Following a phenomenally successful first year, Music Generation Offaly/Westmeath announces the return of Singfest for 2017! This groundbreaking choral residency, presented in partnership with the Association of Irish Choirs and funded through the Music Generation/Arts Council Partnership, will give young singers a chance to train with leading professionals, develop their singing skills and have fun!
Get a sneak peak into the project in this great video, captured during Singfest 2016:
Singfest 2017 will build on the success of its first phase by giving young singers ages 8 to 19 access to exceptional musical training and singing opportunities. Over the course of the programme participants will develop their skills in music and experience singing in a high quality, demanding choral context.
The project will be led by internationally renowned Creative Director Greg Beardsell together with the Singfest team of experienced performers, vocal coaches, conductors and educators from the Irish Youth Choir and Music Generation Offaly/Westmeath. Together, they will introduce new repertoire and ensemble singing, guiding the choirs on their journey to a fantastic Gala Concert on Saturday 10 June 2017.
Which choir should I join?
THE JUNIOR CHOIR (age 8 – 10) is for girls and boys who enjoy singing and are ready for an introduction to vocal technique, musical skills and singing in harmony.
THE YOUNG VOICES CHOIR (age 11 – 14) is for girls and boys with some singing experience interested in expanding vocal technique, learning new musical skills and singing in parts.
THE SENIOR CHOIR (age 14 – 19) is a four-part choir offering girls and boys (whose voice has changed) the opportunity to join an ensemble that will challenge and extend musical experience and achievement. A previous knowledge of music is preferable although not essential.
How do I apply?
Enthusiastic, hard-working young people of all levels of singing experience are welcome to apply. There is no audition – all you need is an enjoyment of singing and commitment.
For members of the Young Voices and Senior choirs there is a very informal placement test during the first rehearsal, to find which choir best suits you.
Upon confirmation of place a membership fee of €75 is payable. Membership is based on a subsidised fee.
To apply online, fill out the expression of interest form here.
Rehearsals and performance dates
Rehearsals will be held in Athlone Institute of Technology. Participants will be expected to commit to attending all rehearsals as well as the final performance. Please check the dates below before you apply –
Saturday rehearsals
8 October / 12 November / 3 December 2016
14 January / 11 February / 11 March / 1 April / 6 May / 27 May 2017
Workshops and performance dates
8, 9, 10 June 2017
Closing date for applications is Friday 23 September 2016.
For further information about Music Generation Offaly / Westmeath initiatives and programmes, contact:
Margaret Broome, Development Officer
Offaly County Council, Charleville Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly
t: 057 9357400
e: mbroome@offalycoco.ie
w: www.offaly.ie/eng/Services/Music-Generation
The Music Generation/Arts Council Partnership enables children and young people across the Music Education Partnerships to engage actively with high-calibre professional musicians from all genres of music. The Arts Council has invested €450,000 in the programme (2013-16) which is now facilitating an ambitious range of residencies, collaborative performances and composition projects around the country. For further information on the Music Generation/Arts Council Partnership programme and initiatives please contact Eve O’Kelly, Music Education Support and Development Manager by email.
Get a sneak peak into the project in this great video, captured during Singfest 2016:
Singfest 2017 will build on the success of its first phase by giving young singers ages 8 to 19 access to exceptional musical training and singing opportunities. Over the course of the programme participants will develop their skills in music and experience singing in a high quality, demanding choral context.
The project will be led by internationally renowned Creative Director Greg Beardsell together with the Singfest team of experienced performers, vocal coaches, conductors and educators from the Irish Youth Choir and Music Generation Offaly/Westmeath. Together, they will introduce new repertoire and ensemble singing, guiding the choirs on their journey to a fantastic Gala Concert on Saturday 10 June 2017.
Which choir should I join?
THE JUNIOR CHOIR (age 8 – 10) is for girls and boys who enjoy singing and are ready for an introduction to vocal technique, musical skills and singing in harmony.
THE YOUNG VOICES CHOIR (age 11 – 14) is for girls and boys with some singing experience interested in expanding vocal technique, learning new musical skills and singing in parts.
THE SENIOR CHOIR (age 14 – 19) is a four-part choir offering girls and boys (whose voice has changed) the opportunity to join an ensemble that will challenge and extend musical experience and achievement. A previous knowledge of music is preferable although not essential.
How do I apply?
Enthusiastic, hard-working young people of all levels of singing experience are welcome to apply. There is no audition – all you need is an enjoyment of singing and commitment.
For members of the Young Voices and Senior choirs there is a very informal placement test during the first rehearsal, to find which choir best suits you.
Upon confirmation of place a membership fee of €75 is payable. Membership is based on a subsidised fee.
To apply online, fill out the expression of interest form here.
Rehearsals and performance dates
Rehearsals will be held in Athlone Institute of Technology. Participants will be expected to commit to attending all rehearsals as well as the final performance. Please check the dates below before you apply –
Saturday rehearsals
8 October / 12 November / 3 December 2016
14 January / 11 February / 11 March / 1 April / 6 May / 27 May 2017
Workshops and performance dates
8, 9, 10 June 2017
Closing date for applications is Friday 23 September 2016.
For further information about Music Generation Offaly / Westmeath initiatives and programmes, contact:
Margaret Broome, Development Officer
Offaly County Council, Charleville Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly
t: 057 9357400
e: mbroome@offalycoco.ie
w: www.offaly.ie/eng/Services/Music-Generation
The Music Generation/Arts Council Partnership enables children and young people across the Music Education Partnerships to engage actively with high-calibre professional musicians from all genres of music. The Arts Council has invested €450,000 in the programme (2013-16) which is now facilitating an ambitious range of residencies, collaborative performances and composition projects around the country. For further information on the Music Generation/Arts Council Partnership programme and initiatives please contact Eve O’Kelly, Music Education Support and Development Manager by email.