Note:
The Official Accompanist MUST BE USED in competitions 1 - 17 inclusive.
Competitors must send to the Festival Office by post or email attachment one clear copy of their 'own choice song(s)' at the time of entry.
Competitors must also bring on the day of the competition one copy of their 'own choice' song(s) for the Adjudicator.
Entry Fee: €5.00
First Prize: The Rosie Mc Carthy Memorial Cup and Gold Medal
Second Prize: Silver Medal
Test:
Hoiby: Where the Music Comes From - Eleven Songs for Middle Voice & Piano
(see Hoiby edition) - or separately for high Voice from
https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/product/where-the-music-comes-from-20031096.html
Entry Fee: €10.00
First Prize: The Sean Walsh Memorial Cup, Gold Medal and Cash Award of €75
Second Prize: Silver Medal and Cash Award of €30
Test:
(a)
Soprano: Amy Beach: O Mistress Mine - key G (Hildergard or IMSLP)
Mezzo: Muriel Herbert: The Lake Isle of Innisfree - Key E (Presto Music)
Contralto: Arne, arr. Carse: Come, Calm Content - key D min. Boosey & Hawkes)
(b) Own Choice in contrast on recall only
Entry Fee: €10.00
First Prize: The Mick Quinn Memorial Cup, Gold Medal and Cash Award of €75
Second Prize: Silver Medal and Cash Award of €30
Test:
(a)
Tenor: Quilter: The Wine & Beauty - key F (Roger Quilter 55 Songs - High Voice)
(Hal Leonard or MSLP)
Baritone: Quilter: Go Lovely Rose - key E Flat (IMSLP)
Bass: Michael Head: MONEY O! Key G minor
(b) Own Choice in contrast on recall only
Entry Fee: €10.00
IMPORTANT NOTE:
(1) The Official Accompanist must be used for Competition No.13
(2) One copy of each song MUST be sent to our office at time of entry. This is to facilitate both singer and pianist. Entries received without sheet music cannot be accepted.
(3) Competitors must also bring on the day of the competition one copy of each song for the Adjudicator.
First Prize: The Kerryman's Association Cup, Gold Medal and Cash Award of €150 (Sponsored by Arklow Credit Union)
Second Prize: Silver Medal and Cash Award of €70
Test:
Any two contrasting pieces by Schubert, Schumann, Wolf, Brahms, Richard Strauss or Gustav Mahler. Competitor may represent one or two of the given composers.
Sponsor: Arklow Credit Union Ltd
Entry Fee: €10.00
First Prize: The Michael McCarthy Memorial Cup, Gold Medal and Cash Award of €200 (sponsored by Arklow Credit Union)
Second Prize: Silver Medal and Cash Award of €100 (sponsored by Arklow Credit Union)
Test:
One piece of own choice.
Costume may be worn.
Appropriate movement is allowed/encouraged.
Sponsor: Arklow Credit Union
NOTE:
1. In Duet or Trio competitions, an individual may only enter the same competition once.
2. Where the services of the festival accompanist are required, a clear copy of sheet music must be submitted by post or email attachment at the time of entry.
Note: In Choral Competitions, Choirs must provide their own accompaniment where applicable.
Entry Fee: €20.00
Confined to Post Primary School Choirs.
First Prize: The Sr. Agnes Perpetual Cup, Gold Medal and Cash Award of €30
Second Prize: Silver Medal
Test:
Two pieces contrasted in style and tempo, one of which MUST BE UNACCOMPANIED.
A high standard of performance will be required.
Note: Choir rehearsal facilities, including piano, will be available in the Marlborough Hall. Please contact Margaret Nolan, Seven-Eleven Shop, Abbey Street, Arklow (086) 847 3187 for details
The McMuiris Award (sponsored by Mr. Jimmy Fitzmaurice)
The Choir that receives the highest marks in Competitions 38 and 39 will receive a Cash Award of €100
Entry Fee: €25.00
Confined to Choirs of not less than 25 voices.
First Prize: The Michael Fitzpatrick Memorial Cup and Gold Medal (Presented by Avoca Singers) and Cash Award of €75
Second Prize: Silver Medal and Cash Award of €30
Test:
Two pieces contrasted in style and tempo, one of which MUST BE UNACCOMPANIED.
Entry Fee: €25.00
First Prize: The Morgan Kinsella Memorial Cup, Gold Medal (Presented by Avoca Singers) and Cash Award of €50
Second Prize: Silver Medal and Cash Award of €30
Test:
(a) Two contrasting pieces in three or four parts, of a Religious Nature.
(b) Own choice in contrast.
Entry Fee: €40.00
First Prize: The Catherine McAuley Cup, Gold Medal and Cash Award of €315
Second Prize: Silver Medal and Cash Award of €60
Test:
A selection of pieces, not to exceed 12 minutes duration, this being taken as singing time. Programme selected should show contrasting style and tempo of choral repertoire. A high standard of performance will be required and a percentage of marks will be awarded for programme construction. A choir competiting in this competition, which is also competiting in another competition MAY NOT REPEAT previously performed pieces.
Note:
1. In 'Confined' competitions, competitors attending school or receiving tuition in the Arklow postal area qualify for entry.
2. The Official Accompanist must be used in Competitions 48 – 59.
3. Competitors must also bring a copy of their own choice/recall music for the adjudicator on the day of the competition.
Entry Fee: €20.00
Orchestra members must be registered students of the school represented.
In this competition the following instruments are essential:
1st Violins, 2nd Violins, 3rd Violins and/or Violas, Cellos.
All other orchestral instruments are optional.
First Prize: The Bourke Trophy, Gold Medal and Sr. Mary Paul Joseph Cash Award of €100
Second Prize: Silver Medal and Cash Award of €30
Test:
A selection of pieces of own choice, not to exceed 15 minutes duration.
Entry Fee: €20.00
In this competition the following instruments are essential:
1st Violins, 2nd Violins, 3rd Violins and/or Violas, Cellos.
All other orchestral instruments are optional.
First Prize: Festival Award, Gold Medal and Cash Award of €100
Second Prize: Silver Medal and Cash Award of €30
Test:
A selection of pieces of own choice, not to exceed 15 minutes duration.
Entry Fee: €5.00
Competitors must be over 16 and under 24 years on January 1st, 2024.
Competitors need to provide their own accompanist.
First Prize: The Lafferty Cup and Gold Medal
Second Prize: Silver Medal
Test:
The competitior will be required to play contrasting pieces of his/her own choice. Total time not to exceed 15 minutes. A high standard of musicality and performance will be required.
Entry Fee: €5.00
N.B. Open to students receiving piano tuition solely in Counties Wicklow, Wexford & Carlow
First Prize: The O'Sullivan Trophy, Gold Medal and Cash Award of €25 sponsored by Fintan and Rhoda O'Connor
Second Prize: Silver Medal
Test:
Two contrasting pieces of own choice, not to exceed 10 minutes duration.
Competitors must be receiving piano tuition solely in Counties Wicklow, Wexford & Carlow
Entry Fee: €10.00
First Prize: The Wicklow People Cup, Gold Medal and a Cash Award of €50
Second Prize: Silver Medal and Cash Award of €30
Test:
The competitor will be required to play two contrasting pieces of own choice. Total time not to exceed 15 minutes. A high standard of musicality and performance will be required.
Entry Fee: €10.00
Conditions of Entry:
Competitors must be over 16 and under 24 years on January 1st, 2025.
Competitors must also compete in Competition No. 77 (The Wicklow People Cup).
Note:
1. Competitors MAY NOT REPEAT pieces or movements from pieces which they performed in Comp. No 77.
2. The programme to be performed must be submitted at the time of entry and MAY NOT be changed thereafter.
First Prize: Festival Trophy, Gold Medal and Cash Award of €225 will be presented to the competitor in this class showing the greatest potential as a performer.
Second Prize: Silver Medal and Cash Award of €30
Test:
(a) A movement from any Viennese Sonata (Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert, Mozart).
(b) A piece of own choice on recall only.
(c) At least one of these pieces must be played from memory.
Sponsor: Arklow Shipping Ltd
Entry Fee: €5.00
First Prize: The John Swan Award, Gold Medal and May Kavanagh Award of €200
Second Prize: Silver Medal
Test:
A selection of contrasting pieces to show technique and performance ability.
Not to exceed 12 minutes duration.
Sponsor: Executive Committee, Arklow Music Festival
Entry Fee: €5.00
Own Accompanist
Sheet music must be supplied for adjudicator
First Prize: The Crock of Gold Cup and Gold Medal (Presented by John Swan Jewellers)
Second Prize: Silver Medal
Test:
Two contrasting pieces of own choice, with or without accompaniment.
Note:
1. Please use BLOCK CAPITALS in all online entries to ensure that names of performers are correctly spelt in the festival programme. While entry via our website is the most convenient method, a separate entry must be made for each competitor. (If entering a class group see also below).
2. N.B. If a teacher wishes to enter a group of students for any verse speaking or Dán Gaeilge competition, please contact the festival office for a ‘Group Entry Form’. A separate form must be used for each age group. Forms may be copied.
3. A star system is used in the Junior Competitions (5 years and under).
4. In the following competitions a poem must be chosen from options listed. Copies of poems and Danta Gaeilge are available on request from the Festival Office.
Note:
Chun neamhchruinneas sa litriú a sheachaint scríobh ainm an pháiste I mbioclitreacha. (To avoid incorrect spelling of children’s names please use block letters on entry forms).
Beidh teacht ar an dánta go léir sna scoileanna, chomh mhaith ar fáil ar an láithreán gréasáin seo (085) 8556686
(Poems available in schools, in the Arklow Music Festival Office, Floor 3, Bridgewater Shopping Centre, Arklow Phone: (085) 8556686
125 - 126: Níl aon duais ach cuirtear an córas réalta i bhfeidhm.
(A star system of recognition is used to encourage participation)
127 - 136: An Chead Duais: Bonn Airgid
An Dara Duais: Teastas
137 - 138: An Chead Duais: Bonn Airgid
An Dara Duais: Teastas
139 - 140: An Chead Duais: Bonn Óir
An Dara Duais: Bon Airgid
Entry Fee: €3.00
Níl aon duais ach cuirtear an córas réalta i bhfeidhm
(A star system of recognition is used to encourage participation
An Chead Duais: Bonn Airgid
An Dara Duais: Teastas
Ábhar Bunaidh:
(a) Gugalaí Gug
(b) Coinín na Cásca
(c) Uisce Glé le Treasa Ní Ailpín
(d) Bogha Báistí
Entry Fee: €3.00
Níl aon duais ach cuirtear an córas réalta i bhfeidhm
(A star system of recognition is used to encourage participation)
An Chead Duais: Bonn Airgid
An Dara Duais: Teastas
Ábhar Bunaidh:
(a) Lá Fhéile Pádraig
(b) Crann le Eamonn Ó Tuathail
(c) B'fhearr liomsa Eamonn Ó Ríordáin
é
(d) Bhí Méadhbh ag Caoineadh le Seán Ó Cionnaith
Note:
1. Competition for Choral Verse Speaking will be adjudicated on the SPOKEN WORD only.
2. Conducting is permitted in these competitions.
Entry Fee: €0.00
This Award will be presented to a group in the Choral Verse Speaking section giving which gives an outstanding performance. Due to Safety Regulations, First Prize winners in competitions 143, 144, 145, 146 and 147 will not be asked to repeat their performance. The Award will be presented at the Prizewinners' Concert on Sunday 19th March, 2025.
Entry Fee: €20.00
First Prize: The Stephen Keogh Cup (Presented by Mrs. Patricia Ruttle) and Gold Medal
Second Prize: Silver Medal
Test:
A performance of a poem by a group of not less than 10 members and not more than 45, with appropriate action. Costume may be worn.
Entry Fee: €20.00
First Prize: The Mary Kavanagh Memorial Cup (Presented by the Kavanagh Family) and Gold Medal
Second Prize: Silver Medal
Test:
A performance of a poem by a group of not less than 10 members and not more than 45, with appropriate action. Costume may be worn.
SPECIAL RULES
1. Performance of a play, an excerpt from a play, a verse or an improvisation may be undertaken.
2. The emphasis in these competitions is on Dramatic Performance and Not on Musical Drama.
3. The Scripts and cast lists MUST be submitted to the Festival Registrar on or before Monday, 20th Jan. 2025. Failure to comply with this rule will result in return of entry!
4. Drama to be played against drapes. SCENERY MAY NOT BE USED!
5. In the case of props, these must be for character use only and taken away at conclusion of performance.
6. In the case of improvisation, an outline of the theme to be supplied with cast list (as at rule 3, above)
7. Plays or Extracts not to exceed 30 minutes duration.
8. Setting up time of ten minutes will be allowed from the time the previous play clears the stage.
9. Curtain may be drawn at close of Play only.
10. Only available lighting may be utilised.
11. N.B. Drama groups must be comprised a minimum of 8 players.
Note:
1. In all these competitions, awards will also be made for (a) Best Actor (male), (b) Best Actress (female) and (c) Best Producer.
2. All competitions in this section are open to Youth Clubs/ Groups, whose members qualify on age grounds.
3. The festival will, where practicable, provide as much assistance as possible in setting up the stage.
It is however, the responsibility of each group to ensure that adequate arrangements are in place to cover needs.
4. All properties MUST BE REMOVED from the hall at the end of the drama competitions.
This Perpetual Cup will be presented to the Class / Group giving the best performance of an improvisation OR play written by a teacher or group member(s).
This Perpetual Cup will be presented to the group that makes the most effective use of costume.
Entry Fee: €0.00
First Prize: Festival Award and Gold Medal
Second Prize: Silver Medal
Test: (Open to all schools, musical Societies and groups)
A song/number from any Stage Musical or Light Opera. Minimum of 4 voices.
Max 30 voices.
(Not to exceed 10 mins)
Piano accompaniment only. Own accompanist.
20% of the overall mark will be awarded for production There will be an additional production adjudication for this competition.
Entry Fee: €3.00
First Prize: Gold Medal and Certificate
Second Prize:
Test: Requirements:
Choose a favourite poem. Create the image(s) or collage as you see them. You may use any medium: crayon, watercolour, pen, pencil, poster paints, charcoal etc.
Please attach a copy of the poem to the artwork. Maximum Size: A3
Entries may be posted or delivered in person (by arrangement) to the Festival Office.
All creations will be backed and displayed during the festival.
Entry Fee: €3.00
First Prize: Gold Medal and Certificate
Second Prize:
Test: Reguirements:
Choose a favourite poem. Create the image(s) or collage as you see them.
You may use any medium: crayon, watercolour, pen, pencil, poster paints, charcoal etc.
Please attach a copy of the poem to the Artwork. Maximum Size: A3
Entries may be posted or delivered in person (by arrangement) to the Festival Office.
All creations will be backed and displayed during the Festival.
Entry Fee: €0.00
First Prize: Gold Medal and Certificate
Second Prize:
Test: Requirements:
Choose a favourite poem. Create the image(s) or collage as you see them.
You may use any medium; crayon, watercolour, pen, pencil, poster paints, charcoal etc.,
Please attach a copy of the poem to the Artwork. Maximum Size; A3
Entries may be posted or delivered in person (by arrangement) to the Festival Office
All creations will be backed and diplayed during the festival.
RULES OF COMPETITION
NOTE:
IT IS IN THE INTEREST OF COMPETITORS TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THESE RULES. THE FESTIVAL EXECUTIVE CANNOT ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR MISINTERPRETATION.
1. We encourage and welcome Online entries via our website (www.arklowmusicfestival.com). This should be the most convenient method for individual performers, duets, trios, choirs, action songs, choral verse, orchestras and drama groups. If you need some assistance or have a query, please contact the Festival Office by email (arklowmusicfestival23@gmail.com) or by phone at 085 8556686.
Entries received at Arklow Music Festival Office, 3rd Floor, Bridgewater Centre, North Quay, Arklow, Co. Wicklow will incur an administration fee of €1.50 per entrant.
2. Age of competitors (where applicable) shall be reckoned at that which they attain on 1st January 2025.
3. Entries for all competitions, MUST reach the registrar NOT LATER THAN 13th January 2025. Entries will be accepted up to 20th January 2025 on PAYMENT OF DOUBLE FEES. NO ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER 20th January. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL FEES BE RETURNED.
4. The time shown on the competitors notification will be the scheduled time at which the session commences. The Executive reserve the right to change the VENUE, TIME, or ORDER of Competitions where necessity dictates.
5. The Festival Director reserves the right to refuse entry to any intending competitor(s).
6. Prize Winners will be expected to perform (if invited) at the Prize Winners' Concert on Sunday 9th March 2025.
7. Competitors are requested to submit precise details of their own choice pieces, i.e. composers/duration on entry forms. Once submitted, these may be changed once advance notification is given.
8. Prizes or Bursaries may be withheld in whole or part IRRESPECTIVE OF THE NUMBER OF ENTRIES, if in the opinion of the adjudicators, the standard is not sufficiently high to warrant their award.
9. Competitions are open to both amateur and professional entrants.
10. The adjudicators decision on points of merit SHALL BE FINAL.
11. Teachers who have 8 or more pupils competing will receive a complimentary season ticket ON APPLICATION ONLY to the Registrar.
12. Where a time limit is specified, the adjudicator may stop the competitor when the time limit is reached.
13. The same piece may NOT BE PERFORMED by any competitor in more than one competition.
14. The decision of the Executive on all questions arising from or not provided in these rules shall be final. In the event of an objection, this must be made in writing and lodged with the secretary not later than twenty four (24) hours after completion of the competition in question. Such objections to be accompanied by a fee of €25, which will be returned in the event of the objection being upheld by the Executive. Objections submitted without fee will NOT be considered.
15. In competitions designated ‘Confined’ this shall mean confined to competitors attending school or receiving tuition in Arklow and surrounding areas.
16. In duet or trio competitions, an individual may only enter once.
17. AUDIO AND/OR VIDEO RECORDING EQUIPMENT MAY NOT BE BROUGHT INTO ANY OF THE COMPETITION VENUES. ALSO, THE TAKING OF PHOTOGRAPHS DURING COMPETITIONS IS NOT PERMITTED.
IMPORTANT
No correspondence will be replied to unless accompanied by a Stamped Self-Addressed Envelope or Valid Email Addresss.
Notes Re: Accompaniment
1. If the services of our official accompanist are required, sheet music must be supplied before 13th January 2025. An accompanist may refuse to accept music on the day.
2. The Official accompanists MUST be used in Competitions 1 to 17 (including Lieder) and Competitions 48 to 59 inclusive. Copies of choice pieces should be provided for the adjudicator on the day of the competition. Accompanist's copy must be sent by post or email attachment to the Festival Office at time of entry.
3. Choirs, Action Songs, and String Repertoire Competitors must provide their own accompanists at their own expense.
4. Private arrangements in relation to accompaniment may be made with the Festival Official Accompanist, but this is the sole responsibility of the competitor.
NOTES:
1. See also Special Rules for Schools Drama competitions.
2. Please ensure that the preceding rules are complied with to avoid unnecessary embarrassment.
3. If any competitor cannot attend on the day of competition, please contact us at the Festival Office, Floor 3, Bridgewater Shopping Centre, Arklow - (085) 8556686
FAQs
How is a competitor’s age calculated for ‘under 18, 16, 14, 12 and 10' competitions?
The age of competitors shall be reckoned as that which they attain on January 1st 2025.
Are entry fees returned if I decide to withdraw from a competition?
In general entry fees are not returned if you decide to withdraw from a competition. In exceptional circumstances or in cases of illness, with the provision of a sickness certificate from a doctor, it will be considered.
Can I change my competition if I notice later than I entered the wrong one?
As long as you give adequate notice and contact the office as soon as you can then it will be considered. If competitors are not available to appear when called for competition it may lead to disqualification from the event.
Am I allowed to enter after the official closing date?
Yes, if you pay double entrance fees up to the 20th of January 2025. No entries will be considered after this date.
Can I collect the adjudicator’s comments for another person?
No. However, a parent or guardian of each individual child is allowed to collect adjudicator’s comments.
My designated competition or performance time doesn’t suit me. Is it possible to change it?
Due to scheduling issues, it is at the discretion of the Committee whether or not this can be accommodated. Please notify the Festival office by phone or email as soon as you can so can this be decided.
Are we allowed to use cameras or other recording equipment at the festival?
Audio or visual recording equipment cannot be used inside any of the competition venues. Taking photographs is also forbidden.
Is there a limit to the choir size for competitions?
Yes, There is a limit of 55/60 voices per choirs. This is for health and safety reasons.
By what date should trophies be returned?
All cups and trophies to be returned to Margaret Nolan, Tara Hill, Gorey, Co. Wexford 086 8472187 and to be returned on or before 20th December 2025.
What do I do if I wish to make a complaint?
A complaint needs to be addressed in writing to the festival secretary on the same day of the competition and accompanied by a €25 fee which will be returned if the complaint is upheld.
Where are the result sheets available?
Results sheets containing adjudicator’s comments are available from the Secretary’s desk in each venue. Members of the public should not approach the adjudicator’s table and competitors may only collect the results sheets for their own entry.
Poetry and Dánta Gaeilge for the Arklow Music Festival 2023
Verse Speaking (6 - 7 Years)
The White Window by James Stephens
The Moon comes every night to peep
Through the window where I lie:
But I pretend to be asleep;
And watch the Moon go slowly by,
— And she never makes a sound!
She stands and stares! And then she goes
To the house that's next to me,
Stealing by on tippy-toes;
To peep at folk asleep maybe
— And she never makes a sound!
Upside Down by Aileen Fisher
It's funny how beetles
and creatures like that
can walk upside down
as well as walk flat.
They crawl on a ceiling
and climb on a wall
without any practice
or trouble at all.
While I have been trying
for a year (maybe more)
and still I can't stand
with my head on the floor.
The Witch by Percy H. Ilott
I saw her plucking cowslips,
And marked her where she stood:
She never knew I watched her
While hiding in the wood.
Her skirt was brightest crimson,
And black her steeple hat,
Her broomstick lay beside her—
I'm positive of that.
Her chin was sharp and pointed,
Her eyes were—I don't know—
For, when she turned towards me—
I thought it best—to go!
Recycling is the Greatest by Ted Scheu
The Recycling is the greatest thing,
That each of us can do.
We send our plastic out and,
it comes back as something new.
It works for glass and paper too.
We trade them in for others
I wonder if recycling works
For very bossy brothers.
Verse Speaking (8 - 9 Years)
The Cow by Robert Louis Stevenson
The friendly cow all red and white,
I laugh with all my heart:
She gives me cream with all her might,
To eat with apple tart.
She wanders lowing here and there,
And yet she cannot stray,
All in the pleasant open air,
The pleasant light of day;
And blown by all the winds that pass
And wet with all the showers,
She walks among the meadow grass
And eats the meadow flowers.
Little Trotty Wagtail by John Clare
Little trotty wagtail he went in the rain
And tittering tottering sideways he near got straight again
He stopped to get a worm and look'd up to catch a fly
And the he flew away e're his feathers they were dry.
Little trotty wagtail he waddled in the mud
And left his little foot marks trample where he would
He waddled in the water pudge and waggle went his tail
And chirrupt up his wings to dry upon the garden rail.
Little trotty wagtail you nimble all about
And in the dimpling water pudge you waddle in and out
Your home is nigh at hand and in the warm pigsty
So little Master Wagtail I'll bid you a 'Good bye".
Windy Nights by Robert Louis Stevenson
Whenever the moon and stars are set,
Whenever the wind is high,
All night long in the dark and wet,
A man goes riding by.
Late in the night when the fires are out,
Why does he gallop and gallop about?
Whenever the trees are crying aloud,
And ships are tossed at sea,
By, on the highway, low and loud,
By at the gallop goes he.
By at the gallop he goes, and then
By he comes back at the gallop again.
Fairy Story by Steve Smith
I went into the wood one day
And there I walked and lost my way
When it was so dark I could not see
A little creature came to me
He said if I would sing a song
The time would not be very long
But first I must let him hold my hand tight
Or else the wood would give me a fright
I sang a song, he let me go
But now I am home again there is nobody I know.
Verse Speaking (10 - 11 Years)
The Cradle Song by Padraic Colum
O men from the fields,
Come gently within.
Tread softly, softly
O men coming in!
Mavourneen is going
From me and from you,
Where Mary will fold him
With mantle of blue!
From reek of the smoke
And cold of the floor
And the peering of things
Across the half-door.
O men of the fields,
Soft, softly come thro'
Mary puts round him
Her mantle of blue.
The Balloon Man by Rose Fyleman
He always comes on market days
And holds balloons – a lovely bunch –
And in the market square he stays,
And never seems to think of lunch.
They're red and purple, blue and green,
And when it is a sunny day
The carts and people get between
You see them shining far away.
And some are big and some are small,
All tied together with a string.
And if there is a wind at all
They tug and tug like anything.
Some day perhaps he'll let them go
And we shall see them sailing high,
And stand and watch them from below —
They would look pretty in the sky!
Someone by Walter De La Mare
Someone came knocking
At my wee, small door;
Someone came knocking,
I'm sure — sure — sure;
I listened, I opened,
I looked to left and right,
But nought there was a-stirring
In the still, dark night;
Only the busy beetle
Tap-tapping in the wall,
Only from the forest
The screech owl's call,
Only the cricket whistling
While the dewdrops fall,
So I know not who came knocking,
At all, at all, at all.
I’ve Had This Shirt by Michael Rosen
I’ve had this shirt
That’s covered in dirt
For years and years and years
It used to be red but I wore it in bed
And it went grey
Cos I wore it all day
For years and years and years
The arms fell off
In the Monday wash
And you can see my vest
Through the holes in my chest
For years and years and years
As my shirt falls apart
I’ll keep the bits
In a biscuit tin
On the mantelpiece.
Verse Speaking (12 - 13 Years)
White Fields by James Stephens
I
In the winter time we go
Walking in the fields of snow;
Where there is no grass at all;
Where the top of every wall,
Every fence, and every tree,
Is as white as white can be.
II
Pointing out the way we came,
-Every one of them the same-
All across the fields there be
Prints in silver filigree;
And our mothers always know,
By the footprints in the snow,
Where it is the children go.
The Star by Jane Taylor
TWINKLE, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are !
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.
When the blazing sun is gone,
When he nothing shines upon,
Then you show your little light,
Twinkle, twinkle, all the night.
Then the trav'ller in the dark,
Thanks you for your tiny spark,
He could not see which way to go,
If you did not twinkle so.
In the dark blue sky you keep,
And often thro' my curtains peep,
For you never shut your eye,
Till the sun is in the sky.
'Tis your bright and tiny spark,
Lights the trav'ller in the dark :
Tho' I know not what you are,
Twinkle, twinkle, little star.
Autumn by John Clare
I love the fitfull gusts that shakes
The casement all the day
And from the mossy elm tree takes
The faded leaf away
Twirling it by the window-pane
With thousand others down the lane
2
I love to see the shaking twig
Dance till the shut of eve
The sparrow on the cottage rig
Whose chirp would make believe
That spring was just now flirting by
In summers lap with flowers to lie
3
I love to see the cottage smoke
Curl upwards through the naked trees
The pigeons nestled round the coat
On dull November days like these
The cock upon the dung-hill crowing
The mill sails on the heath agoing
4
The feather from the ravens breast
Falls on the stubble lea
The acorns near the old crows nest
Fall pattering down the tree
The grunting pigs that wait for all
Scramble and hurry where they fall
Verse Speaking (14 Years)
Four poems are provided below but any Yeats poem may be chosen.
The Little Waves of Breffny by Eva Gore-Booth
The grand road from the mountain goes shining to the sea,
And there is traffic in it and many a horse and cart,
But the little roads of Cloonagh are dearer far to me,
And the little roads of Cloonagh go rambling through my heart.
A great storm from the ocean goes shouting o’er the hill,
And there is glory in it and terror on the wind,
But the haunted air of twilight is very strange and still,
And the little winds of twilight are dearer to my mind.
The great waves of the Atlantic sweep storming on their way,
Shining green and silver with the hidden herring shoal,
But the Little Waves of Breffny have drenched my heart in spray,
And the Little Waves of Breffny go stumbling through my soul.
Daffodils by William Wordsworth
I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
A Boy’s Song by James Hogg
WHERE the pools are bright and deep,
Where the grey trout lies asleep,
Up the river and over the lea,
That 's the way for Billy and me.
Where the blackbird sings the latest,
Where the hawthorn blooms the sweetest,
Where the nestlings chirp and flee,
That 's the way for Billy and me.
Where the mowers mow the cleanest,
Where the hay lies thick and greenest
There to track the homeward bee,
That 's the way for Billy and me.
Where the hazel bank is steepest,
Where the shadow falls the deepest,
Where the clustering nuts fall free,
That 's the way for Billy and me.
Why the boys should drive away
Little sweet maidens from the play,
Or love to banter and fight so well,
That 's the thing I never could tell.
But this I know, I love to play
Through the meadow, among the hay;
Up the water and over the lea,
That 's the way for Billy and me
Verse Speaking - The Yeats Competition (14 years and over)
The Lake Isle of Innisfree by W. B. Yeats
I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;
Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honey-bee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.
And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,
Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight’s all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evening full of the linnet’s wings.
I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,
I hear it in the deep heart’s core.
He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven by W. B. Yeats
HAD I the heavens' embroidered cloths,
Enwrought with golden and silver light,
The blue and the dim and the dark cloths
Of night and light and the half-light,
I would spread the cloths under your feet:
But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
Down by the Salley Gardens by W. B. Yeats
Down by the salley gardens
my love and I did meet;
She passed the salley gardens
with little snow-white feet.
She bid me take love easy,
as the leaves grow on the tree;
But I, being young and foolish,
with her would not agree.
In a field by the river
my love and I did stand,
And on my leaning shoulder
she laid her snow-white hand.
She bid me take life easy,
as the grass grows on the weirs;
But I was young and foolish,
and now am full of tears.
To a Child Dancing in the Wind by W. B. Yeats
I
DANCE there upon the shore;
What need have you to care
For wind or water’s roar?
And tumble out your hair
That the salt drops have wet;
Being young you have not known
The fool’s triumph, nor yet
Love lost as soon as won
,Nor the best labourer dead
And all the sheaves to bind.
What need have you to dread
The monstrous crying of wind?