Since Christmas the Music Department at the Abbey has shown its versatility with a wide variety of concerts and performances ranging from February’s Guitar Night to March’s Spring Concert. A high standard of guitar playing, drumming and singing was on show at the Guitar Night. It was an evening for all styles of playing including rock, jazz and classical. The energy and enthusiasm of the performances was a reflection of the pupils’ individual commitment and the hard work and hours of expertise shown by Mr Murphy and Mr Hughes made the night a tremendous success.

The Jazz Band, building on their growing reputation with performances in Newry Canal Court Hotel, Belfast Waterfront Hall also took part in the Abbey’s Guitar Night. Their lively and dramatic performances coupled with hard work and dedication under the leadership of Mr D Wadsworth, makes the Jazz Band a unique and special part of the Abbey’s Music Department.

The Choir, String Group and Instrumentalists provided reflective and spiritual performances at the Ash Wednesday Mass in the beautiful Newry Cathedral and at the Bishop’s Mass for the seventh years. The variety of performances at the Spring Concert perfectly displayed the rich and varied talents of the Abbey’s musicians and singers.

The orchestra opened the evening with two excellent and polished performances of Water Music by Handel and English Folk Songs, Suite by Vaughan Williams. This was followed by a debut performance of Philip Knox’s A2 composition ‘Baghdad’. Philip has been an outstanding and dedicated music pupil for his seven years at the Abbey and ‘Baghdad’ is a true reflection of the depths of his talent. Next up was the Irish Group who, under the professional guidance of Mr Monaghan, continued to deliver a high standard of performance.

The String Group and the student-led Recorder Group followed with two fine performances showing that their hard work throughout the year has paid off. The concert finale saw the Jazz Band raise the roof with another explosive and energetic performance- a fitting end to a great concert and excellent second term in the Abbey’s Music Department.

The Music Department entered four groups in the Newry Feis and again achieved remarkable success this year. Congratulations to the String Group who won the String Ensemble category and received the Ellie Neary Memorial Cup. Congratulations also to the Jazz Band who came second in the Secondary School Ensemble; the Orchestra who finished fourth in their category and the Irish Traditional Group who came fifth. Well done to all pupils!