Music & Drama

Miss Eileen Dolan

Appointed to the school in 1969, Miss Dolan was head of music from 1971 and did sterling work with the boys. Among other things, such as fulfilling her teaching commitment, she successfully developed the choir, band and orchestra. She arranged and directed the music for Christmas and Summer Concerts, the Jubilee Music Concert, Masses, Festivals, Orchestral and Choral Concerts, Open Competitions, and Gilbert and Sullivan school productions. 

Introducing choral music to children was like opening a door to a magical world. For many children, singing in the school choir or playing in the school band or orchestra was among the most significant and happy experiences of their childhoods, experiences that they carried with them all their lives. The collective experience of choral singing meant that youngsters developed a strong sense of being part of a meaningful group, related to “the synchronicity of moving and breathing with other people”. They were happy times – the rehearsals and the performances – and underlined the adage that “singing is good for you”. Being part of choral music had many pluses, both mental and physical, and gave youngsters the opportunity to develop their self-confidence and sense of achievement. Their experience was probably just as valuable and satisfying to them as taking part in team sports was for others. 

Miss Dolan continued the tradition of high standards of music in the school, established by her predecessors. She, like them, found the time and the resources required for the task. She also had the commitment, dedication and enthusiasm to organise and energise the children, as well as using assistance from other members of staff and the local music centre as and when it was necessary. Her involvement in extra-curricular activities was exemplary and her value to children’s experiences inestimable. She gave many children the opportunity to develop their enjoyment and love of music.