My Biography

A graduate of the Waterford Regional Technical College (now WIT), Julie was awarded an honours degree in Music in 1993 followed by a Higher Diploma in Education from Trinity College Dublin in 1994. She is currently completing a Masters Degree in Music Composition at WIT.

She was appointed the co-ordinator of the WIT Music School in 2008.

A lifelong interest in brass, Julie continues to play an active role in the Brass Band scene both locally, nationally and internationally. As a young brass player, she performed with the Irish Youth Orchestra and the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble. She is currently Musical Director of City of Waterford Brass, a position she has held since 1993. During her time to date the band have enjoyed competition successes, Julie was also awarded the 'Conductor's award' at the South of Ireland Band Championships in 2009.

Julie has attended many masterclasses in conducting and brass tuition with James Cavanagh, James Watson, Jim Shepherd, Gordon Higginbottom, Steve Sykes, Lloyd Landry, Derek Broadbent to name but a few.

As a composer Julie has had her composition 'Celebration Mass' for Voices, Brass, percussion and Organ performed live on RTE in December 2012. Her new mass for children 'Time to Celebrate' will be performed by a choir of 150 primary school children on June 6th 2014 as part of the Waterford 1100th Anniversary celebrations. The Cathedral, Barronstrand Street will host 1100 children for the celebration event.

Research

• Continues to work actively in the area of Music Compostion with at least two compositions being included as part of the Waterford 1100th Anniversary celebrations 2014

Teaching

A qualified 2nd level teacher,Julie has taught all aspects of the Junior and Leaving Certificate  Music programme. During her time in secondary schools Julie was also involved in the LCVP Music programme and resource intervention English programmes for 1st and 2nd year students. She also had responsibilities for conducting the various choirs within the school.

Julie has taught in the WIT Music School since 1995. Primiarily a piano teacher, Julie has also taught Music Theory, Junior Certificate Music, Choral Programme and Kids Klub classes.

Julie also introduces singing to Primary Schools in the City through Outreach Programmes as part of Waterford New Music Week.

Professional

• Co-Ordinator of the WIT Music School
• Member of the WIT Waterford New Music Week Committee
• Past Associated Board of the Royal School of Music local representative
• Musical Director, City of Waterford Brass
• (one of two) Musical Director's for the Waterford City Massed Band Charity Concerts
• Former Secretary of the Irish Association of Brass and Military Bands South East Region

Other

Other academic interests include Child Psychology, Counselling and Therapy where Julie has also undergone study programmes in those specific areas.