Charity and church concertsThe orchestra
plays concerts in different parts of the county. This is done by liaising with
local charities who host the concert and MCO perform as guests. As a non-profit
organisation we only cover costs from the proceeds of such concerts. The orchestra
also undertakes a range of church concerts and has a specific repertoire for
this purpose. This is a way for a community to come together to experience a
live orchestra in a local setting. Schools outreach
We also run an
outreach programme for primary schools called Classroom Cacophonies, which has been ongoing since 2000. This is a
music programme which teachers can buy, comprising eight lesson plans. Teachers
teach each of the eight lessons and ensure the pupils listen and respond to the
difference genres of music. The orchestra then performs a concert of these
pieces in the school (or community centre) on an evening of choice of the
school. This ensures parents and the wider community can also come. This has
been hugely successful and has encouraged children from rural parts of County
Mayo to try an instrument (offered as part of the concert). Concerts to date
have taken place in Ballaghaderreen, Knock, Ballyvary, Newport, Mulranny,
Killawalla. Since these concerts we have reached our capacity with music
lessons.
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