Musical trio who stuck together through school

Musical trio who stuck together through school

6 July 2016

THREE childhood friends from the district celebrated a unique achievement yesterday when they graduated together from the Ulster University with music degrees.

Best pals Joshua Murray, from Saul, and Crossgar duo, David Smyth and Conor McErlane, attended the same primary and secondary schools and studied the same course at university.

The musical trio, who are all 21 and live just a few miles apart, inspired each other to follow their passion for music and were side by side yesterday when they graduated from Ulster University’s Magee campus with honours in music.

Joshua is a keen clarinet and saxophone player, David enjoys guitar while Conor loves the drums. They were in a band as children and maintain a strong bond to this day. 

“Myself, Conor and Josh all ended up studying for a degree in music at Ulster University,” explained David. “Since we were younger, we have always had a keen interest in the performance and study of music which over many years has strengthened our close bond of friendship.

“We all went to St Joseph’s Primary School in Crossgar and St Patrick’s Grammar in Downpatrick. Also, the three of us all studied music at GCSE and A-level together. We could have potentially all been at different universities but I am extremely happy that I have got to spend the past three years with my best friends. I am very lucky.”

Reflecting on special moments during their time studying together, David recalled the trio sang in the Scottish parliament buildings in Edinburgh with the university choir. They also sang for former US President Bill Clinton in the Guildhall Square in Derry.

Conor, who through his studies had an opportunity to play at the iconic Carnegie Hall in New York alongside Joshua, said music has always been a huge part of the trio’s lives.

“Everyone in my family either played an instrument or was involved in music in some capacity. I wanted to pursue my passion for playing music, especially my favourite instrument, the drums,” he continued.

“Coming into the degree I had difficulty with music theory but, through the amazing lecturers, I was able to overcome this and if it wasn’t for them I would not have achieved the classification I was awarded. Going to university has also shown me that living away from home can be a daunting but amazing experience, especially when you live with some of your best friends. It has also shown me that budgeting money is not as easy as you would think.”

All three, who lived in Derry together while studying, paid tribute to each other and their university lecturers for their help on the course.

“Anything that we didn’t understand, we came together to help each other and tutor each other through those obstacles,” said Joshua.

“I think every student says the same, but I’d like to thank my lecturers for helping me through my degree. I couldn’t have done it without them. I truly believe the lecturers in the music degree such as Dr Linley Hamilton and Dr Shaun Ryan have done themselves proud.”

Joshua added: “I have been touched by the dedication and passion they have to teach and become a role model for each student. They became friends of their students, not just teachers.”

Having graduated, David hopes to become a primary school teacher and has secured a place on the Primary Education PGCE course at Ulster University, while Conor hopes to secure a job in instrumental teaching/tutoring or in the field of sound engineering. 

Joshua’s dream is to become a leading saxophonist on the Irish music scene and to complete a Masters Degree in Performance.