether you are picking up an instrument, finding your rhythm in a workshop, or lifting your voice in song, Music at CUS invites you to explore, perform, and grow. It is not just about practice, it is about expression, experience, and being part of something greater than yourself.