A Laois school is one of only ten schools nationwide to have taken part in a prestigious composing programme.

'Composers in the Classroom' is a youth composition programme which gives secondary school students across Ireland the opportunity to create their own piece of choral music.

Between September and December 2025, a selection of Ireland’s leading composers traveled to schools across the country to coach students in the creative process of composing for a SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) choir.

Pictured: St Fergal's College students attend National Concert Hall performance

Fifth year students at St Fergal's College in Rathdowney were chosen for this programme, and recently took to the National Concert Hall to hear their four compositions performed. 

The Rathdowney school has strong musical foundations, under the expert guidance of music teacher Vicky Murphy.

In 2020, the school was named a finalist in the Walton's RTÉ Lyric FM Music for Schools competition, which was then interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2023, students took part in a concert alongside renowned theatre performer Rebecca Storm.

The school recently held their annual musical, a sold-out performance of 'High School Musical'. See photos of the shows here.

In this music programme, the Rathdowney students were mentored by composers as they created their own pieces of choral music, and had their works brought to life in a professional recording and gala performance by Chamber Choir Ireland.

Congratulations to 5th Year music students Molly Cassin, Oonagh Byrne, Taylor Fogarty, Abigail Dempsey, Zi Nanetti and Nellija Henina on composing the fantastic four songs.

Pictured: Students from ten schools at the gala

The 5th year music class all travelled to the National Concert Hall on Monday January 26, to collaborate with the Chamber Choir's composer Tom Lane and conductor David Young. The students got to hear their songs in four part harmony, and the songs were recorded in the studio for them. 

"This was a fantastic experience for the students and they were delighted to hear the songs they composed," music teacher Ms Vicky Murphy told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"On Friday January 30 the students attended the Gala Concert in The National Concert Hall. This concert was to showcase all ten schools that participated in 'Composers In The Classroom'," Ms Murphy explained.

Students Molly Cassin and Oonagh Byrne composed the piece 'We Can Make a Difference'. 'The Frost' was composed by students Abigail Dempsey and Taylor Fogarty. Nellija Henina composed the song 'We Belong'. Lastly, student Zi Nannetti composed the song 'To Be'.

"This was a great experience and thoroughly enjoyed joyed by all the students," Ms Murphy praised.