On March 2nd, the Convention Centre in Dublin saw over 1,000 music makers gather for ‘We are Music Generation’. Travelling from all corners of Ireland, children and young people transformed the venue into a vibrant hub of musical creativity.
Over 41 acts performed across 4 stages throughout the day, featuring various musical genres and styles. The festival showcased classical strings, rap (as Gaeilge), jazz bands, choral performances, and even thrash metal by ‘Praelium’ from Music Generation Limerick City. The youth music scene included bands like 'Capital Killers' from Music Generation Mayo and 'Our Hearts' from Music Generation Meath. Seisiúns, workshops, and interviews filled the Trad Hub programme facilitated by Music Generation Tipperary.
Young musicians had the opportunity to participate in a range of workshops led by professional musicians and artists. Songwriting sessions took place under the guidance of Síomha and Steve Ryan. Djembe drumming with David Day was great fun. Young lyricists explored word painting with YouTuber, composer, and pianist David Bennett.
The Kabin hosted rap workshops, while NOISE Music offered DJ sessions. Music Generation Galway City provided an immersive experience with their Virtual Reality room, and Padraic Joyce facilitated a space for creative music and open mic performances.
Young musicians took lead MC roles throughout the day. Jay from SubSounds and Music Generation South Dublin said "My favourite part about today was interviewing people and doing MCing. For the MCing I introduced [the bands] on stage and got everyone to give a round of applause."
Young social media teams from Music Generation Galway City, Tipperary, Sligo, Mayo and South Dublin were briefed and given equipment to record their own interviews. See Music Generation Sligo's social media team in the photos below. Young podcaster Logan Sounds Off joined us on the day. He interviewed Síomha, The Kabin and 'Botantics' from Music Generation Roscommon. Watch Síomha's interview here. The others will be released very soon.
"I was performing here today and it was an overall great experience." Vakare Aranauskaite, Young Musician, Music Generation Westmeath
The final performance of the day was a specially created piece called 'Hiccup'. The Hiccup Collective is made up of The Kabin rappers from Music Generation Cork City, brass players from Music Generation Waterford and The Yellow Bellows choir from Music Generation Wexford.
The quality of performances and electric atmosphere made it a day to remember for all! Click the image below to scroll through the complete gallery of photo from the day.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who was part of #WeAreMusicGeneration at the Convention Centre on 2nd March 2024. Well done to every young musician who performed on the day and every audience member who cheered them on.
That's not all folks! Discover a 'We are Music Generation' event/programme in your local area. There is lots of events and programmes planned throughout 2024. Check out the list here.
'We are Music Generation' events are co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, the Arts Council/An Comhairle Ealaíon and the Department of Education.
Follow us on social media and use #WeAreMusicGeneration if you attend any local events.
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Photos by Dave Keegan.
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