Oboe tuition is an exciting initiative that is part of a new pilot programme through the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras, Laois School of Music and Music Generation Laois. A specialist tutor will travel to Portlaoise to provide oboe tuition, and the approach will include both one-to-one music lessons along with the introduction of periodical Skype lesson. Lessons will be subsidised and an oboe will be provided. The aim of these lessons is to develop oboe players in County Laois, and further develop the woodwind section of the Laois School of Music Youth Orchestra.
A new branch to the Music Generation Laois tree introduces Traditional Flute, Tin Whistle and Concertina as the latest instruments in our Irish Traditional Music programme which already includes Uilleann Pipes and Harp. The classes will be taught by the talented Musician Áine McQuaid.
Pop, Rock, Classicial, Traditional or African Drumming? Music Generation Laois are delighted to announce that bookings are still open for our evening music lessons in Portlaoise for 2015-2016. Our experienced tutors will work with students to unleash their creative side through classes, workshops, performances and masterclasses.
Music Generation Laois are delighted and excited to be bringing their Traditional Grúpa Ceoil to Sligo for a performance on stage at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil on Tuesday 11th August at 5pm.
After a very successful trip to Music @ Mt. Leinster in Borris, Co Carlow in April and a jam packed Music Generation Laois Traditional Summer School in July, the Music Generation Laois Grúpa Ceoil are ready to take to the stage at the All-Ireland Fleadh taking place in Sligo from 9th-16th August. The group will be performing on the Music Generation Sligo stage in a concert that also will feature young musicians from Sligo, Mayo and Donegal.
The young Laois musicians taking part are Sarah Bennett (Bodhrán), Jessica Bennett (Flute), Molly Donnery (Harp), Isobel Donnery (Bodhrán), Grace Donnery (Flute), Kate MacDonald (Fiddle), Alain Carroll (Uilleann Pipes), Fiadh Fitzpatrick (Uilleann Pipes), Kurt Dineen-Carroll (Uilleann Pipes), David Vesey (Flute), Caoimhe Lowry (Concertina) and Ciara Faherty (Guitar). The group is being led by Donegal fiddler, Denise Boyle.
Music Generation Laois Grúpa Ceoil will be performing on Tuesday 11th August at 5pm on the Music Generation Sligo stage.
For further information on Music Generation Laois and their programmes, see musicgenerationlaois.ie or telephone 057-8664176.
Music Generation Laois staged two fantastic concerts on Sunday the 7 of June in the Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise to celebrate 3 years of the pioneering performance music education programme in the County. These concerts featured the newly formed Music Generation Laois Harp Ensemble, and Stampede Drumming Groups, young musicians and singers from the School of Rock and Pop, and an amazing choir made up of singers from Errill NS, Killadooley NS, Killenard NS, Rath NS, Gael Scoil an tSlí Dala in Ballaghmore and Presentation Primary School Portarlington.
Music Generation Laois was recently awarded national Music Generation funding from the Department of Education and Skills for 2015-2020. Through local funding from Laois County Council, Laois Offaly ETB and Laois Partnership Company, along with fundraising and tuition fees, the music programme will continue to provide over 1500 children in Laois with music tuition in the next 5 years, as well as expanding and developing into new areas of the County.
Speaking at the concert, Co-ordinator of Music Generation Laois, Rosa Flannery commented, ‘We have had an amazing three years, establishing and growing the Music Generation Laois programme, the fruits of this work is evident at today’s concerts, as the children and young people have all performed to such a high standard, with great musical skill and feeling – as well as clearly enjoying themselves on stage. The work of their tutors, staff in participating schools, and the support of their parents are all key factors in the success of these concerts. For 2015-2020, we want to continue this success story, and in particular I appeal to schools and families not currently involved in our programme to make contact with us, and find out how they can get involved.
Traditional Music Summer School, Tuesday 7 July – Thursday 9 of July
3 day camp with workshops in fiddle, harp, uilleann pipes, bodrhan, concertina, flute and accordion with top-notch traditional musicians. Culminating in a student concert on Thursday.
Ages: 8+ (three years experience required). Time: 11am – 3pm
Fee €60. Venue: Portlaoise Youth Education Centre, Railway St, Portlaoise
Stampede Drumming, Wednesday 8 of July – Friday 10 of July
Junior Camp and Senior Camp in world drumming with well-known drummer Eddie O’Neill, all instruments provided – using djembes, bass drums and congas.
Age: Junior Camp – those who have little or no prior experience. Senior Camp – those who have taken part in our Stampede Drumming schools or evening classes.
Fee: €30. Venue: Portlaoise Youth Education Centre, Railway St, Portlaoise
School of Rock and Pop, Monday 29 June-Friday 3 July
Develop confidence and stage presence in a weeklong camp culminating with a concert on the Dunamaise Stage on the final day. A team of 3 tutors from the Music Generation Laois School of Rock and Pop will work with musicians and singers – all instruments welcome!
Songwriting Module – If you would like to take a songwriting module as part of this camp, please let us know on the application form!
Ages: 10-18 (with experience in playing an instrument or singing)
approach will include both one-to-one music lessons along with the introduction of periodical Skype lesson. Lessons will be subsidised and an oboe will be provided. The aim of these lessons is to develop oboe players in County Laois, and further develop the woodwind section of the Laois School of Music Youth Orchestra.
Generation Laois & Laois School of Music Open Evening
