Ten learners from Cork ETB’s National Learning Network followed in the footsteps of U2, The Cranberries, Lady Gaga and The Rolling Stones by recording their own song – Find Your People - at the iconic Windmill Lane studios in advance of its formal adoption as the anthem of more than 340,000 learners across Ireland’s 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs).
To mark the 10-year anniversary of the establishment of Education & Training Boards Education & Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) launched the ETB Anthem Competition.
Music Generation was delighted to work in partnership with ETBI on this creative initiative.
Learners and participants in all ETB schools, colleges and programmes around the country were invited to compose an anthem to celebrate the work and core values of Education and Training Boards across Ireland. Riverdance composer Bill Whelan, rapper/songwriter MuRli, and musician/composer Ellen Cranitch were the prestigious judges of the ETB Anthem Competition.
The winning anthem, Find Your People, was written by ten ETB learners aged 16-33 years on the Skills for Life programme at National Learning Network Hollyhill, funded through Cork ETB. NLN Hollyhill provides a range of training, support and confidence building skills to people who have had an accident, illness, injury or have a disability and extra support needs.
The winning young composers and performers were elated to be at Windmill Lane to record their song.
"We are free to express ourselves at Cork Learning Network. It is a place where everyone is equal and can learn. It has given me confidence to talk to people. The song is about that. Hopefully it will encourage people to learn about ETBs and to join courses, and they will find their people too." Kane Buckley, Young Singer
The young learners worked together to write lyrics, rap, sing and create an uplifting anthem. The judges felt 'Find Your People' captured the core values within ETB's.
“I was privileged to be on the judging panel earlier this year.”, said Limerick Based rapper MuRli. “I think the learners did an incredible job in writing and performing this song and it really encapsulates the inclusive values and ethos of the ETBs. 'Find Your People' is a great anthem and I’m really glad we found these people!”.
As well as recording their anthem with a music industry professional in Windmill Lane Recording Studio, the winners will premiere their Anthem on the 28th of September 2023 in Cork City Hall. They will perform in front of the 16 Education & Training Boards. The song will also be released and form part of a nationwide campaign to promote the services of ETBs. Competition runners up Tullamore Community Training Centre, part of Laois & Offaly ETB, will receive a masterclass with Music Generation and an award at the event in September.
Music Generation wish to thank every young songwriter, singer, rapper, composer and musician who submitted an anthem. It was remarkable to see the strong enthusiasm for this competition along with the high quality of songwriting.
Finally, a massive Congratulations to the ETB Anthem winners from National Learning Network, Hollyhill and their exceptional track 'Find Your People'. We can't wait to hear it live in September!
Photos by: Marc O’Sullivan at Windmill Lane Recording Studios on 18th August 2023.
Video by Seán Downey (SwaniGuess) and Alex Brady
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