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The combined Choral Group was initially set up in partnership with the Navan Traveller’s Training Centre. The choir then expanded to include long-stay resident’s from St. Joseph’s, our local long-stay residential care home and also some non-Irish nationals living in the Summerhill area.
The Choral Group has approximately 25 members and is led by a volunteer choir leader. The choir rehearsals take place from September to July and the choir performs at different events and in different locations.
In 2006, the Choral Group performed for President Mary McAleese at the Arus an Uachtaráin and the Navan Traveller's Training Centre, at the launch of the Internet Café for older people at the Third Age Foundation and also as part of the Bealtaine concert held in St. Joseph’s. Towards the end of 2006, the choir also performed at launches of the Older and Bolder campaign and of the Failte Isteach project.
Significant performances in the past include one at the European Parliament Buildings in 2004, for the AGE Expert group on antidiscrimination at the AGE platform in Brussles.
| How it started: |
In 2002, the idea of a choir first arose when members of the traveller community and the Third Age Foundation chatted about interests and hobbies. A common ground - the love of singing – was identified and members of both groups got excited about the idea of performing together. The Choral Group was started and Sr. Frances, a retired music teacher and choral mistress, was the first choir leader.
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| Currently: |
Rehearsals take place once a week and public performances occur several times each year on request or as part of other projects.
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| Funding: |
No external funding
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| Main challenge: |
Trying to cater for all musical tastes and abilities
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| Comment: |
“The success of the Choral Group has been the catalyst for many of the other joint initiatives between TAF and the Traveller’s Training Centre. It has opened the eyes of all to the potential of partnerships and the wealth of benefits that can be achieved.” |
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Social Inclusion 