Here a bit of "old stuff" this time.


In 2001 myself and Drogheda artists Gary Maguire, wer busily partnering up of several Costume Creation projects.
The Order of Malta ran an adult education programme for special abilities. They hired Gary and myself to work with their crew and create some more... unusual entry's for that years St Patrick`s day parade.
The sky was the limit so rockets and space satellites as well as aliens were the order of the day.
The parade itself was postponed that year due to the outbreak of Foot and Mouth. Thankfully, it all managed to get cleared up and our space craft and more had their day out.

How nice,
​a
​ Thank You.

Ah, a thank you card from the award winning Lourdes Brass Band for a recent...element of support Kada Ka Boom Arts provided for them.
\nWorked wonders too I believe.
\nYe are very welcome folks! I too, look forward to future collaborations.

More Nostalgic than New.

Well, well, well, in 2011, the Party Sub and my blue hair got it's first outing at the Tall Ships Festival in Waterford. The laugh. The crowds. The weather. The ships. And then there's myself and Saleh. I, going round as a fisherman telling all that I had just caught a great prize in my net and Saleh on board the party sub sipping champagne and dancing to yellow submarine or rock the boat. It booming out from the decks below! Class.

It’s not long now!

Last weeks of school and Summer holidays are just around the corner.  You can feel its energy ready to be released.  Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smál, Sandpit, Termonfeckin, Drogheda, Co. Louth, did a bit of that releasing today in the form of a performance on the drums of Kada Ka Boom Arts.
The school has been enjoying Samba Drumming and Percussion workshops for many years now. This particular six-week course was exclusive for the Junior and Senior infants, First and Second classes.  (The older children had their opportunity earlier in the term.)
 
And everyone just loved it.  The children loved it, the teachers loved it and I loved it.
I know I have said it before, about, in my workshops, it being more than just drumming the children learn.  Their listening skills, their behaviour, their patience and their self-control, it all gets tested and then put to excellent use during one of these courses.
 
To close this one, we decided to put on a presentation for just the other classes….but we also decided to time it with going home time for the junior and senior infants.  Meaning, if by chance parents and guardians and grannies and grandads just happened to come early, they would get to see their little ones perform.  Which…lots of folk were able to do so and got to watch.
 
In amongst the grownups was photographer Brian Murphy of  www.brianmurphyphotography.ie who snapped a few pictures and very kindly allowed my to show you guys. (Thank you Brian)
 
The natural state for this age group is to generally live in their own world and only the odd time take notice of what else is going around them.  Distraction is often top of their list of things to do when sitting in a class room.  So, with that said, the concentration they all put in over the weeks and in particular, today, was of Everest proportions. Honestly, they were brilliant. The photos show it…I think. But possibly what I am delighted with the most is the good natured, pleasant expressions and smiles on so many of their faces.  You can’t make someone who feels sad, be happy, just because you tell them. They have to get there themselves (Adults too). This lot were just well ahead of the game and we can all be grateful for that.
 
After all, they are the future….like, really!

Clever individuals
​in a big community.

St Mary's Parish Primary school in Drogheda is one of Irelands biggest school's with five streams of classes right the way through from Junior infants to sixth class.
With such huge numbers, there's a constant effort to watch the individual isn't lost in the crowd. (mind you, in the younger end of the school, any school actually, there really only is one person in their world and that's themselves... as I should be I think.)
So, just one of the community enriching elements the school has is this, "Wall of Fame".
Quite simply, when one of the school's students has had their picture in the paper or awarded something or just given recognition of a moment in their lives.... it goes up on the wall.
There's so much on it at this stage, you might need half a day just to go through it. But the student will know, and, well, that's enough.
There's an element of self esteem enhancing and of school community recognition.
It costs next to nothing but contributes lots.
There are more hitec innovations at the school also, such as the use of special phone apps to keep parents more connected with their children whilst at school. For example, a picture of an activity their child is participating in.. maybe their junior infant playing some samba drums perhaps... Well, an individual picture can be sent to the individual parent of that child. So, that evening when asked "how was school?" a conversation can take place where all are engaged and involved in the process.
Brilliant!
I can imagine it's more effort for the teachers. The setting up of the app, then the recording and sending of the moment, but school today isn't just about academic achievement, it's also about living life, and St Mary's teachers aren't forgetting that. Good on them. ​

Junior Infants...
They'll keep you on yout toes alright.

It is the end of another six-week course in Donacarney Boys National School in east County Meath, this time it was with Junior and Senior infants.  These guys will have you on your toes.  Their attention span is so different to the senior classes, (as it should be) you need to keep the pace up as you go trough each session.
But I am always reminded how much learning actually goes on when I work with this age group.  Not just is the musical aspect of the course beneficial to them, pulse, tempo, tones, but the group work that is involved comes to the forefront.  Listening skills, the physical coordination required to play with two sticks and there’s loads more.
 
We finished with a performance for the children’s families and the feedback from them was so positive.  It’s a great school with a great energy in amongst the teachers and a brilliant principal, who constantly has the children’s very best interests at heart.  Very community minded for them. 
 
And, also, as you walk around the school, you constantly see little messages of positivity and mindfulness and kindness, just to remind you to be…..well, nice.   I quite liked the one in the picture.  In this age of social media and everything, a few simply thoughts before you express your opinion can be very useful.  

Funky Pirates at the Rathlin Island Maritime Festival 2019

From the stable of Kada Ka Boom Arts comes the Funky Pirates.  Here is a wee video of them entertaining the masses on Rathlin Island’s Maritime Festival. And quite lovely it was too.

Cave men don't mess about in Le Chéile!

With bank Holiday season in full swing, it's great to get a brand new Six week Samba course on a Friday! No interruptions. Not even local elections will effect it as Le Chéile Educate Together NS school here in Drogheda, isn't a polling station.
Mind you, I'd not want to be messing with this crew, as going by their Cave painting creations of third class, that decorate one of their hall walls, even double jointed knees won't get you out of trouble!
Brilliant.

21 TODAY

The 5th May, 21 years ago today was a bank holiday Monday, and I became self employed. (this mainly consisted of me learning about a government department called the revenue commissioners.)
​Why I picked a bank holiday Monday, I have no idea, but I'm sure there was a very good reason at the time. Thankfully, there's been 21 years of good reasons to keep it going and I'm sure glad I did. It's the adventure of it all!
To use my current favourite quote, from the band Aerosmith...(I know, dicy ground to be gaining life inspiration from...)
"Life's a journey, not a destination"

Singing to the sounds of the Grooves.

Well, Last Saturday “Different Keys Choir” had the opportunity to participate in a Samba Drumming Workshop. This is a Cross community project based in Clones, county Monaghan.  They meet up each week and sing.  That’s it.  They sing!  Through this they have made friends, shared adventures in the form of performances and generally enhanced their passions for life.  This particular workshop took place in the picturesque setting of Ballybay’s Wetland Centre.  
The group had a Dance workshops first and then Kada Ka Boom Arts made an appearance.  Being a choir, the musicality was just oozing out of them and they delighted in grooving the Afro-Brazilian beats.
A big thank you to Dara MacGabhann for allowing me to connect with this group.
Such a positive bunch of people to spend a Saturday morning with. 

Good for the soul stuff.

Wasn't Saint Patrick Some Man all the same.

Sometimes, pictures speak for themselves...so, hoping this is all true, below is a gallery of The Mad Hatters and The Absurdist Pipe bands adventures in Armagh and Belfast for both their St. Patricks weekend parades.
​Enjoy!

​Front Page News
​NewYork Style

The exploits of Kada Ka Boom Arts went state side for a week, courtesy of the adventures of The Absurdist Pipe Band. New York to be precise.
As part of the St Pat's for All celebrations (check out https://www.stpatsforall.org)
​Along with the type entertainig fun that gets you on the front page, (pic above) There was an opportunity to work with a high-school in the Bronx. (pics below) This group of teenagers had an African drum and singing class as part of their schools education. Irish musician, writer, actor and all round nice guy Brian Fleming, had thought we could do something together for the festivals fundraising show in the Irish Arts Centre in Manhattan.
So, off to work we did go. And of course, we created a lovely collaboration that was loved by all. All being, our audience, the teenagers and ourselves.

But what I think I enjoyed the most was the chance to engage with the American education system. No system is perfect, be it results or qualifications. But if you asked me to judge the quality of a school, top of my list would be, what are its students like. And this bunch were polite, welcoming and just a friendly bunch.

And, that's always a winner with me.

Mammas are always right!

Adventures come in all shapes, sizes and ages.
Last Thursday evening I had the good fortune to work with The Samba Mammas. An all female group which I was musical director with for many years.
A few years ago they left the nest, or I flew away, either way, they headed off on their own. Doing award winning shows and performances around the country.
My nostalgic visit was a very....holistic one. There’s no way you can spend a few hours with these ladies without getting totally engaged in events. Be they, learning the grooves or what been happening with each others families or just laughing out loud at and with the personalities (I include my own) that are in the room.
It's good for the soul stuff.
If you want to find out more or keep up-to-date with their goings on, follow their Facebook page,

https://www.facebook.com/SambaMammas/

Cheers ladies, enjoy the year!

Everyone's a critic, eh...

St. Patrick's national school. Castletara wrapped up a six week course in Samba Drumming on Friday with a performance for parents and friends of the school. Juniors right through to sixth took to the stage to show off what we had covered on the drums. Their sixth class teacher presented me with my very own carnival mask, made by themselves.

It was Brilliant! With principal Declan suggesting we take one of the classes to Ireland's got talent. I don't know Declan, who do you pick, or rather who do you leave out? Still though, it's great feedback and very much appreciated. Mind you, if it was feedback I was looking for, sure didn't the budding musicians themselves assemble a selection of quotes on their notice board for all to enjoy. Here's a sample of a few. My favourite is "Life is short but drums make it longer" yea, I get it Matas, thank-you.

Cheers Castletara students, ye were a pleasure to work with.

Who says
Croke Park Hours
​can't be Fun!
​PART 2

In Drogheda

The fabulous staff of Drogheda's very own Abacus school took to the drums like ducks to water! And loved every minute of it. Between team building, enhancing communication skills and topping up the staff morale by giving them all a chance to share together with a proper fun activity, the two Croke park hours briskly grooved by.

Teaching will always be a demanding occupation. You give a lot of yourself to the students, and not just the once but again and again. I think personal and group development sessions like the workshop can be such an energiser for a staff. Which in turn, becomes an energiser for the school.

Great stuff...and staff.

And in Athlone

St. Mary's Athlone, a hard working national school in the middle of the country with a big team of teachers steering a great bunch of kids to a positive future. (phew, all in one sentence)

When you see Joan, the principal, (top pic) smiling during the session and all of the staff totally engaging with the workshop, well, you know you're in a good place.

They all grabbed the grooves and tips on teaching, (which I learned from twenty years of watching teachers) and totally made the most of their Croke Park hours.

There's another one taking place this week, but in my own home town, Drogheda! So, I'll have time to get back to the house and get the dinner on.

Coláiste Lú
and
​Coláiste Chú Chulainn

With Kada Ka Boom Arts working nationwide, it’s quite nice to get to stay in my own county every so often.  Dundalk was the destination last week.  Just a half an hour up the road you’ll find the brand-new building for Coláiste Lú and ​Coláiste Chú Chulainn.  Two separate schools sharing the one amenity.  One school working through the language of Irish and the other English. Both incredible successfully and not a sight of a hard border between them. It’s brilliant!I spent a couple of days working with all of the Transition year classes, teaching them grooves and rhythms that they could get to play on the Samba Drums.
Sorry about the quality of the pics…It’s not because some teenagers are camera shy, more a technology thingy.  Still though, you can get the gist of the craic that was had.

New Years Resolution...MUST POST MORE FREQUENTLY in 2019!

You’d think with technology and websites and apps and the rest, I would find it easier to keep the website up to date…. Well, not really, but sure never mind. Here is the start of my efforts for 2019 and a good start at that, with a little reminder of how 2018 finished.
In the clever county of Cavan, there’s a small village called Bawnboy.  Now, as it happens, the principal of St. Aidan’s NS in Bawnboy is good friends of the Principal of St. Patrick’s NS in Corlough. (About 10 minutes away).  Well, they both decided to put their heads together and invited me over to run my six-week course with both schools. (Five classes in total)
 
Below is a slide show of the preparation and performance of the classes in St Aidan’s in Bawnboy.
Brilliantly productive and great craic too!

And another moment from the end of 2018...
This time, St. Patrick's Senior National School, Corduff!

Tis the season to be SCARY!

Did October really happy?

Almost a month has flown by with Kada Ka Boom Arts drums catching views of Wexford, Wicklow and West Meath (there were several stints in counties Cavan, Dublin and the lovely Louth..but I thought I'd still with the 'W' theme) just to mention a few.
But today, upon completion of a six week course a little girl called Kate ran up to me and said "thank-you and I made this for you". She then proceeded to present me with my very own pumpkin in its very own patch...and all edible!
I'd like to thank her on here but hopefully she isn't on the Internet too much yet, so to Thornleigh Educate Together National School in Swords, yizer getting something right! Well done and thank-you.

That's schools wrapped up for ten days or so. Just need to wake up the Skeleton Crew as their season is just about to begin. I'll pop a pic or two up...when they surface...if they let me...

In the meantime, I shall leave you with a picture of my newest friend Brian Boru the Pumpkin!

Remember September for Samba in Collon NS

We kicked off at the start of September in Collon National School. Here is a snapshot from the schools website of how it's all going.
Excuse the poser in that last pic....he really can't help himself...
Sixth class smashing out Samba in September!

September 25, 2018
Ms. Winters


Sixth class have stormed into September with a bang, with Samba lessons every Friday. The children have loved experimenting with the various rhythms and tones of the native Brazilian music. Kieran, their amazing instructor, brings with him an enthusiasm like no-body else and has a fantastic way with the boys and girls to make sure they are fully engaged and performing on a different instrument every week. What a great way to welcome the approaching weekend on a Friday morning.....

BlaneyBlue 2008 SmurfSamba

Whilst refreshing my Emergency First Aid skills on a course in Castleblaney today (here's hoping I'll never get to use them!) I came across Tommy Maguire. A Monaghan man of extordinary imagination.

The picture below shows images of a world record breaking event he set up to have the biggest gathering of Smurfs....yes, SMURFS ever!

In his wisdom he thought the entire project should have a Smurf Samba Band to lead them of.

So, the Drums of Kada Ka Boom Arts spent several of the preceeding weeks working with a great bunch of locals to produce Smurfsamba. It was Brilliant!

Mind you, I did have one regret. For the officials from the Guinness book of records to register you as a Smurf and be counted, you needed to have a blue hat, a blue top, white pants and skin left showing needed to be painted blue. For most folk it was a case of a quick paint of the face and hands....

Of course, it being summer, I arrived in T-shirt, shorts and sandals! ... I remember seeing blue sheets for weeks!
​Oh well...

Kind words to conclude course.

And so, my final Music from Scratch through Samba Drumming and Percussion summer courses for the summer of 2018 have come to a close.  16 primary school teachers from all over Louth, Meath, Cavan and more spent the last week engaging with rhythms and learning all about using pulse, tempo, tones, prepared instruments, homemade instruments, the human voice and the human body.  It all happened in the Navan Education centre (where the course was first delivered 19 years ago).
 
I thought it was a full, productive and friendly week but the proof is in the pudding.  And in this case, the pudding is made up of the course participants evaluation sheets.  Which, I am only delighted to say, came back very, very positivly.  Along with the questionnaire, the teachers are given an opportunity to give a little personal feedback about the week.
 
I very much appreciate their kind words and would like to thank them all.  
 
In case the photo of their comments is a little difficult to zoom in on, I allowed myself to indulge slightly and pick out a few of my favourite.
 
“One of the best courses I have ever done. Extremely practical, useful and enjoyable”
 
“Thoroughly enjoyable course, Great fun – Lots of ideas to bring back to the class room.”
 
And my favourite,
“Without doubt – (Teaching 20 years) the best course in terms of content – objective – individual learning development and enjoyment! Kieran made the week so engaging, he has excellent interpersonal skills and brought out the best in everyone both in musical capacity but also in terms of working together as a team”
 
Well, back to the real world now and chatting to principals and teachers and setting up dates for running my schools six-week courses and standalone sessions.  I hope the summer holidays and new school term transition flows smoothly for you all. Be it a teacher, a special need assistant, a caretaker or, and most importantly of the parent of a brand new, soon to be, junior infant.
 
Kieran.  

Now, That's just nice.

Back in the middle of June, The Mad Hatters were invited to perform in the beautiful town of Omagh as part of their Mid-Summer GrangeFest!

Well, Niamh from Fermanagh & Omagh District Council very kindly forwarded on some images of the day, and great pictures they are too. So, in my fabulous wisdom, I thought it best to share them here on
Kada Ka Boom Arts website for us all to enjoy.

Thank you Niamh!

The Cavan Crew hit the streets.

To finish off the Music from Scratch through Samba Drumming and Percussion teachers Summer course the other week, all eleven of us took to the streets of Cavan for one final performance.
We were actualy offered money AND another gig. Plus we received a lovely round of applause from all of the surprised on lookers and morning shoppers.
​
​There is one more course to go from the 20th-24th August in Navan.
​So if any primary school teachers are still looking, you know where to go.

​In the meantime, schools out for summer. Enjoy!

Primary school finishing with a BNAG!

The drums of Kada Ka Boom Arts finished off another six week project in Bunscoil Buachailli Realt na Mara, Donecarney County Meath today.


Two second classes and two sixth classes were the groups I had the opportunity to work with this time round. Great crews. And to work with sixth class at this time of year and at these moments on their journey through the education system. Its a bit cool. You never know where paths will cross again and there isn't a single one of them I wouldn't be delighted to meet again. Well done to all the years of teachers that brought them this far. Great stuff.
 

A Blooming Great Time
with
The Mad Hatters
and
WOODIE'S

For several Sunny Bank Holiday Days (yes, it really happened) The Mad Hatters had the opportunity to perform and entertain at this years “Bloom in the Park” in Dublin’s and Europe’s biggest city park, Phoenix Park.
 
It was all thanks to Woodie’s who this year celebrated their 30th year of a business partnership with the Irish Public.  They hosted one of the largest Show Gardens, designed by Brian Burke and also set up the Barbeque Area.  Their idea being to bring the party / celebratory atmosphere to the massive four-day event.  When we were asked to contribute…well I think you can see, this was Mad Hatters territory, if ever there were one.  We drummed and wandered and bubbled and danced our way all around the venue site and just had a marvellous time overall.  Meeting folk, engaging with families, enjoying all the creativity that so many people had put into Bloom 2018.
 
I know there are a couple of clips on our Facebook page, you are welcome to nosy around and give an auld like!
ENJOY!


The Mad Hatters Facebook Page


Belfast Maritime Festival
​2018

It was all aboard and shiver me timbers in Belfast for The Funky Pirates and the Maritime Festival.  Renditions of Captain Pugwash and the Sailors Hornpipe could be heard all around the Titanic Quarter in between the shouts of Arghs and Walk the Plank!
 
They took no prisoners these pirates, as the marched in and out amongst the onlookers looking for Drunken Sailors and Bonny lying over the ocean. (she still has to turn up)
I suspect we’ve not heard the last of these blaggards so best keep an eye out around any waterways ye should be passing.  

​Four Days
of
​Farming Fun with
The Absurdist Pipe Band!?!?

The Absurdist Pipe Band have been requested to entertain the masses at northern Irelands biggest and best horticultural and agriculteral show.
Balmoral!
​ Celebrating 150years, this year is sure to be a cracker!

Summer Courses and Twenty Years.

Kada Ka Boom Arts

Celebrates
Twenty Years of Creativity.

1998-2018

Click here and find out what else was going on twenty years ago…

CPD Summer Courses for Primary School Teachers 2018!

Kada Ka Boom Arts CPD Summer course

“Music from Scratch through Samba Drumming and Percussion”

takes place through the following centers this summer.  Click on the link and get the sign up details and venue.

Donegal Education Centre on the 2nd of July.

Cavan Education Centre on the 9th of July.

And

Navan Education Centre on the 20th of August.

Cnagcheoltóirí Ghaelscoil Éanna Drums as Gaeilge!

It was to the county Meath capital of Navan for some drumming as Gaeilge with the children of Geal Scoil Eanna.  A fantastic school that that facilitates the school curriculum through the medium of the Irish language.  All subjects, all activities and all creativity takes place in a welcoming and engaging manner.
Now, I can’t deny my Irish speaking skills were never up there with any of me teachers, as I am sure they would have told you, but the cúpla focail I do possess comes to a front on days like these.  Not that this school would make you feel any way but welcomed whatever language you happen to use.
 
They made a short clip of images for your viewing. This link should bring you to it,
https://gaelscoileanna.scoilnet.ie/blog/files/2018/05/438955018_HD.mp4?_=1
or the school blog page is here.
https://gaelscoileanna.scoilnet.ie/blog/
Enjoy!

GET YOUR MOTOR RUNNING

One of this weeks travels brought me to the border of Leitrim and Donegal to Four Masters National School Kinlough.  A lovely wee village if ever there was one.
For two days all of the classes got to play Kada Ka Boom Art’s Samba Drums.  Well actually, that’s not quite right, the infants didn’t get to play but they did get an exclusive performance from one of the classes. AND LOVED IT!
 
There’s talk afoot of the drums heading back that way next year so no doubt, they will get their hands on them then.
 
The schools’ website captured some moments from a few of the workshops. This link should bring you their picture page.

Four Masters Gallery Page.

When finished there, it was back in the motor for more travel as the drums were on call for several Transitions year classes in New Ross with the girls of Our Lady of Lourdes Secondary school and the boys of Good Counsel secondary school. To almost quote the Beatles, it was a bit of a “…Long and Winding Road” but they made it. Phew!

On the road again!

After the delights of having a couple of months working locally (Mainly meaning being able to return to your own bed each night) which included the lovely villages of Tenure, Kilsaran/Castlebellingham, Collon, Oldcastle, Rathangan, Balbriggan and Clondalkin, it was on the road time!
 
From Donegal to Newross and a few spots in between, the drums of Kada Ka Boom Arts were about the get some mileage under their belts. Foroige clubs, Transition year students and primary school children all got into the groove on the drums over these last few weeks.
 
The next week or so see will the same again before we settle into a local routine which I am very pleased to say includes the seaside fishing village of Clogherhead and just in time for the summer to kick in…Am I being a bit too hopeful? Well why not. It has to happen sometime.  Safe travels folks!

February 2018

Carnival in the Wee County!

Whilst Rio and the rest of Brazil celebrated their 2018 Carnival, Tenure NS here in the heart of Irelands smallest County, Wee county Louth, had an opportunity to do likewise.  Or at least the drumming!
 
The Drums of Kada Ka Boom Arts were delighted to be at the centre a six-week course all based around the rhythms of Brazil.  3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th classes.  These courses have been running for the last few years with great success.  It just so happened that this one finished on the first day of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, and as is the way of these courses, we invented a performance for the entire school.
 
To top it all off, The Drogheda Independent decided to do a story on us, them, me, the event, the whole lot. It’s totally cool to get some traditional local media coverage.  The Drogheda Independent have been covering local stories surrounding Kada Ka Boom Arts work for as many years as Kada Ka Boom Arts has been in existence.  Which this year will make it twenty years!
 
I am always grateful when they can do so. From the Drogheda Samba Festival days, through the Spook Parade days to the everyday workshops Kada Ka Boom Arts carry’s out.  Its part of the town’s heritage and its just nice to have my little bit in it. 
 
Cheers and thank you to Fiona Magennis, Journalist and Hubert Murphy, editor at Drogheda Independent.

2018 Summer Course, full steam ahead!

Music from Scratch through Samba Drumming and Percussion.

The 2018 Summer Course “Music from Scratch through Samba Drumming and Percussion” is all set to take place in three education Centre’s this year.  They are,

Donegal Education Centre for the first week of July 2nd - 6th.
The Cavan Education Centre for the second week of July, 9th – 13th.
The Navan Education Centre for the end of August 20th – 24th. 

Details on venues are Carndonagh’s St Patricks Girls N S in Donegal and the Cavan Crystal Hotel in Cavan town.  The Navan Education centre are able to cover Louth and Meath so the venue has yet to be confirmed.  I shall let you know as soon as I do.
 
If you are interested in knowing what the course is like, feel free to check out last year’s evaluations filled in by the participants on the link below.

LINK Past Participants Opinions! LINK

Always beware of a crocodiles smile!

As you may know. Kada Ka Boom Arts drums travel all over Ireland for workshops with all sorts of groups. And these groups come in all ages. Primary and secondary schools, mens groups, women's groups, theatrical groups, corporate organisation and more... But, there is one group who book me every year and put me and my facilitation skills to the ultimate test.

FUNTIMES CRECHE AND MONTESSORI in Balbriggan!

These are very, very young three and four year old munchkins who are only beginning their journey into formal education. It all happens in a friendly, fun and safe environment but my goodness, are my skills tested.

By the time I'd finish saying the phrase, "attention span", theirs would have gone! So time-wasting is definitely not on the cards.

It's all (the workshop) very tightly put together with a constant, moving on to the next phase of the session, happening rapidly.

Yet, for 30-40 minutes, they listen, they watch, they learn and they drum. Three different groups in fact.
The staff love it, the management love it and the children just totally love it.
Me...yea, well, I probably love it aswell, when I catch my breath....

They have already booked for the Autumn so best start training up now!

January 2018

Its School Jim, but not as we knew it!

Last week Kada Ka Boom Arts began a brand new six-week project in a brand-new school.  Well, its not quite a new school but a new school build.  And what a build! 

Scoil Naomh Buithe or St Buites National School has been in the village of Tinure for generations.  In fact, this new building is the fourth generation of school to be built here. 

Now, whilst new school builds are still a little too much on the rare side of things, they are happening. But I don’t think that many are as happening as this school. It’s a pleasure to look at, a treat for all of the students and staff to go into and work, it’s warm and dry and clean and bright.  They even have a cool hexagonal shaped library attached to the end.  The shape created to fit in with the church that sits next door.
 
As you may know, any government spending on infrastructure must set a percentage put by for an art instillation.  The creation in the photo is what St. Buites came up with.  If you can, have a zoom in.  You’ll find creations from the community of children in the school, from junior infants right through to sixth class.  There are images of Irish native birds and a unique area that families can stand front of the image and see a reflection of themselves in the piece.  Literately integrating their families in the image, from Grandchildren to Grandparents. 
 
I’m a bit chuffed for them and for myself to be working here.  Well done Principal Mary Conneely and to all involved in swinging the powers that be into a twenty-first century way of thinking.

January 2018

Ground Control to Major
Chu Chulainn.


Dundalk in Space.

As I walked into Dundalk's Colaiste Chu Chulainn's secondary school for a day of Samba Drumming with their Transition year groups, I was treated with this image that was presented to to the school following the visit of astronaut Alfred M. Worden.  Inspiring stuff.

This man walked on the moon.... and then in Dundalk.

Brilliant! 

January 2018

Is it too late to say “Happy New Year”?

With the majority of organisations kicking in to gear today it seems an appropriate time to wish you all a Happy New Year.

For Kada Ka Boom Arts, it’s a case of pack the van, set up the sat nav and off we go. This week we re-engage with Corduff’s St Patricks Senior National School near Blancherstown, for a second serious of six week courses.  Later in the week we travel to Scoil Naomh Buithe in Tenure, just outside the town of Drogheda for a brand new six-week course in their brand-new school building (promise ill get photos but it looks really cool)
And in-between we slot in a session with Thornliegh Educate Together Nation School in Swords.
 
The following week continues the adventure but adds in Kilbeggan’s Mercy secondary school and Dundalk’s Coláiste Chú Chulainn secondary school.
 
Best get back to packing the van.  Safe travels everyone.

December 2017

Corduff Christmas!

Just before Christmas, the children of the seven week course Kada Ka Boom Arts was running in Corduff's sns were thinking of doing a performance.  Of course I thought this was a great idea but some of the children were a little concerned as to how they might sound and look.  Real feelings and ones that shouldn't be ignored.
Aideen, the fabulous school secretary, suggested they make a little snippet of a video so they could assess how good....sorry, how great they were.

They loved it and so Aideen stuck it up on the schools website for them all to be proud of.

Its very short and simply, but the best things in life are often simple.  Well done Mr Cunnigham's sixth class, well done.
6th Class Music Class 2017 - Mr. Cunningham

November 2017

Getting tricky to keep up!

Well, its November time and Kada Ka Boom Arts has hit the ground running, so to speak.  Well drumming to be more precise.  Three courses have commenced,
St. Patrick’s Senior National School, Seven-week course Corduff. Co. Dublin, 
Bunscoil Buachaillí Réalt na Mara. Six-week course Donacarney, Mornington, County Meath. And Thornleigh Educate Together NS Six-week course. Swords Co. Dublin.
 
It the first time I have had the opportunity to work with the children of Thornleigh.  What a great bunch.  I did have the opportunity to work with the teachers at the end of their summer when they decided to use their Croke Park hours by having a team development session with Kada Ka Boom Arts.
 
Donacarney boys are no strangers through having run two separate six-week courses with them last term and the Corduff students have participated in Stand-alone sessions over the last few years.  This is the first time though that they have participated in a six-week project and they are loving it.

October 2017

Bye Bye old school, Hello New!

Click here for a link to a short !!video!!
Kada Ka Boom Arts is in and out of so many schools around Ireland.  Some old, some ridiculously old and more and more these days, thankfully, some are new. 

So today some of The Mad Hatters gave a helping hand to the children and staff of St. Johns National School, Drogheda in saying goodbye to their old school building.  All of the children and staff marched out to the grass in front of the doors, words were said, we sung a goodbye song, let go of balloons and walked out the gate for the very last time.

It is a junior school so the children range from 3 and 4-year olds in pre-school to 8-year olds in second class and there seemed to be hundreds of them.

I hope they all have memories of the day and enjoy their new school building on Monday.
Well, may we wish all of the staff the best of luck in St. John’s Nation School, Drogheda.  I look forward to visiting ye all later in the month to a nice dry, warm, happy environment.

(ye were never really unhappy anyhow) Cheers.

September 2017

September, where have you gone?

My goodness.  How quick is September?
Kada Ka Boom Arts has had itself firmly tucked into the North East of Ireland for the month. 
Darndale, Dunleer and Drogheda. (Move on to a new letter next month)
The Dunleer project is a six week course, aiming for a performance just before the midterm break. The children are just loving it but it’s that type of school.  They all get engaged with whatever it is that’s going on. Check out their website and spot the drums.
http://scoilbhridelannleire.ie/

August 2017

You are never too old!
For the last few weeks the drums of Kada Ka Boom Arts have been making trips up to the delightful folk of the Golden Years organisation in DARNDALE BELCAMP VILLAGE CENTRE, North county Dublin.
 
A brilliant group.  All in their ‘Old enough to know way better’ years, we spent a few mornings drumming together. On one of the days we also invited some of the local children to participate with us.  With the Golden Years group having had a couple of sessions themselves, they became the teachers and encouraged all the children to play.  Along with that we managed to fit in a performance in the middle of the complex much to the delight of the surrounding shops, crèches and offices.
 
We have two more session this week and then it comes to a close…for now.
 
I am sincerely hoping they find the funding again to run this type of activity, especially where we can bring the children in and have both ends of the age spectrum involved.  That was a bit special.

August 2017

CROKE PARK HOURS JUST GOT A WHOLE LOT MORE GROOVY
aThornleigh Educate Together National School’s principal Paula Carolan is one of those forward-thinking type of principals and when it comes to Croke Park Hours, she is on the ball.
 
Based in Swords, Co Dublin, she has always been keen on getting the staff engaged not just with their pupils but also with each other.  Just before the start of this year’s term she brought all of the staff in for a team building day.  Something she has done in the past. 
 
This years it was team building via Kada Ka Boom Arts’s drums. We spent the day together sharing (for most) the new experience of playing Samba Drums.  Unison rhythms, call and responses and traditional Afro Brazilian rhythms were the order of the day.  Everyone participated, class teachers, resource teachers, special needs assistances, brand new teachers, vice principal and of course, Paula, the principal herself took part.
 
From a team building point of view, a whole group of people sharing a brand-new experience together is a great tool for bonding.  As the rhythms and individual rhythms develop, folk need to separate into in smaller groups and in the end, bring it all together as one groove.  A perfect example of team development on its own.  The fact that all really enjoyed the day adds to the positive experience.   
 
It’s a first visit to the school for Kada Ka Boom Arts and we loved the beautiful logo of four children holding hands together.  All different but all helping each other. Outside each room they had little carved wooden names stating the nature of that room.  Even the store room got one.  It gave the entire space a feeling of thoughtfulness.
I look forward to engaging Kada Ka Boom Arts even more with Thornleigh Educate Together National School in the future.

July 2017

So, it’s thumbs up from the teachers for the first of Kada Ka Boom Arts two summer courses!
August and Dublin West, here we come!


That’s a rap on the first of Kada Ka Boom Arts two CPD summer courses, Music from Scratch through Samba Drumming and Percussion.  The next one is set to take place in Dublin West Education Centre from 14th-18th August.

I thought it went very well but it turns out it was even better than that.  On completion of a Department of Education and Skills course each participant is asked to complete an evaluation sheet.  The final question on the page is the following.

“Any further suggestions to improve the quality of this course”

Well, it’s not to say I am just a little bit chuffed at the responses of the teachers that participated.

“Well polished course that’s delivered professionally and confidently”

“Best course ever”

“Excellent course – fantastic Facilitator, loads of new ideas for my school”

“Kieran is brilliant and I couldn’t suggest how he could make it better”

“Such a fun and practical course”

“Great course.  Picked up lots of ideas and tips throughout the week. Kieran was a great teacher. Míle buíochas”

“FANTASTIC COURSE – THOROUGHLY ENJOYED & WOULD RECOMMEND”

“Outstanding course, totally enjoyed it and will recommend it to all the staff in my school.  Thank you so much!  Learned so much also. Looking forward to teaching music in September”

“It was an excellent course”

“A thoroughly enjoyable course, learned lots”
“Great course, good fun”

“Amazing course – tutor was so enthusiastic and so talented in his field.  Best course I’ve ever done!!”

“Great week, full of fun, but practical for the classroom”

 “Excellent course + Great fun. Thank you”

“The course is great as it is!”

“An absolutely brilliant course – thoroughly enjoyed it.  Kieran was an excellent tutor”

“V enjoyable – with lots of practical skills to bring to the classroom”

“Thank you, Kieran, for a great course and I hope we can work with you in school in the future”

Honest, it’s all true. Here is the pic to prove it.

June 2017

First of two Summer Courses Booked Out!

The First of Kada Ka Boom Arts Two Summer courses “Music from Scratch through Samba Drumming and Percussion” has been booked out.
 
This year the Navan Education Centre decided to run the course in Drogheda’s Aston Village Education Together national school and it is already completely filled up.
 
Do not fear though, Dublin West Education centre are also running the course and at the time of typing, there were spaces still available. Their contact details are Dublin West Education Centre,
Old Blessington Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland. P: 01-4528000 F: 01 – 4528010 info@dwec.ie
 
Sign up soon and thoroughly enjoy earning your three days!


 
Music from Scratch through Samba Drumming and Percussion.
(17th Year)
 
For teachers who would like a new avenue to explore in delivering music confidentially.
No musical experience necessary.
 
 
Booked Out! Booked Out! Booked Out!Booked Out!
Drogheda's Aston Village Educate Together School
Booked Out! on Booked Out!
3rd July – 7th July.


AND

Some Spaces available. Some Spaces available. Some Spaces available.
 Dublin West Education Centre Tallaght
on
14th August – 18th August



Kieran Gallagher.
Musician
Facilitator in Community Music / Samba Percussion.
Community Arts / Costume Creations
 
Winner of Alliance Business to Arts “Best Staff Engagement” National Award.
119 Ballsgrove, Drogheda, county Louth, Ireland.
Phone; 00353 (0)87 6888 358. E-mail ; kadakaboomarts@eircom.net

Photo used under Creative Commons from byzantiumbooks