The Music Generation Laois Grúpa Ceoil travelled to Borris, Co Carlow to attend Music Generation Carlow’s 2nd annual Music @ Mount Leinster Trad Camp during the midterm from 16th – 18th February 2015.
The group had the opportunity to work with some of the top traditional musicians in the country, including fiddle player Zoe Conway, concertina player Jack Talty and flautist Conor Crimmins.
The young musicians worked with Beoga’s Niamh Dunne as their tutor to learn about performance, harmony and arrangement and the camp culminated in an incredible performance by all the groups involved.
Check out the video below to listen to their amazing performance.
The Laois School of Music/Music Generation Laois 3rd Annual Festival will take place Sunday 6 March 2016 in Portlaoise Youth Education Centre, Railway Street.
The festival is non-competitive and will give students an opportunity to gain valuable experience in performing and show what they have been working on all year. Úna Keogh of the Irish Chamber Orchestra will be on hand as Music Adviser to give feedback and words of advice to each performer and award medals.
Applications are now open for the Festival and entry forms can be gotten from tutors or the office or downloaded below. The closing date for applications with Monday 29 February.
Music Generation Laois are auditioning for their new Trad Orchestra. Auditions will take place on Wednesday 6 of January in Portlaoise. This opportunity is for advanced traditional music students with 4 years experience and upwards, and aged 18 and under.
Please note: Successful applicants must be available for initial rehearsals this weekend from 6-8:30pm on Friday 8 of January and from 10am-1pm on Sat 9 of January. Annual orchestra membership fee €100.
To apply for an audition send an email to musicgenerationlaois@laoiscoco.ie stating your name, age, instrument, and some information about your experience as a musician to-date (no more than 200 words) by Tuesday 5 of January by 5pm.
Please include parent/ guardian mobile telephone number. If selected for an audition, you will receive a text message with all relevant info.
The Laois School of Music Annual Christmas Concert, featuring all Ensemble Groups and including our new Oboe students and Chamber groups, will take place on Tuesday 15 December at 6pm in the Portlaoise Youth Education Centre, Railway Street.
The Orchestra will feature young musicians from the Music Generation Laois Brass and Orchestral Percussion Programmes and will have the groups playing a mix of classical, modern and christmas pieces to get everyone into the festive mood!
All are welcome to attend the concert. Free admission on the night but donations welcome.
