Music Generation Roscommon's emerging youth rock band Totem performed at the National Gallery of Ireland for the launch of Creative Ireland's Creative Youth Strategy 2023-2027. Young musicians Joseph McGrath, Ben Branagan, and Roy Branagan, showcased their original music to an audience of young creatives, arts sector and government delegates.
The event was attended by several government ministers, including Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media, Norma Foley, Minister for Education and Roderic O'Gorman, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth. Also in attendance were Maureen Kennelly, Director of the Arts Council of Ireland, and Tania Banotti, Director of the Creative Ireland Programme.
Totem debuted their debut track, "Anew," which is scheduled for release later this year as their first official single. The young musicians' exceptional talent and passion for music were evident in their electrifying performance and how they spoke about their Music Generation experience. They were supported on the day by Musician Educator Udo Grunewald.
"Music Generation Roscommon has taught me so much about being a professional musician and provided so many brilliant opportunities for me as a young musician." Roy Branagan, (singer, songwriter lead guitar) Totem, Music Generation Roscommon
Under the new Creative Youth Strategy, opportunities for creative engagement will reach tens of thousands of children and young people from birth to 24 years, prioritising those seldom heard and at risk of disadvantage.
Attending the launch, Minister Norma Foley said:
"It {arts and creativity} encourages an education space outside of the traditional curriculum where dreams become reality and limitless ambition is encouraged. I am committed to helping ensure access to arts in education, as it is hugely rewarding for teachers, artists and our school communities, as well as the notable value it adds to our students’ lives."
"Getting involved in Music Generation has improved my general confidence in putting my own work out there for people to hear, as well as giving me great opportunities for live performance." Joseph McGrath, (bass guitar, songwriter/arranger) Totem, Music Generation Roscommon
Watch Totem’s teaser video of their single Anew here and see them live on the Luna Stage at Night & Day Festival in Lough Key Forest Park this summer along with fellow Music Generation Roscommon youth bands Hyperzonic and The Nomadz.
View Creative Ireland's Creative Youth Strategy 2023-2027 here.
Music Generation Roscommon, is supported and funded by Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board, and Roscommon County Council, Roscommon Public Participation Network, Roscommon Leader Partnership, Tusla, and Foróige.
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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.
Congratulations to Music Generation Dublin City and City of Dublin ETB! We are delighted to see your incredible work supported through this collaboration.
We are excited to present the Music Generation Annual Report for 2024. In 2024, we proudly reached 10.9% of children and young people in Ireland.
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