Feis Reflections - Singing
Rosa travelled from Scotland to participate and came highly commended in the age 10-12 category!
What a wonderful day at the Speech and Drama Teachers of Ireland Hybrid Feis finals! After taking a hiatus due to the pandemic, the Speech and Drama Teachers of Ireland decided to make their annual feis a hybrid one this year, with the first round being by video submission and the finals being held live over the course of a full day. Seven of my singing students made it to the finals in the musical theatre category after having sent in video submissions for the first round. I myself have been semi isolating since the start of the pandemic and wondered how safe I would feel in the midst of all the students and parents coming in and out of the Talbot Hotel that day, but I was delighted at how well safety was handled by the staff and attendees.
Student Alanna Patton of Wicklow took first place in the senior musical theatre category! The adjudicator remarked that what she looks for in musical theatre overall is believability. Alanna sang “When He Sees Me” from Waitress and had a lovely blend of comedy and realism. Though the others in the category gave fantastic performances, I am so happy that Alanna was recognised for her craft of acting and singing, something she has dedicated years of her time and energy to studying and perfecting.
The students had a very positive day and came out smiling, even though nerves were high. One student in particular was extremely nervous but after a quick breather and some tears she went in there and sang! I was very proud. Every time a student exposes themselves to their nerves and pushes through to perform, they learn something about how to handle their nervousness. Eventually this becomes a toolbox they can use to navigate the feelings and emotions that come with standing in front of strangers and singing.
Overall a fantastic day! I will sneaky mention that our own Niambh Doolan was the co-organiser of the entire feis and it couldn’t have run so smoothly without her time, professionalism, and lovely personality! We’re all looking forward to next year’s feis already!
-Georgia S.