Page 134 - Bellfort Magazine 2025

It’s been a fantastic and very busy year for the Music Department. With so many events,
performances and rehearsals packed into the calendar, there’s always been something exciting
happening. Our talented pupils have had many opportunities to shine. The department has been
full of energy, creativity, and teamwork.
GCSE Music – Our year 11 pupils have delved into their GCSE course this year, developing their
skills ain both composing and performing. They’ve worked hard on crafting original pieces of
music and preparing for their solo performances, showing great creativity and confidence. In
class, they’ve explored a wide range of musical styles through their set works- from the dramatic
film scores of Spiderman and Superman, to the rich rhythms and melodies from the Irish
Traditional Band Beoga. It’s been a fun and challenging year and we’re proud of all you’ve
achieved.
The Year 12 music students have been rising to the challenge of GCSE study with focus and
creativity. This year, they’ve been working on compositions inspired by a variety of Stimuli, using
these as staring points to develop imaginative and expressive pieces of GarageBand. They also
prepared for their solo and ensemble performance assessments, collaboration with other to
refine their musical interpretation and performance skills. A key highlight was performing live to
an external examiner as part of their practical assessment – a real test of confidence and
professionalism, which they handled brilliantly.
Year 8 Check – In—In September our Year 8 student took part in a special morning event for
parents and friends, offering a wonderful opportunity to share their musical progress and
celebrate their journey so far at Dunclug. The morning included a heartfelt performance of our
school songs. Preparing for Life which they sang with pride and enthusiasm. They also gave a
spirited rendition of Do You Hear the People Sing, giving a sneak peak of what was to come in
the school production of Les Misérables.
Prize Day—At this year’s School Prize Day, the musical performances added a truly special touch
to the celebration. The event featured a heartfelt rendition of I Lived by OneRepublic,
performed by the whole school choir. Their powerful harmonies and emotional delivery
captured the spirit of the occasion. Later in the ceremony the Chamber Choir offered a
beautifully serene performance of The Prayer, providing a moment of reflection and calm.
Evening of Seasonal Celebration—The recent Carol Service at Dunclug College was a
heartwarming celebration that beautifully captured the spirit of the season. The evening opened
with the Whole School Choir filling the hall with festive cheer through lively performances of
This Christmas and I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday, setting a joyful tone for the night. A
special highlight was the touching duet A Child Is Born, performed by Emily Logan and Hannah
Smyth, accompanied by members of the Traditional Group—an enchanting blend of voices and
instruments that truly moved the audience. The Chamber Choir followed with a powerful and
reflective rendition of I Heard the Bells (Peace Has Come), bringing a moment of peace and
stillness to the evening. Adding to the festive spirit, the Staff Choir delighted everyone with A
New Noel, reminding us all of the joy in coming together as a community. The service was a
memorable and meaningful way to welcome the Christmas season.
Spring Concert—This year’s Annual Spring Concert was a vibrant celebration of the incredible
musical talent within the school. The evening began on a poignant note with a moving solo
performance by Emily Logan, who delivered She Used to Be Mine with heartfelt emotion and
maturity beyond her years. The atmosphere quickly lifted as the School Traditional Group took
to the stage, energising the audience with a lively, toe-tapping set of polkas that had everyone
smiling. The School Choir followed with powerful renditions of This Is Me and Firework, bringing
messages of confidence and resilience to life through their strong vocals and unified spirit. A
standout moment of the night was an original composition titled Sewing, performed by Lacey
Aiken. Her thoughtful lyrics and unique style impressed the audience and showcased the
creativity that thrives at Dunclug. It was an unforgettable evening, celebrating music in all its
forms.