Music Generation Laois Launch New Children’s’ Song Project

Over the next 12 months, Music Generation Laois will work with primary school children from Cloneyhurke NS, Rath NS and Paddock NS to compose a series of original songs under an exciting new project supported by Creative Ireland Laois, Laois County Council, and the Art Council’s Young People, Commissions and Education Award.

Children and teachers from Cloneyhurke, Rath and Paddock National Schools will take part in creative workshops with Composers Sarah Murphy and Lorna McLaughlin alongside Music Generation Laois’ Nuala Kelly, to develop a new suite of songs for County Laois. The project will culminate with a large-scale performance of the newly written songs in June 2023. The newly composed songs will then be disseminated as a resource for schools across Laois, through Laois Education Centre (LEC), to engage lots more children in this special music project. 

Speaking at the launch of this project, Rosa Flannery, Music Development Officer with Music Generation Laois said, ‘this project came about as we really wanted to celebrate singing in schools post-covid. This project will celebrate and promote creativity among school children. We are very excited to work with children, teachers and staff from Cloneyhurke, Rath and Paddock National Schools, and Composers Lorna and Sarah to create new songs for County Laois.’

Lorna McLaughlin is a core member of the band The Henry Girls. As well as being a seasoned performer, Lorna has vast experience running vocal workshops, choirs, festival events and training for teachers, delivering classes and workshop to thousands of people all over Ireland and beyond, of all ages and abilities. Lorna’s work with the Henry Girls has seen them write music for plays, films, contemporary dance shows and they have also released six albums, mostly of original music. 

Sarah Murphy is a music facilitator, composer and flautist, Co-Founder & Artistic Director of Wall2Wall Music based in Derry. Sarah’s career began in London after studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and has continued across the island of Ireland since relocating here in 1998. Her highly varied career has involved highlight performances, compositions and music education projects. 

Music Generation is Ireland’s National Music Education programme, co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds and the Department of Education. Music Generation Laois is part of Laois Offaly Education and Training Board and supported by Laois County Council.

The Arts Council Young people, commissions and education anniversary commissions celebrate the right of all children and young people to participate in our cultural and creative life as set out in the UN convention on the rights of the child, to which Ireland is a signatory. As part of the Arts Council’s 70th celebrations, these commissions will celebrate the Arts Council’s ongoing commitment to plan and provide for children and young people.