Red carpet rolled out to showcase music tradition at Clonmel High School

Last Sunday, the cinema in Clonmel (IMC), was a hive of activity as over 100 members of the music world came together on the red carpet to watch the debut of an incredible documentary titled: How Music Changed My Life. 

 The crew, the production company, the interviewees and the musicians were all excited to see the end product that highlights the long music tradition in the CBS High School, Clonmel.

This Saturday, January 14, members of the public will have an opportunity to see the film when it will be shown at the cinema in Clonmel at 8pm.

 MUSICAL TALENT

Past pupils Frank Patterson, Vincent Hanley and Mícheál O’Súilleabháin, to name but a few, put both the school and the town of Clonmel on the world stage and it is  great to see how this documentary showcases the wonderful musical talent that continues to emerge from the locality. 

 It also highlights the different paths past pupils have taken - such as Fergal Carroll, Lyric FM, Paul Walsh, Roy7, Bill Ahessy, music therapist, Joe Roche, opera singer, Fergal Carroll, Army Band conductor and Stewart Clooney, piano teacher. 

Over 50 past pupils were interviewed and over 100 contributed to the performance element of the documentary. 

What comes across very poignantly are the highs and lows of the music industry, the tradition of music in families, the many love stories and passion for living that emerged due to sharing a strong bond through music.  

It was also great to see past pupils from both the High School and the Presentation Secondary School attend the premiere as both schools have a very strong musical connection that spans over 40 years.   Many students recalled how the school show was one of the highlights of their second level education and two casts were thrilled to be invited to perform Les Misérable’s once again, and get the opportunity to reconnect with old school friends. 

Guitar mad Peadar inspired by Clonmel High School music legends

Their performance is a credit to their music teachers Olga Gannon, Siobhan Ally and Jenny Williams.

In attendance also was Yvonne Moran, principal of St Peter & Paul’s, a lady who started many people on their musical path that continued in the High School. 

A music documentary would not be complete without members of Banna Cluain Meala, who also joined in this wonderful musical celebration.

 PEADAR BRADSHAW

The Brass and Reed Band continues to entertain people far and wide with concert, marching and field show performances led by past pupil Peter Taylor. 

High School principal Karen Steenson said that “what is extraordinary is that it was the brainwave of a Third Year  student Peadar Bradshaw who used his own initiative, equipment and expertise to record, interview and edit this original and creative two-hour documentary to a standard that is good enough for the cinema. 

“Students are always encouraged and supported to follow their dreams and realise that they are capable of doing anything if they put their minds to it, work hard and are willing to accept guidance.’’

Full of the joys of music, pride and enthusiasm, the cinema goers retired to Moynihan’s Bar for food and a musical catch-up.

The documentary is a definitive must for the people of Clonmel as it highlights the incredible musical tradition of the town and the beautiful musical talent that surrounds us.  The calibre  of interviewees is phenomenal and the music from soloists, bands and singing is powerful.  It is showing this Saturday night, January 14 in the cinema in Clonmel (IMC) at 8pm.