Welcome to Accora Orchestra - originally known as the Castletown Accordion Orchestra, it was formed in 1981 as a marching band. In 1993, the current musical director, John Chilton took over and changed the band to an accordion orchestra. They have won numerous titles at All Ireland level and at other national events held throughout the country including the Northern Ireland Open Accordion Championships. Individual members have won numerous solo, duet and ensemble competitions.

There are currently 5 Accora Accordion Orchestras.
- The Beginner Orchestra, conducted by Karen Smyth
- The Primary Orchestra, conducted by Sara Brennan
- The Junior Orchestra Conducted by Yvonne Chilton
- The Intermediate Orchestras, conducted by Sara Brennan
- The Senior Orchestra, conducted by John Chilton.

The Orchestra has travelled to Scotland, England, Spain, Italy, The Czech Republic and Austria taking part in various festivals. To date, their most impressive achievements have been winning Akkordeon-Orchester Jugend (Youth Orchestra) and placing 2nd our of 24 orchestras in the Erwachsene Oberstufe A (Adults Advanced Orchestra) and placing 4th in the Akkordeon-Orchester Schuler Elementarstufe (Accordion Orchestra Kids Elementary Level) at the World Music Festival May 2025. Previously winning the Akkordeon-Orchester Schuler Elementarstufe (Accordion Orchestra Kids Elementary Level), and Akkordeon-Ensemble mit Dirigent erwachsene Oberstufe (Accordion Ensemble with Conductor Adults Advanced Level) at the World Music Festival in May of 2019. They have also been successful in winning the International Accordion Days in Prague Festival at 2 levels Under 19 Orchestra and the Light Music Section in November of 2016, Winning the European Accordion Championships in April 2006 and in 2007 they travelled to Innsbruck, Austria, where the Senior Orchestra was placed 2nd out of 30 and the Junior Orchestra was placed 3rd out of 11 at the World Accordion Championships.

World Champion's Accora U21 Orchestra &
Accora U16 Orchestra

ACCORA ORCHESTRA

Mission Statement

Accora Orchestra aims to provide the highest quality musical education possible to meet the needs of all its students within the limits of available resources and within an environment and ethos that promotes mutual respect and where personal standards of work and behaviour are high. Our hope is that students develop a love of music and grow and develop to recognise their full musical potential.

The Orchestra is committed to maintaining a supportive partnership with parents, schools, the local community and the parishes from which members come.

The teachers, the orchestra’s most valued resource, are supported and encouraged in their work and we aim to promote their individual and corporate development through supportive structures and both internal and external training

TO REGISTER CLICK ON REGISTRATION TAB
AT TOP OF THIS PAGE!!

Advantages of Learning Music.

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Did you know that learning to read and play Music can help a child's self confidence, concentration and overall development? We are now enrolling new members. You DO NOT need an accordion - we provide one. New Beginner Classes starting 9th September for Junior Infants to Adults. Classes held each week in St. Killian's National School, Mullagh, Co. Cavan. To enrol click on the registration tab above & follow the steps. We welcome every age group from Junior Infants to Adult. You will learn to read and play music and be part of our world standard orchestras. Our musicians currently come from Cavan/ Meath/ Dublin & Kildare !! It is well a known fact that there are huge benefits for children who learn music.

We Have:

Over 70 members in 5 orchestras from Beginners to Advanced
Instruction by fully qualified teachers
Instruments taught are accordion and percussion
Opportunities for exams, competitions, great friends and foreign travel
Interested in joining?
Please contact us by Phone ON 087-9949006/ 087-7842430 if you would like to ask us any questions.

Mini Musicians Class

VENUE:

Lessons are held in St. Killian's Primary School, Mullagh, Co.Cavan each Friday evening.

FEES:
If you own an accordion the fee is €11 per child per week, €22 for two children and a third child from the same family is half price. Percussion fee is €11 per child per week. Mini Musician & Recorder Classes are €7 per week, payable in advance at the beginning of each month. Theory & accordion rental carries additional costs.

ACCORDIONS:
Children need an accordion to practice on. If you don't have an accordion we will provide your child with one for just €5 per week capped at €150 euro.

ENROLLMENT:
Please fill out the Registration form above. If you have any questions you can contact us by phone Yvonne Chilton on 046-9245905, Ben Sheridan on 046-9054371, Sara on 087-7842430 or you can come down to St. Killian's Primary School, Virginia Road, Mullagh on Friday's between 5 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. Students from Junior Infants, Senior Infants & 1st Class are welcome for our Mini Musician & Recorder Classes and 2nd class upwards to learn accordion and percussion!!

We started a "Mini Musicians Class" for children from Junior infants up and it has been a fantastic success. The children developed in all aspects of music with many children moving onto recorders the following year. The classes are held on a Friday evening in St. Killian's National School, Mullagh. The class "Mini Musicians" is aimed at Junior & Senior Infants students who would like to begin music lessons.

In the classes the children learn to read music and start off playing percussion instruments both tuned & untuned. The learning is in a fun environment with music games and activities the basis to the children's learning. The Classes are €5 per class, paid monthly.

To enrol for these classes you can fill out our registration form or contact Sara on 087-7842430 who will answer and questions you may have about this new class!!