Belfast Boys Model School

Pupils at the school have shown off their skills in making a Lambeg drum to the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Gregory Campbell, MP/MLA. He attended Belfast Boys’ Model School to inspect a Lambeg drum, specially designed and handcrafted by the schools' pupils.

Mr Campbell was accompanied on his visit to the school by David Cargo from Belfast Education and Library Board (BELB). The visitors were given the opportunity to view the drum and recognise the craftsmanship, design flair and capability of the boys who have been making it since the beginning of the academic year.

Facilitated by the Ulster-Scots Agency, 26 of the school’s year nine to thirteen pupils are currently embarking on a Lambeg Drumming initiative which was rolled out in September 2008. The project gives pupils a detailed insight into the Lambeg drum, the part it plays in Northern Ireland’s history and its relevance to Ulster-Scots culture and tradition. The pupils will also be given lessons in how to play the instrument and will later be involved in performances outside of the school, including cross community events.

The initiative seeks to foster an ever growing desire amongst young people to express their cultural identity through music and promote an understanding of the history of the Ulster-Scots. It also gives the pupils the opportunity to showcase their talent and nurture their skills in both the building and decoration of the drum.

Commenting on the unveiling of the drum, Culture Minister, Gregory Campbell commented, “It gives me great pleasure to attend Belfast Boys’ Model School and acknowledge a project that strives to educate our young people as to Northern Ireland’s great history and instil a sense of pride in our culture and heritage. The project not only allows the pupils the opportunity to display their design talent but will also allow them to effectively promote their cultural identity through such projects they are currently involved in. Northern Ireland’s future will depend on breaking down barriers to social inclusion and projects such as the Lambeg Drumming initiative will go a long way towards creating a greater understanding and respect for the Ulster-Scots within our community”.

Sharon Baird, Head of Music at Belfast Boys' Model School also commented, “It has been a great honour for the school to be involved in the Ulster Scots Agency pilot project to design and learn how to play the Lambeg drum. The initiative has sparked a keen interest in Northern Ireland’s culture among the pupils and has given them a desire to learn more about our heritage. Learning through music has given an extra dimension to the pupils creating a sense of fun and enjoyment. It has aided the subject in becoming appreciated and positively valued among our pupils.”

North Belfast MP/MLA, Nigel Dodds gave a message of support to the school, commenting, “I would like to pay tribute to Belfast Boys’ Model and commend their interest in our history and culture. This is an innovative project by the Ulster Scots Agency and I know pupils at Belfast Boys’ Model School have benefitted from this experience. It gives life to an important part of our culture and that is the best way to learn”.

The Lambeg Drumming initiative at Belfast Boys’ Model is a pilot scheme coordinated by the Ulster Scots Agency. The project has also been extended to Portadown High School and Glengormley High School, where it will be launched in September 2009.