Young Longford musicians play sweet tune

As part of Music Generation Longford, young musicians from St Teresa’s NS Killoe and Ardscoil Phadraig alongside young people from Music Generation Cavan/Monaghan, Music Generation Leitrim and Music Generation Roscommon delivered an explosive performance at the Longford Arms Hotel on Saturday, November 19.

Music Generation Local Music Education Partnerships in Cavan/Monaghan, Leitrim, Longford, and Roscommon recently joined forces with Music Network to create and deliver an innovative musical project dedicated to young musicians across the mid-west.

The project, led by acclaimed musician, composer and musical director Sid Peacock, involved the formation of an inclusive space where young musicians from across each county could collaborate and create.

This unique partnership between four Music Generation areas and Music Network created monthly opportunities for young musicians from rural Ireland to engage with and learn from internationally recognised, professional musicians.

The musical troupe were supported by Local Musician Educators and guest musicians including Esosa Ighodaro (voice), Éamonn Cagney (percussion), Niwel Tsumbu (guitar) and Tara Breen (Fiddle).

Throughout the Creative Sounds programme, young participants were encouraged to find their own voice through music and use that to compliment that of their peers. They contributed to all aspects of the creative process, working together to create, compose and perform an original piece of music inspired by a range of musical genres. Creative Sounds aspired to stretch their abilities, grow their knowledge, expand their skills and inspire.

The programme has united young musicians with backgrounds and interests in a diverse range of musical genres including rock/pop, Irish traditional, folk and classical. For some young people, this was their very first opportunity to perform and compose.

Emily Mulroy aged 11, from Ballinalee in Longford is a pupil of St Teresa’s School, Killoe and was the youngest participant in the programme.

Emily played drums as part of the orchestra and said, “I loved the music generation project and getting to work with a conductor, other Music Generation groups and with Jack in our weekly rehearsals in Lus na Greine. Thanks to everyone for a great time. Hopefully I can do it again next year.”

Chief Executive of Longford Westmeath Education and Training Board, Liz Lavery, was in attendance alongside Director of Schools Brian Higgins, both praising the performance, talent and the dedication of the young people.

Ms Lavery continued, “It is a testament to the work of each Music Generation area and fantastic to see the continued collaboration so that young people from County Longford can engage with other musicians their own age on such an exciting project.

“It is brilliant to see the close partnerships being formed across the regions with Music Generation areas working together to expand the opportunities for young people.”