North Wexford ukulele and guitar Christmas concert raises over €1,000 for Children Health Foundation
Isabel Colleran
Gorey Guardian
Wed 20 Dec 2023 at 19:00
Strumasong ukulele and guitar students performed many Christmas classics at Gorey Shopping Centre recently and raised €1,025 for Children’s Health Foundation.
Winter Wonderland, Silent Night, Away in a Manger and So This Is Christmas were just a few of the well known songs performed by Jackie Symes’ students. A drummer and flutist accompanied them as well.
Some of the group had been attending Strumasong and playing the guitar or ukulele for years. Others had only began classes in September or October.
All of Jackie’s classes are group classes that range in age from 6 up to 20 years old. “The group had mixed abilities and it gave more experienced players the opportunity to perform some trickier skills like riffs. It’s not about being the best, it’s about inclusivity,” said Jackie.
Jackie set up Strumasong in 2015 and operates her classes out of St Joseph’s Primary School on Mondays and Tuesdays after school. Jackie started playing the guitar at the later age of 16 as she always loved to sing. She is looking forward to welcoming new students in the New Year with her new beginners course.
“Thank you for all the generous donations from shoppers and onlookers on the day, we had set a target of one thousand euro and we are super delighted to exceed it. Happy Christmas from all at Strumasong Guitar & Ukulele School,” said Jackie.
We had a very busy run up to Christmas raising funds for charities and local school. Strumasong students raised an Amazing €1266 for Children's Health Foundation Ireland
Strumasong students also supported Gorey Central School with a wonderful initiative to set up an Music Instrument Fund for their Gorey Central School and their students, theyhelped raise €420.
Wexford pupils make music for the masses at fundraiser in Gorey Shopping Centre
Strumasong and the pupils from Gorey Central School performing in Gorey Shopping Centre. Pic: Jim Campbell,
Amy Lewis-January 18 2023 02:00 AM
Pupils from Gorey Central School held a musical fundraiser to the tune of €420 with the aim of purchasing music equipment that will benefit themselves and future generations.
he Strumasong event in Gorey Shopping Centre was a high note for pupils in the recently-formed school choir, who spent the past two months preparing to perform with practices during their lunch breaks. Jackie Symes of Strumasong Guitar and Ukelele School, who established the new school choir, said that the performance was a huge success.
"The people going by were just so supportive. I think people are really appreciating music, particularly after the pandemic. You could just see the joy on their faces,” she said. “We were blown away by how much was raised in a short length of time. It has given us the confidence to keep going.”
All of the money raised will be used to purchase new music resources for the school.
