Laois Primary Schools Instrument Bank

The two schools selected for the Laois Primary Schools Instrument Bank are Newtown N.S., Crettyard Co. Laois and Scoil Mhuire, Church Avenue, Portlaoise.  Each school recieved 20 violins and 4 cellos and tuition commenced on April 2008.  The schools will receive and keep the instruments for a period of two years. Tutors were chosen from a recommended panel that was provided by the Laois School of Music to ensure the maximum benefit was gained from the scheme

In May 2007 Laois School of Music and The Dunamaise Arts Centre were joint recipients of the Business2Arts/Dublin Airport Authority Award of €4,000 for the most effective use of arts sponsorship. This was awarded following the highly successful RTE National Symphony Orchestra Residency in Laois in October 2006 sponsored by Blue Sky Mortgages, Lismard Autoworld, Portlaoise Heritage Hotel and Midland Legal Solicitors.

It was the stated wish of both the DAA and Business2Arts that the money would be used to further the work started by the RTE NSO residency. The Laois School of Music and the Dunamaise Arts Centre, along with our sponsors, have decided that the award be used as a foundation for the building of an instrument bank for the Laois School of Music and for the use of primary schools throughout Co Laois. 

There will be an initial contribution of €500 towards tuition costs but the remainder must be sourced by the school or the Parents’ Council.  After the two year period, the instruments will be returned for use by another Primary school in the county. The instruments will remain the property of and will be insured by The Laois School of Music.  However, maintenance, repairs and/or replacement of the instruments will be the responsibility of the selected schools. Having the instruments within the school for a period of two years will not only allow students to achieve a reasonable standard in the instrument, but also allow time for the school to fundraise for an instrument bank of its own.