Boyle was the chosen location on Wednesday for a photoshoot to highlight the work of Music Generation Roscommon.
Irish children and young people rose to the challenges of the past year in many ways. In moving their musical talents online they showed great creativity, resilience and determination.
The Music Generation team, through their wide network of musician educators, engaged with thousands of young people through Zoom, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok from their own homes throughout the country, finding new ways to create, play and perform music since March2020. As the country starts opening up again, Music Generation pays tribute to them and their families for keeping the music playing in such difficult times.
When the pandemic struck, many bands, orchestras, music lessons, recordings, live performances and school projects were underway. Overnight, this access to live music stopped, along with everything else. Many programmes, lessons and interactions were reinvented online to ensure youngmusicians continued to have access to music, and the positive effect of those connections at a time when many felt isolated from others.
“Music Generation’s focus on the needs of children has never been more important than in the past year. We are very proud of the response to our programmes around the country during such a challenging year,” said Music Generation National Director, Rosaleen Molloy. “The music created by young people beautifully illustrates their experiences during this time, and we look forward to being able to bring them together for live performances as soon as it is safe to do so.”
Many events and projects have been taking place online. Some of the highlights include the incredible work undertaken in three areas – Roscommon, Longford and South County Dublin.
Music Generation Roscommon
“It’s brilliant. It was something that kept us going during lockdown. The teachers are really friendly. Guitar is definitely the right instrument for me, I love it. I love the music we are learning as well. I look forward to playing with other musicians in Music Generation when lockdown is really over.” Shane, Co. Roscommon
- Percussion packs sent to primary schools throughout the county.
- Early years online weekly classes for children aged 0-4 years.
- Examples include two teacher schools like Feevagh National School (22 students) with weekly ukulele lessons, and Clonown National School (20 students) with regular trad strings lessons.
- Working with children with special needs at primary and secondary level, with musical skills based on their individual requirements.
- Roscommon Co.Youth Orchestra kept going virtually, with families from around the county taking part.
- Free online singing lessons for the whole family, and other zoom events such as SingingEaster Camps and Traditional Irish Music Camp.
- Distanced andmasked recordings in Chapel Lane Studios with performances of contemporary Irish music like Phil Lynott’s The Boys are Back In Town and Linger, The Cranberries hit
Music Generation Roscommon is led by Galway and Roscommon ETB in partnership with Roscommon County Council.
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