Simon O'Dwyer

Subject(s):

History, Geography

Curriculum Strands:

Early people and ancient societies (History), Continuity and change over time (History), Human environments (Geography), Natural environments (Geography)

Counties catered for:

Clare, Galway, Mayo, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo

Classes catered for:

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th

Book in-person visit

Simon is co-founder of Ancient Music Ireland which recently celebrated 30 years of research. His subject is Music and Instrument Development Through the Ages. Simon has a wealth of knowledge on ancient Ireland and the societies that made and played the vast collection of musical instruments. He brings a selection from this impressive collection of musical instruments to the school and his lively sessions take the children on a journey through the ages, starting with when the first people came to Ireland through the Stone Age, Bronze Age (first farmers), Iron Age and ends in Early Medieval times with St. Patrick and the beginning of modernity. Instruments include, Stone Age flutes and whistles, stone percussion, shells, animal horns, bodhrán, Bronze Age horns, bells and the great sheet bronze trumpets of the Middle Iron Age, the presentation also includes stories from legend.

There is lots of interaction between the group as Simon puts questions to the class and the children are encouraged to ask questions and participate in a discussion as Simon demonstrates the very special sound that these instruments make. By the end of the session the children have a good understanding of the timeline discussed. The presentation is suitable for all ages and is both entertaining and highly educational. Simon is the leading specialist in the musical instruments of prehistory from Ireland.

The presentation is suitable for 1st class to 6th class. However, the junior classes can be included with the older classes if the numbers allow (usually in the small rural schools) – this dynamic always works well even though the presentation is designed for the older children.

Testimonials

• "Very interactive, the pupils loved it. I was amazed. Well done Simon!"

• "Simon was excellent. He was interesting and lively and interacted with the children throughout. They were entranced from the moment he started until he finished. We couldn't believe the time."

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• "Younger children in particular enjoyed the visit and learning about Irelands first musical instruments."

• "The workshop was very educational and interesting and the children were fully engaged for the entire session. I would highly recommend Simon to any school and we would definitely organise another visit in a few years."

• "We thoroughly enjoyed the visit. It was engaging and informative from beginning to end. Very worthwhile."

• "Simon had a very interactive presentation and both the children and teachers gained so much from it."

• "This was an excellent presentation by Simon and it was thoroughly enjoyed by the children."

• "Very enjoyable visit and the children enjoyed it. Great mix of humor and history. Happy to recommend a visit to others."

• "A very interesting and well delivered lesson on the history of musical instruments down through the ages."

• "Very interactive, engaging, interesting and fun visit. Simon kept all children completely involved for the whole 90 minutes."

• "The talk was absolutely fascinating! Simon was a pleasure to have at our school. We learnt so much about ancient Ireland and the history of music and its importance. The children and staff thoroughly enjoyed today's visit!"

• "Very enjoyable and interesting."

• "Excellent presentation. Kept everyone interested." - Newtown NS, Roscommon

• "Enjoyed by both children and staff." - St. Colman's NS, Mayo

• "This was a superb session from a man who is an expert and well versed in his field. Simon engaged with the children in an informed fun filled manner. This visit was enjoyed by adults and children alike." - Drummin NS, Mayo

• "Excellent presentation. Great interaction between Simon and the children. We all thoroughly enjoyed his workshop. Highly recommend him." - S. N an Droma, Galway

• "Excellent -very interactive workshop" - Holy Family NS, Killeen, Mayo

• "Fantastic experience, all the children loved it. Simon has excellent presentation skills and the talk was pitched at a suitable level for children of all ages. Simon held their interest throughout, which is no mean feat! We would definitely recommend this expert to other schools." - Murrisk NS, Mayo

• "A really wonderful workshop, so informative and the children were extremely engaged throughout." - SN Cheathrú Thaidhg, Mayo

• "Very informative and enjoyable." - Aillebrack NS, Galway

• "Very enjoyable and engaging." - Lankill NS, Mayo