Ballyclare Secondary School were delighted to be awarded a grant from the Arts Council of over £5000 to purchase new musical instruments. School ethos states that “Every child, regardless of intellectual ability or social background, should have a rewarding educational experience,” and this is no exception within the music department as they feel that it is important for all pupils have an opportunity to access music making despite their social and economic background. The grant money has allowed the school to purchase more expensive instruments such as 2 oboes, a bassoon, bass clarinet, orchestral cymbals and glockenspiel. This will allow them to expand the range of instruments that they are able to offer to pupils.
‘We are absolutely delighted to have been award the grant from the Art’s Council and it will be a wonderful opportunity for some of our pupils to be able to learn these instruments. We feel that the instruments will greatly enhance the overall sound and balance of the school orchestra and will allow us to expand our choice of repertoire.’ Mrs Stewart HoD