Welcome to the National Children's Choir

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The aims of the National Children’s Choir are 

 

• To foster a love of choral singing among primary school pupils 

• To enhance the musical education of those involved.

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How does it work? 

Membership of the National Children's Choir is open to pupils in 4th, 5th and 6th classes (P5, P6, P7 in Northern Ireland) of any primary school in Ireland. 

Schools are invited to affiliate at the beginning of the school year in which the concerts will be performed (e.g. the next cycle will begin in  September 2024 for the Concerts to be held in 2025). If you wish to be included on our mailing list please email us at nationalchildrenschoir@gmail.com 

In the year preceding the concert, the National Committee run a Summer course which qualifies for EPV days. During the course the participating teachers learn the repertoire for the year ahead. Emphasis is put on interpretation of the songs, thus ensuring a common experience for the children. It is strongly recommended that every teacher intending to teach the repertoire attends the Summer Course.

The repertoire (in vocal score format accompanied by digital teaching recordings) is made available to schools for a fee upon affiliation. Teachers teach the repertoire at school as part of the normal music programme. Schools are arranged into regional groups and come together to rehearse 3  times during the year.

Local concerts in which all children who have learned the repertoire participate, are held March–May. A representative group from each participating school performs in a concert at the National Concert Hall in May/June.​

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History

The choir has its roots in European Music Year, 1985. Dr Seán Creamer (then a music inspector with the Department of Education and Science) wanted to celebrate this exciting event in a unique way. His idea was that large groups of children from 4th, 5th and 6th classes in primary schools would learn and perform a common repertoire in public. He approached a number of teachers with this vision and they willingly supported him. This was the birth of the National Children's Choir. 

Since 1985 over 100,000 children have enjoyed the experience of singing with the National Children's Choir at a local level. This is a tribute to the dedication and commitment of teachers all over the country.

 

Dr Creamer, was conferred with the degree of Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) by the Higher Education Training Awards Council (HETAC) in recognition of his services to music education over a period of almost 60 years, especially through the National Children’s Choir. 

Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin T.D., presented Seán with his parchment. This honour reflects greatly on the National Children’s Choir and its contribution, under Sean’s inspired and enthusiastic guidance, to the musical education of tens of thousands of primary school children since 1985.

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His work continues through the three Musical Directors who continue to take the NCC to new heights.

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