Forty-one young musicians from Music Generation Cavan/Monaghan, Leitrim, Longford, and Roscommon took to the stage on Saturday 19th November 2022 for an explosive performance of original music at the Longford Arms Hotel, following a series of monthly music-making and improvisation sessions.
The impressive mix of instruments and styles gave way to an eclectic and energetic performance by the musical troupe. The young instrumentals and vocalists were supported by their local Musician Educators and guest professional musicians.
The Creative Sounds project, led by acclaimed musician, composer and musical director Sid Peacock, creates an inclusive space for these young musicians from across each county to collaborate and perform. They learned to compose, improvise and devise their own music with the aim of hosting a showstopper performance of original music and what a musical treat it was!
Opening with a spoken word piece written by the young electric guitar soloist and closing in ‘big band’ style, the atmosphere, excitement and sense of achievement by the young musicians in the room was palpable.
"I wrote a ton of lyrics and I had no real output for them until Creative Sounds. I was asked if I had any words for a spoken word element of the gig and my lyrics were put into the show as the opening movement." -Roy Branagan, (lyricist, vocals, electric guitar), Young Musician Music Generation Roscommon
"These young musicians are talented, creative and enthusiastic, making Creative Sounds an easy and exciting project. The development of the young musicians and support from all the tutors has been first class and there will undoubtedly be further collaborations and musical relationships as a result of the project." -Sid Peacock (Composer, Producer and Educator)
This unique partnership between four Music Generation areas and Music Network gave young musicians from rural Ireland the opportunity to engage and learn from internationally recognised, professional musicians. This included Esosa Ighodaro (voice), Éamonn Cagney (percussion), Niwel Tsumbu (guitar) and Tara Breen (fiddle).
The programme has united young musicians with backgrounds and interests in a diverse range of musical genres including rock/pop, Irish traditional, folk and classical. For some young people, this was their very first opportunity to share and perform their original lyrics and melodies.
"It was very enjoyable being in the company of experienced musicians who gave their time so generously to help us compose new music." - Setanta, Young Musician Music Generation Leitrim
Throughout the Creative Sounds programme the young musicians contributed to all aspects of the creative process and aspired to stretch their abilities, grow their knowledge, expand their skills and inspire. Ahead of their performance, the young people spoke about these new skills and experiences on TikTok. They shared their favourite part of the Creative Sounds experience, their reasons for joining and used the platform to promote their gig!
Meeting other musicians, experimenting with new styles of music, and learning about improvisation were among the top reasons these young musicians decided to participate in Creative Sounds. Hear more about their experience over on TikTok and watch an exclusive short performance by the dynamic duo Éamonn Cagney (percussion) and Niwel Tsumbu (guitar).
Music Generation was thrilled to initiate this unique project with its partner Music Network and collaborate to bring performance music education and live performance to young musicians in Ireland.
Creative Sounds: a partnership initiative of Music Generation Local Music Education Partnerships Cavan/Monaghan, Longford, Leitrim, and Roscommon and Music Network is co-funded by Music Generation/Arts Council and the Department of Education.
Music Generation Cavan/Monaghan is locally managed by Cavan and Monaghan Music Education Partnership, led by Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board, with support from Cavan County Council and Monaghan County Council.
Music Generation Leitrim is locally managed by Leitrim Music Education Partnership, led by Mayo, Sligo, and Leitrim Education and Training Board with support from Leitrim County Council.
Music Generation Longford is locally managed by Longford Music Education Partnership, led by Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board, with support from Longford County Council and Creative Ireland Longford.
Music Generation Roscommon is locally managed by Roscommon Music Education Partnership, led by Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board, with support from Roscommon County Council, Roscommon Public Participation Network, Roscommon Leader Partnership, Tusla, Foróige, and The Brothers of Charity.
Images: Brian Farrell
Music Generation is Ireland’s National Music Education Programme that gives children and young people access to high-quality, subsidised performance music education. Initiated by Music Network, Music Generation is co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, the Department of Education and Local Music Education Partnerships (LMEPs) in which Education and Training Board and Local Authorities play a lead role.
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