Music Generation Carlow Celebrates Reaching 2,850 Children and Young People

Music Generation Carlow has announced that it has already delivered music tuition to 2,850 across the county, just ten months since inception. Music Generation Carlow is part of the National Music Education Programme initiated by Music Network and funded by U2 and The Ireland Funds with a range of local partners.

Music Generation Carlow was also proudly represented recently on the national stage when young musical ambassadors Aspiro Choir performed at the 2013 Amnesty International Ambassador of Conscience Award in the Mansion House, Dublin. The ensemble had the opportunity to meet U2’s Bono and The Edge at the event, which honoured Malala Yousafazai and Harry Belafonte – the recipients of this year’s prestigious award.

Speaking about the performance Paula Phelan, Co-ordinator of Music Generation Carlow commented on Aspiro Choir's performance “Superbly directed by its dynamic conductor, Mary Amond O’Brien provided the audience with an exhilarating performance. Included in their programme on the night was one of Harry Belafonte’s own compositions ‘Turn the World Around’ which was performed in his presence. It was an exceptionally exciting evening and a credit to the young people”.

The Music Generation Carlow programme is supported by Kilkenny & Carlow Education and Training Board and Carlow Local Authorities. 14 local musicians hold 95 weekly classes and the programme is set to grow as more new initiatives including Rock School@The Vault, Aspiro Satellite in Bagenelstown, composition programmes in Borris Vocational School and Music Generation Carlow Trad Orchestra are set to be rolled out.

Music Generation Carlow is one of ten counties to participate in the programme, initiated by Music Network, that helps children and young people access music education in their local area. The programme currently reaches 12,500 children and young people annually with plans to expand further in 2014. Visit www.musicgeneration.ie for further information.

For further information on Music Generation Carlow, please contact: Aideen Byrne or Paula Phelan at abyrne@kcetb.ie Ph: (059) 9138532 or visit www.musicgenerationcarlow.ie.