News

Our new Mouthbox Vocal group has been drawn from students around Co Carlow in 5th + 6th  class.

These students attend Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál every Wednesday and are working closely with Alison Behan, Paula Phelan, Marian Gaynor and Anita Mahon our Music Generation vocal team.

They will learn how to use their voices and body through popular music repertoire to perform a wide range of music.

The 35 young people were nominated into the group towards the ends of the academic year.

Adam Watchorn

Agnieszka Kramarczyk

Aisling Byrne

Allanah Murphy

Antonia McCabe

Brianna Donnelly

Catriona Kinsella

Chloe Duffy Boland

Danielle O’Driscoll

Daniel Picovici

Eimer Cowman

Emily Jeffares

Hannah Coakley

Holly Tucker

Jake Foran

James Hayden

Jessica Mahar

Katelyn Tomkins

Lisa Byrne

Mairead Murphy

Marco Emad

Miriam Oglesby

Molly Carroll

Nadine Coogan

Nancy Lin

Nicole O’Riordan

Nicole Salmon

Noah Haughney

Rachel Bello

Robert Butnaru

Shannen Dermody

Sophie Mahon

Toby Garland

Tom Byrne

Bradley Doyle

Yemi Olleede

The above participants attend the local schools below:

• Ardattin National School
• Ballinabranna National School
• Ballon National School
• Carlow National School
• Carlow Presentation College
• Clonegal National School
• FCJ Secondary School, Bunclody
• Holy Family Girls National School
• Kildavin National School
• Nurney National School
• Queen of the Universe National School
• Scoil Mhuire Lourdes, Tullow
• St Bridgets National School, Bagenalstown
• St Columbas National School, Tullow
• St Fiacc’s National School
• St Kevin’s National School, Dunlavin
• St Mary’s National School, Bagenalstown

Music Generation Carlow‘s Reelig were invited on 08/07/2017 by the President of Ireland / Uachtarán na hÉireann Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins to the final Garden Party of the year No.8/8 . 

Reelig were also trilled to have meet President Michael D Higgins, wife Sabina Higgins, Paddy Casey, Vinci and Fionnula Flanagan. Directed by their tutors, musicians Áine Donohue and Ciarán Somers, ‘Reelig’ performed an electric set for the President, Sabina Higgins and more. 

The young musicians performing on the day were Thomas O’Donoghue (Button Accordion); Colm Broderick (Uileann Pipes, Flute, Whistle); Meadhbh Broderick (Flute, Whistle); Niamh Nolan (Flute, Whistle); Shane Nolan (Fiddle); Conor McDermott (Banjo); Jack Gladney (Guitar); Oisín Byrne (Bodhrán); and Katie Brennan (Concertina).

It was a wonderful afternoon of entertainment and congratulations to the young musicians, for there fantastic performance on the day. 

Music Generation Carlow are delighted to introduce a very exciting Suzuki Violin programme to their September calendar.

This programme is suited to children who will be entering Junior Infants and Senior infants class in September. The key aspects of the Suzuki method is the committing of a common repertoire to memory, which enables the students to perform their pieces together as a group, with emphasis on developing social skills, cognition, physical co-ordination and FUN!

It has been a very busy and exciting year for all the participants of MG Carlow. The Gala Concert  included a selection of students in the area from primary school programmes to after school Hubs, C.R.Y.S, Junior Rock School, Reelíg and Reelog. Together they performed a series of vibrant sets and tunes.

The event took place on Wednesday & Thursday, May 24 & 25 2017 at the George Bernard Theater Shaw, Carlow.

Students from the Music Generation Carlow programme experience the vital opportunity to collaborate on stage in front of a large audience on both nights. The stage was filled with the sound of young Irish musicians playing and singing.

Well done to all who participated and we would like to thank everyone who helped make both nights a Huge success.

Music Generation Carlow is part of Music Generation, Ireland’s National Music Education Programme, initiated by Music Network.

Please click on the link below to view the videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cmSh5iBQ9s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMcCGzdsdz4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSAPoWZGIhA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7XG5u3wvck

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rViR11159Lw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzE-Q9b4JGk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5r87JwoLR4c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCLhqbe3LPY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8Tw98VHXS0

Video credits to Greg – Hedgehog productions

Photo credits to Michael O’Rourke photography

Sound and Lighting credits to Steven Corry – Premier Sound

Reelig were invited to represent Music Generation Carlow at Dublin Castle to perform a set of tunes on Thursday 25th May 2017.

Reelig performed in front of a large audience including Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD and  the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys TD.An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD announced,31 Local Authority Culture & Creativity Plans as part of the Creative Ireland Programme. This is a five-year initiative, starting from 2017-2022.

For more information regarding the 31 Local Authority Culture & Creativity Plans, please visit  creative.ireland.ie

Click on the link below to view the performance by Reelig:

Music Generation Carlow Young Ambassadors, Reelig

The Vocal Week took part on Monday 15th-Monday 22nd May 2017. Local students from National Schools all over Carlow took part in the vocal week. These students learned exciting, fun and energetic vocal material exploring popular music, world music and the art of vocal percussion during the year. The Students learned to develop their confidence to perform in front of a large audience, as well as to exposure to a wide range of different musical genres.

The focus of every class was remarkable, they learned how to develop vocal skills in a fun but developmental way!

The concerts took part in Church Sacred Heart, Borris, St. Andrew’s Church, Bagenalstown, Murphy Memorial Hall, Tullow and  St. Mary’s Church, Carlow.

A special thanks to our Music Generation Carlow Vocal team: Marian Gaynor, Trish Clarke, Anita Mahon, Elspeth Hayes and Ali Behan.Piano Accompaniment Aoife Kavanagh and Stephen Corry for Sound.

 Ceol Connected embarked on a nationwide tour in May with The Far Field, and Music Generation Carlow were invited. 

Many participants from our Early Childhood sector aged from 3-7, enjoyed an irresistibly joyful and spellbinding musical tale, infused with traditional music, puppetry, and folklore.

The Far Field told the story of a farmer who, on one Summer’s day, discovers a magical whistle hidden in a hare’s nest!  Suspecting it belongs to the fairy folk who live at the edge of the farm, the farmer believes that the whistle should be returned to its’ rightful owners and so begins the journey of discovery into the magical world of fairies.

“The otherworldly realm of fairies is brought to life in this musical performance through traditional music for young children, developed and performed by Dr. Thomas Johnston (whistles and song) with Sean McElwain (whistles, guitar and fiddle), and Emma Fisher (puppeteer)

The Far Field, written by Dr. Thomas Johnston, in the George Bernard Shaw Theatre was held on Thursday 11^th May 2017

Music Generation Carlow were very excited to be part of this years “BRASS OFF”  hosted by Music Generation Cork City. 19 young musicians from Carlow’s Music Generation traveled to Cork City to take part in “Brass-Off” .

The three day musical jamboree ran from Monday 10th – Wednesday 12 April  at Cork Institute of Technology’s ‘School of Music’.

The players performed a full brass and reed band, coming together to rehearse and perform the work as a cross-county ensemble. Over the three days there were also opportunities for the young musicians to explore their technique and develop their skills in smaller groups and sectionals.

We were lucky to have worked with the incredible Barrack Street Band, Foxford Brass and Reed Band representing Music Generation Cork City and Music Generation Mayo.

117 young traditional musicians from Carlow , Laois, Donegal, Cork, Louth, Wickow and Clare arrived to Borris, Co Carlow for a jam-packed few days of tuition and performances led by traditional musicians: Tola Custy (Fiddle), Damien Mullane (Accordion), Ernestine Healy (Concertina), Mikie Smyth (Uilleann Pipes), Michael Rooney (Harp), James Mahon (Flute), Aimee Farrell Courtney (Bodhrán), Liam Bradley (Accordion), Niall Murphy (Fiddle), Clara Mannion (Concertina) and Tim Doyle (Uilleann Pipes).

The first concert kicked off on Wednesday night 22nd February at the Step House Hotel, Borris by the professional musicians. The evening was a great success, and many people arrived to see the musicians perform. The concert had displayed some of the best traditional musicians from Ireland, and the area of Borris was the perfect backdrop for this musical treat.

The second concert was the finale, held on Thursday 23rd February at the Step House Hotel: all the young musicians took to the stage and performed a full set each. Crowds from all over Ireland attended the concert to see the young musicians perform. After the concert, the young musicians were delighted to attend the disco that had been organised, as a reward for their hard work.

A hugh thank you to the musicians, young musicians, the principal and staff of Borris Vocational School who supported us and allowed the school hall to be transformed into a girls and boys dorm for three days.

We will look forward to M@ML 2018

M@ML is a Music Generation Carlow initiative, funded through the National Projects partnership fund.

Music Generation have just released some new research surrounding the entire success and impact of the programme around Ireland.

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Are you aged between 13-18 years and interested in learning more about song-writing, recording producing, band development and the music industry?

Then we invite you to apply for this brilliant opportunity with MG Carlow at the Rock School @ The Vault, Burrin Street, Carlow!

Spaces are limited to 25 places for the year and are filling up fast!

Please email amclaughlin@kcetb.ie as soon as possible to reserve your place.  Applications close on Thursday 22nd September @ 5pm.

The workshop costs €10 and will take place on one Sunday a month starting on Sunday 25th September from 10am-1pm.

Please call 059-9138532/9138538 for more information.

Day 8 of the Carlow Young Creatives project here in Carlow

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What a journey Week 1 has been for the Carlow Young Creatives!

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Carlow Young Creatives, facilitated by Wall2Wall Music and funded under the Music Generation/Arts Council Partnership Programme, is currently underway here in Scoil Mhuire gan Smal NS Carlow.

The 30 participants are all aspiring young musicians, aged between 13-18 years, from across Carlow who enjoy writing and performing music,  both as an individual or group member.  The Carlow Young Creatives project allows the students the chance to explore the art of music making today and they are currently being guided day to day through the creative music-making process by the team of musicians and sound engineers from Wall2Wall Music.

So far the participants have been challenged to write their own material, compose their own melody lines, perform in front of their peers and consider the marketing direction of their band.

The 5 bands, consisting of 6 members each, all have a unique style and image and play a range of musical styles from traditional Irish to pop.

They will get the opportunity to record their own material towards the end of this week and here at Music Generation Carlow we are really excited to watch and experience the growth and development of these young musicians over the course of the next 2 weeks.

Tickets are still available for the Carlow Young Creatives  concert in The George Bernard Shaw Theatre, Carlow.  Tickets are free but you are advised to reserve tickets from the MG Carlow office by emailing amclaughlin@kcetb.ie or phoning the box office on 059-9172400

~Young Creatives

Over 30 young aspiring musicians from Carlow are set to enter the world of creative music-making for 2 weeks from the 1st-14 August when they participate in the exciting Carlow Young Creatives band development project facilitated by Wall2Wall music in Scoil Mhuire gan Smal NS in Carlow.

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We currently have availability for 2016-2017 on a number of different instruments in our county-wide instrument bank.

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MGC is calling for Early Years and Vocal music educators for 2016/2017.

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A choir of seven Music Generation Young Ambassadors, including four young singers from Carlow, joined U2 guitarist The Edge in making history as they performed live at the Sistine Chapel, Rome, on Saturday, 30 April as part of a conference on regenerative medicine, Cellular Horizons.

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Calling All Young Musicians.  MGC NEEDS YOU!

Young Carlow musicians (between the ages of 13-18 years) are invited to apply for a band development opportunity that will run throughout the first two weeks of August 2016 in Carlow Vocational School. Pioneered by Sarah Murphy and the team at Wall2Wall music, this opportunity will allow aspiring musicians to develop their skills, by exploring song-writing, improvisation, recording and production of their own music.  Submissions are invited from musicians of all genres of music including rock, pop, traditional and technology.

This two week opportunity costs €40 and applications will be accepted by downloading the form below and returning to Paula Phelan by post to Music Generation Carlow, KCETB Offices, Athy Road, Carlow or by email to pphelan@kcetb.ie

Funded under the Music Generation/Arts Council Partnership

Carlow Young Creatives Summer Course Registration Form

Are you an intermediate/advanced secondary school traditional musician between the age of 13-18 years?

Interesting in playing really high quality traditional music in a fun and friendly environment?

Then REELIG needs you!

Reelig is MGC’s young traditional group directed by Aine Donohoe and Ciaran Somers who meet regularly to play exciting and challenging traditional repertoire.  REELIG has represented MGC at a number of local and national events over the past year and were recently participants in the 2nd staging of the Music @ Mount Leinster festival in Borris, Co. Carlow.

We are holding  auditions on Friday 13th May.  If you are interested in auditioning for a place in REELIG please email pphelan@kcetb.ie

Music Generation Carlow is pleased to announce its’ first children’s music festival- CURIOSO

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Yet again another fantastic few days was had in Borris between the 16-18th February last for the 2nd Music @ Mount Leinster traditional music festival.

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We are fast approaching the 2nd running of the Music @ Mount Leinster traditional music festival in Borris Vocational School, Co. Carlow from 16th-18th February 2016.

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Invited childcare facilities who currently participate on the Little People Big Voices programme enjoyed the beautiful participatory song-story event called The Quiet Tree last week, delivered by Thomas Johnston and Ceol Connected.

The two-day event in the VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art and Design in Carlow  took place on the 10th and 11th December 2015.  The Quiet Tree tells the story of Whistleberry Forest- a magical land of music, song, dance and adventures aimed at young children between the ages of 2-5 years.

This special music workshop invites the children to travel on a magical journey to Whistleberry Forest where they meet special creatures such as Faolain the Frog, and try to find the lost song hidden under the branches of the trees that lie there.  The participants are also invited to help creatures such as Oran the Owl, Rossa the Rabbit, Sorley the Slug and many others find the owner of the lost song.

The show was warmly received by participating childcare facilities such as Borris Community Playschool, Cherish Childcare from Graiguecullen, Mary’s Playschool from Bagenalstown, Little Learners from Rathvilly and The Trees Montessori from the Wexford Road.  Each child was invited to participate travel on the imaginary magical journey to Whistleberry Forest through a special installation that is currently on show in the main gallery of VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art and Design here in Carlow.

Music Generation Carlow would like to wish the very best of luck to all of the children and young people around Co. Carlow who will be performing in their respective school Christmas concerts and carol services over the coming weeks.

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Local music provider Carlow College of Music will host a Christmas Extravaganza concert on Saturday 5th December @ 7pm in St. Mary’s Church Carlow

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A quick reminder that the next traditional orchestra rehearsal will take place on Sunday 6TH DECEMBER from 10am-1pm in Borris Vocational School, Borris, Carlow.

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One of MGC’S Early Years Primary music classes were delighted to welcome the minister for Education Jan O’Sullivan last week during the turning of the sod on the new school building.

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Here are some showreels and video clips capturing the vast array of Music Generation Carlow’s facilitation across Co. Carlow.

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A quick reminder that the next traditional orchestra rehearsal will take place on Sunday 15th November from 10am-1pm in Scoil Mhuire gan Smal NS, Green Lane, Carlow.

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A quick reminder to everyone that all applications for our initiatives are now CLOSED.

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Are you interested in learning to play the oboe?

Then Music Generation Carlow, in association with Carlow College of Music, would like to hear from you!

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Calling all young Musicians & Composers in Carlow!
An exciting opportunity awaits you…..!

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Please copy and paste the link below into your search engine to access information on the MGC Instrument tender opportunity that has been advertised this week through Kilkenny and Carlow ETB.

https://irl.eu-supply.com/ctm/supplier/publictenders

Please keep an eye on our Facebook page (Music Generation Carlow) and on this website over the Summer months for up-to-date information regarding registration for our community Hubs for 2015-2016

All registration opportunities for the Hubs will take place in late August for  any new students.

We will keep you posted!

MGC recently held its’ inaugural GALA concert in The GB SHaw Theatre, Carlow showcasing the cream of the crop from the entire MG programme in Carlow.

Performances on the night came from a selection of participating groups from the Encore Singing, Recorder & Strings groups from various primary schools, Bravo Singing group from Borris Vocational School, Piano Duet Club, Rock School @ The Vault, Traditional Orchestra and indeed our current MGC Scholarship programme.

Students from the ages of 8-18 years of age performed to a packed audience in The GB Shaw and had been preparing repertoire with their respective MGC musicians for the past few months.

Each performing group really showcased the talent on offer across the entire MGC programme and indeed the development of the programme since it was launched in 2013.

We look forward to next year’s GALA concert which is sure to be even bigger and better.

Special thanks to Tony Hunt who photographed the concert on the night.

Music Generation Carlow recently held its’ 2nd Little People Big Voices song-show in The George Bernard Shaw in Carlow on 22nd April last.

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Here at Music Generation Carlow we are delighted to confirm that our GALA concert will be streamed live online.

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MGC is launching two schemes to help defray the costs of accessing music lessons for young people in the county.

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A fantastic weekend of Traditional music-making for young people was held in Borris, Co. Carlow last weekend with the first traditional music camp of it’s kind held through Music Generation Carlow.

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Music Generation Carlow is delighted to announce an exciting weekend of traditional Irish music in Borris, Co. Carlow from 27th-29th March 2015.

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Music Generation Carlow recently launched a new music initiative for parents and babies in Borris Community Playschool, Borris Co. Carlow.

This special music class is designed for babies from 0-2 years of age and focuses on introducing the child to music through the medium of play.

The LPBV programme aims to develop a tune-ful, beat-ful and art-ful child in an Early Years setting and this music class is another strand to the already existing LPBV in over 15 childcare facilities around the county.

The class runs every Wednesday afternoon from 1.30pm-2pm and costs just €2 per class.

The class was launched last week and there are still spaces available for any new babies and their parents who are interested in participating in this exciting programme.

Please email pphelan@kcetb.ie or phone Imelda on 086-1781194 to book your place.

A partnership initiative between Music Generation Carlow, the Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin and Carlow Cathedral.

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Here at Music Generation Carlow we are delighted to announce a series of new events for the upcoming year!  Lots of exciting events have been planned for the coming weeks and we are busy here in the Music Generation Carlow office preparing for them:

February 9th- 13th: RECORDER WEEK for schools participating the ENCORE recorder programme.

March 27th-29th: Music at Mount Leinster MGC Trad Feile event in Borris, Co. Carlow#

April 22nd: Little People Big Voices annual concert  in The George Bernard Shaw Theatre and VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Arts.

April 30th: MGC GALA Concert in The George Bernard Shaw Theatre and VISUAL Centre for the Contemporary Arts.

May 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 19th & 21st May:  MGC SINGING week for participating Encore schools around Carlow.

May 24th: OYMC & YCC concert in St. Mary’s Church, Carlow.

For more information on any of these events please email abyrne@kcetb.ie or call 059-9138532

Update on OYMC & YCC Initiative

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Saturday the 13th December saw MGC’s Piano Duet Club take part in their first Christmas Showcase which took place in Holland Piano’s in Carlow.

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MGC Christmas Concerts 2014

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MGC was thrilled to launch a new performance initiative last September for talented young pianists around the county.

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MGC’s first evening of Trad Seisiuns will take place in The Vault, Carlow (for students attending the Carlow Hub) and Borris Vocational School (for students attending the Borris Hub) on Monday 1st December from 6-7.30pm respectively.

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Music Generation Carlow is delighted to announce the launch of its’ first county-wide Instrument Bank.

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Music Generation Carlow is currently calling for applications for the following position:

Resource Person with Music.  Please find all details below.

http://www.kilkennyvec.ie/content/read/title/resource-person—music-generation-carlow

Closing date May 15th 2014

Music Generation Carlow would like to work in partnership with a choral expert/organisation to design and implement the next stage in the development of the Encore choral programme. This opportunity will involve a three pronged approach:

1. From September 2014 Music Generation Carlow would like to promote a cluster of countywide community choirs to give the children who are participating at primary level a chance to progress from the classroom singing scheme. These choirs will be situated in Borris and Tullow initially and operate on a weekly basis for the academic year.

2.  Music Generation Carlow would also like to work in partnership with this expert/organisation to develop a CPD programme for MGC choral practitioners. This would include team teaching opportunities, training and observation.

3. Music Generation Carlow would also like to work in partnership with this expert/organisation to lead and facilitate the evolution of a long term, outstanding, whole county choral strategy.

Music Generation Carlow recognises the extraordinary level of existing choral provision throughout the county and this exciting partnership opportunity is provided not to replace existing provision but to enhance, add value and support synergies between MGC and existing providers.

Music Generation Carlow is calling for proposals to meet the above opportunity. The proposal should be maximum 1000 words with an income and expenditure budget attached and be sent by email to pphelan@kcetb.ie. Shortlisting may apply. Closing date for proposals is May 9th at 12 noon. The programme is to commence in September 2014.

MGC is delighted to launch our three new exciting scholarship schemes!

These schemes will offer young people around the county the opportunity to avail of these new initiatives to enhance their musical education!

Please download a form below and return to Music Generation Carlow (address on form) if your child is interested in applying for any of these three schemes.

The Young Composers Club- 14-18 years

Young Composers’ Scheme Application Form

Young Composers Scheme (97-2003 doc)

The first scheme is entitled The Young Composers Club and is open to young people between the ages of 14 and 18 years.  This club will focus on opening the eyes of young people to the world of composition and music technology where they will learn to create, perform and be part of something extraordinary!  The Young Composer’s Club will work in conjunction with The Outstanding Young Musician’s Club

The Outstanding Young Musicians Club-12-18 years

Outstanding Young Musician Scholarship Application Form

Outstanding Young Musician scholarship (97-2003 doc)

This initiative focuses on performance with a view to further mastering their chosen instrument.  It will aim to help young people meet the cost of lessons, to open up master-class opportunities with professional musicians and a chance to reach their full musical potential in a fun and exciting way.  This initiative will work in conjunction with The Young Composer’s Club.

The Bursary Scheme -10-18 years

Young Musician’s Bursary Scheme Application Form

Young Musicians Bursary Scheme (97-2003 doc)

The Bursary Scheme will focus on children and young people who are at the beginning of their musical journey.  It will offer them a chance to develop their skills by defraying the cost of music lessons.

On the 30th January last MGC was delighted to participate in the visit of Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn to Borris Vocational School.  Minister Quinn was treated to a special performance of SPERANZA by the TY Students of Borris VS, which the students composed alongside renowned contemporary Irish composer Linda Buckley.  SPERANZA (meaning ‘Hope’ in Italian) was the product of a very exciting collaboration between Linda Buckley and the students which culminated in the composition of the beautiful SPERANZA; a four-part choral work representing and encapsulating thoughts, feelings and views of the modern world.  MGC was thrilled to be part of the Minister Quinn’s visit visit and SPERANZA will now make it’s way to Italy where the students will perform the piece in Saint Mark’s Basilica in Venice as part of their TY trip.

Exciting times ahead for these talented composers of the future!

MGC is delighted to announce that our Carlow & Borris Trad Hubs are now officially up and running!  Lessons commence weekly in Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal for the Carlow Trad Hub and Borris Vocational School for the Borris Trad Hub.  Both programmes are really exciting and give local children the chance to experience and participate in group performance opportunities through the art of Traditional Irish Music. Instruments on offer in both Hubs include Fiddle,Trad Flute, Trad Whistle, Accordion, Concertina and Banjo.  Our team of experienced musicians deliver classes in a fun and energetic way working together with MGC to promote Trad music around Carlow.  Our first monthly session took place on Tuesday 11th February in The Vault and was attended by lots of young Trad enthusiasts.  The session was led by MGC musicians Marita Nolan and Brian O’ Dean.

The next session to take place will be our Borris Trad session on 11th March in Borris Vocational School from 6-7.30pm.  The session is open to those taking lessons in the Borris Trad Hub or to new people as part of our Silver Package at a cost of €45.00 for the remaining 3 sessions.  These sessions will subsequently take place once a month until the end of term.

For more information please call the Music Generation Carlow office on 059-9138532 or email pphelan@kcetb.ie

MGC TRAD REG FORM (3)

HAVE A LISTEN BELOW!!

SPERANZA: Collaboration between Irish Composer Linda Buckley & the TY Students of Borris VS

The students of Borris Vocational School finally had the chance to perform and showcase their greatly anticipated composition entitled ‘Speranza’ on 20th December 2013 in VISUAL Carlow.  The event was a very special occasion, not only for the students of Borris VS but also for Music Generation Carlow, Carlow Local Authorities Arts Office and VISUAL Carlow which saw a culmination of the hard work and dedication of all the TY students involved in the project, as well as that of their renowned Irish composing mentor Linda Buckley.

Speranza (meaning ‘Hope’ in Italian) is a piece of music composed by Linda Buckley and the Music Generation Carlow TY students of Borris Vocational School in response to Janet Cardiff’s 40-Part Motet, which is currently installed in VISUAL Carlow.  The installation has been an enormous success with visitors to VISUAL and indeed art lovers all around the county or the past few months.  Speranza is a powerful piece of choral writing that immerses the listener in a multi-layered sound-space, bringing them on an emotional journey from despair through to hope and light.  The students wished to create a piece that reflected the world they live in today and this is achieved appropriately during the various contrasting sections of the 4-part work.

The students decided on the theme of the piece themselves and they worked closely with Linda to bring the piece together during a series of workshops and indeed during their regular Music Generation classes with vocal practitioner and Music Generation Carlow musician Aideen Byrne. Each section of the piece differs from the previous one and climaxes to a glorious polyphonic wall of sound in the final section.

Special thanks to Carlow Local Authorities Arts Office and VISUAL Carlow who are funding and commissioning this project in association with Music Generation Carlow.

Speranza will be performed in its’ entirety again on 16^th January 2014 in Borris House, Carlow @ 5pm.

Music Generation Trad Programme Registration Form

Music Generation Carlow is delighted to announce the launch of its’ Traditional Irish Music programme with an exciting afternoon of sample tuition and group performances for young musicians.

The launch which will take place from 3-6pm on Saturday 30^th November in Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal NS, Carlow, and is a fantastic opportunity for children to sample the tuition on offer with Music Generation Carlow’s Traditional Irish Music programme.

The afternoon will involve a ‘workshop-style’ tuition session where the children can avail of the opportunity to participate in a ‘sample’ class with our experienced tutors.  The young musicians will learn a song with their respective tutors and it is hoped that all musicians will come together at the end of the day for a large group performance of the chosen song.

This event is FREE to participants from 2^nd class up to 18 years of age. All levels of musicianship, from beginners to advanced players, will be catered for.  At the end of the launch day, participants will be invited to sign up for weekly lessons, monthly sessions and termly traditional orchestra events (there will be a small charge for weekly lessons).

The launch of MGCarlow’s Traditional Irish Music programme is an exciting event for the young musicians of Carlow to avail of quality tuition and to experience group performing.  It is hoped that this programme will grow over time and allow musicians the chance to develop their traditional music skills in a friendly, relaxed and full-filled atmosphere.

If you would like more information on the launch of MGCarlow’s Traditional Irish Music programme please contact Paula Phelan at pphelan@kcetb.ie or call 059-9138532

MGC is delighted to have launched its’ popular-music based strand in The Vault over the past few weeks entitled Rock School@The Vault, in association with Carlow Regional Youth Services.  Our MGC musician team includes the talented trio of Paul Horohan, Mike Hayden and Orla Colleton who teach guitar, drums and vocal studies respectively.  The musicians are working from  a popular music based repertoire and there has been a fantastic response to the strand from participating students who meet every Saturday morning to receive tuition in a lively, fun-filled and exciting atmosphere.  The aim of Rock School@The Vault is to promote performance learning in an enjoyable and relaxed way and is open to all young people no matter what level their are currently at in their musical studies.

If you would like more information on Rock School @The Vault please contact MGC on 059-9138532 or email abyrne@kcetb.ie

This weekend marks the annual Borris Vocational School Variety Show and one of MGC’s first public performances with a choral showcase by Borris Junior and TY Choir, as part of their MGC Bravo programme.  The concert will take place this Friday 8th November at 8pm and Sunday 10th November at 7.30pm in the school sports hall and will feature a wealth of talent from the students, (and indeed the staff!) of Borris V.S.  Tickets are available on the door each night or from Borris V.S reception.

Just a quick update on the progress of the VISUAL project in collaboration with renowned Irish contemporary composer Linda Buckley.

Linda Buckley

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Check out our beautiful collage of photos from the launch of our Little People Big Voices and Encore launch!

Music Generation Carlow is privileged to announce a very exciting musical collaboration in partnership with County Carlow Arts Service and involving internationally renowned contemporary Irish composer Linda Buckley.

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This week marks the launch of Music Generation Carlow’s Traditional Orchestra.  To coincide with the national Culture Night 2013 festival, the members of MGC’S Traditional Orchestra, along with a host of established local musicians, will perform a “Flashmob” of traditional tunes from 7pm to 7.30pm on Friday 20^th September in Fairgreen Shopping Centre, Carlow.  This exciting event will not only celebrate Carlow’s involvement in Culture Night 2013 but will also be the Traditional Orchestra’s first local performance!

Music Generation Carlow will be hosting rehearsals from 4-6.30pm in the Parish Centre, College St. Carlow for young traditional musicians from 5th class-18 years, followed by their first ever traditional orchestra performance.

Contact Music Generation Carlow via email or phone on the details below to register your interest:

Paula Phelan, Coordinator Music Generation Carlow
T: 059 9138583
E: pphelan@kcetb.ie

Book early as places are limited!

Music Generation Carlow were delighted to participate recently in a broadcast feature for RTE 2′s news programme News2Day.  The feature was shown live on RTE 2 on the 4th September 2013 and included a performance by the children of Bishop Foley NS and Scoil Mhuire gan Smal under the direction of Mary Amond O’Brien, Marian Gaynor and Imelda Andrews.  Congrats to the Choral Practitioners and all the children who took part on the day. Check out the link below!

Music Generation Carlow Features on RTE 2′s News2Day

Recent interview with Paula Phelan, newly appointed coordinator for Music Generation Carlow on KCLR 96FM.

http://kclr96fm.com/the-arts-show/talking-music-generation-carlow-with-paula-phelan/

Music Generation Carlow is excited to have so many highly qualified musicians on the team. We are committed to providing on-going training and opportunities for feedback for our musicians.

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