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Choral Verse Speaking provides the opportunity for a group of speakers to perform a selected piece co-operatively.
The purpose of Choral Verse Speaking is the effective communication of the selection using appropriate technical and interpretive skills. Choral Verse Speaking offers great scope for young people to learn and perform together, with a unity of purpose, and is ideal for class groups.
Choral Verse Speaking encourages the development of confidence in:
- speaking clearly and fluently
- interpreting a text
- working with others
- following directions
In Grades One and Two, we have provided for the group to perform an Action Poem. For the other Grades, the choir should perform without actions.
Please refer to the section ‘How Irish Board Examiners Assess Candidates’ for detailed guidelines on the criteria used by the Irish Board during the examinations.
Choral groups should contain between 10 and 40 candidates.
Examination fees are available here.
Syllabus 2024-25
Grade One – Suggested ages: 6 – 9 years
Perform an Action Poem of your choice
Grade Two – Suggested ages: 7 – 10 years
Present two short poems, one of which may be an Action Poem
Grade Three – Suggested ages: 9 – 11 years
Present two poems of a contrasting nature
Grade Four – Suggested ages: 10 – 13 years
Present a five minute programme, suitable for a School Concert
Senior Choir – Suggested ages: 14 – 16 years
Present two short contrasting pieces
Final Choir Suggested ages: over 16 years
Present two contrasting pieces, one of which may be a prose selection