An innovative music project which brought professional musicians into the classroom has proved a big success in the 30-pupil Hunt National School in Mohill, Co Leitrim.
Six schools took part in the project, jointly organised by Leitrim County Council and Music Network.
"They learned that there was no wrong answer, that their personal response was as important as anybody else's, and that gave them a lot of confidence. It was a wonderful experience," said teacher Ms Hazel Tuthill.
The six-week project, which involved pupils, teachers and parents, came to a conclusion this week with performances by the Callino String Quartet in each of the schools.
Since mid-September professional clarinettist Paul Roe has been visiting each of the schools once a week to give music workshops. His aim was to prepare the pupils for the visit of the quartet and to do practical work, culminating in each group creating its own composition.
The children were allowed to experiment with different instruments, to listen to classical recordings and finally to make their own "soundscapes" drawing inspiration from paintings they were shown. Each group then performed its piece along with the quartet.
The participating schools were spread around the county in Manorhamilton, Carrick-on-Shannon, Carrigallen, Ballinamore and Mohill.
Music appreciation talks for adults were also given by Leitrim-based composer Ian Wilson in each of the locations, to ensure parents were also involved. The focus of his talks were the various works to be performed by the Callino Quartet during its residency over the past week.
Since being formed in 1999, the four women, who are in their early 20s, have been described as "the most polished young string quartet that Ireland has recently produced".
Deirdre McCrea of Music Network said the project aimed to help develop the audiences of the future and enrich the children's experience of the Callino Quartet's performances.