I DIDN’T know Colin O’Riordan but he was part of our family life for the past five years. From our son’s first notes on the violin, through rehearsals and performances with the Edinburgh Schools Orchestras, he was, as principal officer for instrumental music with Edinburgh’s education department, an inspiring presence. Rare it was that Patrick would emerge from playing without a reference to “Dr O’Riordan said . . .” or “Dr O’Riordan did . . .”
Rehearsals for the many orchestras that Colin founded or led would go on into the evening. As we waited for Patrick, we would marvel at Colin’s dedication. We agreed to write him a note, to say thanks and acknowledge his work in widening horizons for so many pupils from differing backgrounds.
He had the ability to enthuse and encourage without patronising. When his schools’ orchestras performed, Colin the conductor would appear in evening dress. The pupils responded to him magnificently out of affection and respect. Young people more than anyone can recognise the genuine article.
We never got round to sending him that note of thanks and now, with his tragic death last month, it is too late. After the initial shock among family, colleagues, pupils and parents, there was the realisation that his work had been a hard and solitary task in recent times. Our school brochures still pay lip-service to the “hidden curriculum”, but when the reviewers start reviewing and the money men start allocating, it’s an easy area within which to cut back resources.
Those who worked alongside Colin will tell you of his hours spent putting up staging and driving vans, all because he was convinced of the importance to the individual pupil, and to the whole community, of encouraging musical excellence, of breaking down established social barriers and allowing young people to celebrate the joy of sharing together in artistic endeavour.
What he achieved for thousands of young people was not some kind of optional extra - it went to the core of what education is all about. It transcended the narrowness of “education for work”, it soared above debates on 35-hour weeks and it reminded us that teaching is still more a vocation than career.
The fund established in his memory will help future generations of young musicians, but that will only be part of his legacy. For this teacher, and hopefully for many others, the way Colin O’Riordan operated will be a constant reminder that what we are really about is touching people’s lives in a positive and liberating manner.
Play on, Colin.
