SERVICES
Official Launch of Music Generation Cavan/Monaghan “Making Music Happen”
Thursday 27th February marked a historic day for counties Cavan and Monaghan with the official launch of Music Generation Cavan / Monaghan.
At a special event held in Cavan Town Hall Theatre, local representatives from Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB), Monaghan County Council, Cavan County Council, Music Generation and the Local Arts Education Partnership gathered to officially launch the programme.
Music Generation is Ireland’s national music education programme which aims to create access to high-quality, subsidised performance music education to all children and young people. Music Generation is initiated by Music Network and co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, the Department of Education and Skills and Local Music Education Partnerships
The Lead Partner for Music Generation Cavan / Monaghan is Cavan and Monaghan ETB, in partnership with Cavan and Monaghan County Councils. The launch event celebrated the collaborative work of the local partner agencies in bringing performance music education to the region of Cavan and Monaghan.
Cllr. Séamus Coyle – Cathaoirleach, Monaghan County Council said: “Bringing these musical experiences to local young people and their teachers is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when we align our resources and ambitions.”
Music Generation Cavan/Monaghan began in January 2019 with the appointment of Music Development Officer, Mairéad Duffy and Administrator, Paul Markey. The programme has since recruited a panel of Musician Educators and in September 2019 commenced delivering programmes in various settings across Monaghan and Cavan. Currently over 1,400 children from across the two counties have weekly access to Music Generation in Primary Schools and Pre Schools. In January of this year, a Traditional Irish music programme began in 9 additional Primary Schools.
There are also two pilot projects underway in partnership with Foróige and Youth Work Ireland Cavan / Monaghan. These projects have introduced teenagers to song writing and vocal ensemble work.
Cllr. Clifford Kelly, Chairperson of Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board said: “Not only has Music Generation Cavan/Monaghan brought music to everyday lives of our children and young people, it has also provided employment in the region for local musicians, enabling them to work in their native counties, bringing their skill and musicianship to the future music-makers of Monaghan and Cavan.”
Eoin Doyle, Director of Services, Cavan County Council said: “I look forward to the coming years, as we partner with Monaghan County Council, CMETB and Music Generation Cavan / Monaghan in providing improved access to performance music education for all of our young people.“
In May, a series of showcase performances will be held in venues in Cavan and Monaghan. These performance opportunities are a hugely important part of this initiative, providing a platform for the children and young people involved with Music Generation to perform together and to share their talents with an audience.
If you would like to find out more about Music Generation Cavan / Monaghan please contact MusicGen@cmetb.ie or visit www.cmetb.ie/musicgeneration
Back row, Left – Right: Catriona O’ Reilly (Arts Officer, Cavan County Council), John Kearney (Chief Executive, CMETB), Eamonn O’ Sullivan (Chief Executive, Monaghan County Council), Eoin Doyle (Director of Services, Cavan County Council), Somhairle Mac Conghail (Arts Officer, Monaghan County Council).
Front Row Left – Right: Rosaleen Molloy (National Director, Music Generation), Paul Markey (Administrator, Music Generation Cavan/Monaghan), Mairéad Duffy (Development Officer, Music Generation Cavan/Monaghan), Cllr. Clifford Kelly (Chairperson, CMETB), Cllr. Seámus Coyle (Cathaoirleach, Monaghan County Council), Narissa Cosgrove (Cavan Arts), Cllr. Sarah O’ Reilly (Cavan County Council & CMETB), Rhonda Tidy (Cavan Arts).
Back row, Left – Right: Paddy Flood (Director of Schools, CMETB), John Kearney (Chief Executive, CMETB), Eamonn O’ Sullivan (Chief Executive, Monaghan County Council), Eoin Doyle (Director of Services, Cavan County Council), Joanne Brennan (Local Arts in Education Partnership).
Middle Row Left – Right: Paul Markey (Administrator, Music Generation Cavan/Monaghan), Rosaleen Molloy (National Director, Music Generation), Mairéad Duffy (Development Officer, Music Generation Cavan/Monaghan), Cllr. Clifford Kelly (Chairperson, CMETB), Cllr. Seámus Coyle (Cathaoirleach, Monaghan County Council), Cllr. Sarah O’ Reilly (Cavan County Council & CMETB).
Front Row Left – Right: Music Generation Cavan Monaghan Musicians Daniel Doherty, Cormac Mc Cann, Donal Gormley, Shannon Hackett, Paul Sherry & Seanan Brennan.