Achievements of pupils past and present

It is with great pleasure that we highlight the outstanding achievements of two students associated with St Angela’s Academy of Music. Firstly, we would like to congratulate Cliodhna Heenan, a 6th Year student at the Ursuline Secondary School, who was awarded two diplomas in violin with the Royal Irish Academy of Music in the past year. She received her Diploma in Violin Performance in June 2016 and her Diploma in Violin Teaching in December 2016. This is a phenomenal accomplishment for a student still in secondary school and we wish Cliodhna all the very best in her future musical endeavours.

Cliodhna Heenan with her Performance and Teaching Diplomas

Cliodhna’s older sister, Roisin Heenan, is a past pupil of St Angela’s and graduated from the Ursuline Secondary School in 2015. She is currently studying Business and Law in UCD but continues to embrace music both within and outside the university. Roisin recently participated in Féile Luimní over the weekend of 10-12th March and came away from the festival with wins as a senior soprano in three vocal competitions: classical, musical theatre and oratorio. On top of that, she was awarded the Bursary for Voice of the Féile, a very prestigious accolade.

Roisin Heenan, winner of 3 vocal competitions and Voice of the Féile at Féile Luimní 2017

Later in the month, on Wednesday 29th March, Roisin competed in Feis Ceoil and won the Bradbury Cup. Competitors in this category were required to perform two songs while playing their own piano accompaniment. Huge congratulations to Roisin on all her recent achievements – we are delighted to see an alumnus from St Angela’s doing so well!

Roisin Heenan, winner of the Bradbury Cup at Feis Ceoil 2017

Finally, just a quick note to say that the school will close tomorrow, Friday 7th April, for the Easter holidays and will reopen on Monday 24th April for the summer term. We remind all students to use their time wisely over the break – daily practice will be an important step in preparation for the post-Easter examination session. To quote Vladimir Horowitz, the difference between ordinary and extraordinary is practice!