Sounds Ensemble was set up by Terry Clancy in 2004, to provide opportunities for the mature adult, to learn to read and play music. They rehearse weekly in Rua Red and play a series of annual concerts to raise money for charity. On Thursday 28th June, here at the Civic, they will joining with the Ottawa New Horizons band from Canada for a gala concert ‘Hands Across the Sea’ to raise much needed funds for the Suicide prevention charity 3Ts. We had a chat with Terry Clancy M.A., Sounds Ensemble’s Conductor and Musical Director.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you are from?
I have been a resident of Springfield for the past 40 years and been involved in music for the same length of time.
What is your background in music?
I was a music teacher in the Army School of Music and was appointed Senior Woodwind Instructor, and took on the role of developing young musicians for a professional career in the Army School of Music. I was also involved in teaching music in Primary and Secondary Schools e.g. Castleknock College, Templeogue College & St. Brigid’s Foxrock.
Can you tell us a little bit about Sounds Ensemble?
I decided to take early retirement and devote my time and experience, by offering an opportunity to adults who didn’t get the chance to take up music in their school years, or those who did, but never continued, till “Sounds Ensemble” came along. We are 14 years in existence, (and was initially supported by Orla Scannell our local Arts officer in SDCC). It allows those opportunities and it is something everyone can enjoy no matter what their abilities. I believe music should be “Fun” with a capital F. We started with a half dozen beginners, and since have flourished, to our current membership of over 40-50 players. We do about 6 performances annually, raising funds for various charities. Three weeks ago, a concert was held in Ballyboden GAA club in aid of the RNLI. We don’t charge an entry fee normally, just pass around a box for donations. To date we have donated to the Jack & Jill foundation, The Hope Foundation, Pieta House, The Moldova Project, ARC and a plethora of others.
Can you tell us a little bit about your upcoming concert in the Civic?
On Thursday 28th June, we will join with The Ottawa New Horizons band to stage a concert in the Civic. This is the first time we have ever played the Civic, (because we are worth it)!!! This is the first time we have ever charged an entry fee and all funds raised will go to the 3Ts. 3Ts (Turn the tide on suicide) is a registered charity working to help prevent deaths by Suicide through research, intervention and support. 3 times more people die by Suicide in Ireland than die in road traffic accidents. Deaths by Suicide are devastating for those left behind, for families and loved ones and entire communities. Yet Suicide is preventable. We hope through this concert to raise much needed funds to support the work of this charity. The Canadian Ambassador, Kevin Vickers, will also attend, as will our own mayor Paul Gogarty.
What’s next for you?
After this concert the group are going to take a well-earned break, but anyone interested in finding out more about us, and wanting to take music up in later life , check us out at www.soundsensemble.ie or ring 087-6970334 and I will be more than happy to accommodate them. T.C.
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Hands Across the Sea with Sounds Ensemble and the Ottawa New Horizons Band.
Thursday 28th June, 8pm
