Easter happenings with Music Generation Longford

The workshop will offer an array of trad instruments for people to try including Bodhrán, Banjo, Fiddle, Harp, Concertina and Whistle. Angelina and Noel Carberry will again be available, alongside well-known whistle player and singer Teresa Costello and Harpist Elisabeth Affolter. The workshops are free, with no sign-up required.

The Music Generation Longford is also launching an Easter Songwriting Programme which will run from Monday, April 3 to Thursday, April 6 from 10am to 2pm daily in the LWETB.

This is a unique opportunity for our young musicians to further their skills and gain some incredible mentorship alongside very experienced, well-known musicians.

The young musicians will work alongside the Music Generation Music Educators and two special musician mentors from Brave Giant (pictured below). Brave Giant has been one of Ireland’s most successful bands in recent years, releasing an EP, and an album, playing many festivals, including the 3Arena and selling out the 3Olympia Theatre. Their songs have garnered millions of listeners across streaming platforms.

Their unique approach to songwriting led to their massive success and their locality to Longford makes them the perfect mentors to young budding musicians. During this four-day programme, each person will be encouraged to craft their lyrics, putting them to music. Every musician will be nurtured to find their voice.

There is a place for every age, and every instrument as collaborative songwriting will be encouraged to work alongside their peers to finalise their pieces. Existing bands from Longford Sounds can work together to create their band song but individuals will also be paired accordingly with the aim that by Thursday everyone has contributed to a finished song.

To end the Thursday, they will host an open mic afternoon in a local coffee shop, for parents to come along and enjoy tea and a tune as the young musicians perform their pieces. It is a nurturing supportive environment to give everyone at every level an opportunity to play their original work.

This is a massive chance for everyone to develop as musicians and we really encourage everyone to take part. Young musicians from across the county are invited to register but a level of musicianship must be present. It is open to all levels but not suitable for complete beginners.

The programme is priced at €40 plus booking fee and must be registered and paid for in advance. Email musicgenerationlongford@lwetb.ie for a registration form.

'Try Trad' day in Granard Library is on Wednesday, April 5, not April 12 as previously advertised. Music Generation Longford is locally managed by Longford Music Education Partnership, led by Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board and Longford County Council.