St. Teresa's National School, Killoe, Co. Longford

'Feeling the Rhythm' performed by the St. Teresa's Tempos (First – Sixth Class) Primary Finalist, 2026 Waltons RTÉ lyric fm Music for Schools Competition The group began the process with a meeting to explore and discuss what the theme meant to them and how they could express it in their entry. They then split into smaller groups, with a student from 6th class leading each group, and returned with their ideas of what rhythm meant to them. There were a number of similarities – including mentions of beat, pulse and movement, as well how rhythm could be expressed with clapping, stamping, rhyming, clicking, shaking and tapping instruments. There were many different song ideas. One group suggested using the rhythm and melody of the song 'We Will Rock You' by Queen and writing original lyrics. So a smaller group of 4th – 6th Class students got together to write the lyrics at a later stage of the process. Some of the 6th Class students were familiar with 'The Rhythm of Life', and this song was added as well. The singers began by learning the melody line of the chorus, which evolved into learning four different parts, all with different rhythms and melodies. The original version of the song had key changes that didn't suit their guitar players, so they changed things a bit so that they could stay in the same key for the chorus and stay on an E minor chord for the transition from their first song. A favourite idea came from Mya, one of the 6th class students, who mentioned that although both of her parents are deaf and can’t hear the sound of a song, they can experience its rhythm through vibration and movement. Inspired by this, they decided to call their entry 'Feeling the Rhythm'. Mya taught the group how to sign the chorus of the original lyrics using Irish Sign Language, so every student signs the lines 'Sing it, Move it, Play it. Rhythm Rules, Let’s say it!' The performance begins with just the rhythm created by stamping and clapping and with Mya and her two friends signing the chorus before any music or singing come in. This is a representation of how rhythm can be felt in many ways. The Irish dancers in the group came up with their own rhythm to suit the melody of ‘We Will Rock You’, while the other students played tin whistle, glockenspiel, guitar, piano and percussion to accompany them. All students were actively involved throughout the entire process – composing lyrics, developing choreography, creating rhythms, singing in parts and playing instruments. The older children mentored the younger ones, ensuring that every voice was heard and included. The final piece celebrates rhythm not just as a pattern of sound, but as something everyone can experience and share together. St. Teresa's National School has participated in Music for Schools before and won Second Prize in 2024.