Music Generation Mayo, as part of it’s Music Residency Programme, is offering an opportunity to young people aged 8-18 yrs  to participate in a three month music programme facilitated by the Ukulele Trio.

This residency will focus on learning musical skills and song-writing with the ukulele and will culminate in performances at the Féilé Ukulele, Mayo’s own dedicated Ukulele Festival which takes place in Castlebar on the weekend of July 6^th 2013.

The residency will be faciliated by ‘The Ukulele Trio’: Johnny Fadgin: soprano ukulele and vocals, Barbara Trawinski: tenor ukulele and vocals and Shane Gannon: vocals, ukulele and percussion. The group formed in 2010 as part of the Mayo Art Squad Community Music Programme and regularly perform for community events and in healthcare settings throughout the county.

Their repertoire ranges from traditional to contemporary as well as material composed by the trio themselves. Their unique approach to teaching is inclusive, versatile and a whole lot of fun for those involved. “We are delighted to work with Music Generation Mayo in providing this fun-filled and accessible opportunity for young people to engage with the ukulele, an instrument that has gained huge popularity in recent years” said facilitator Barbara Trawinski, “ ukuleles are provided to participants during the residency which removes the barrier of accessing an instrument and with three tutors involved we can focus on learning to play the instrument, arrangements, song-writing and performing so it’s suitable for complete beginners as well as seasoned young musicians.”

If you are aged between 8-18 yrs and would like to know more or apply to be involved, please download the following forms and return the application form to us.

Ukulele Residency - Detailed Info

Ukulele Residency - Application Form .doc

The deadline for applications is Thursday April 11^th. There are a limited number of places available and they will be filled on a first come first served basis.

On Thursday December 13^th two of Co. Mayo’s finest music ensembles - The Carabells & Bofield Céilí Band - took centre stage at Dublin Castle to perform as guest artists for the Department of Education and Skills’ inaugural event for the EU Presidency. Selected by Music Generation and the DES from a number of proposed acts from County Mayo these young musical ambassadors performed to a distinguished international audience at the State Apartments, Dublin Castle. 

 The Carabells, a unique eight-member bell ensemble aged from 15 to 18 years, was formed in 2004 by Mayo native Kathy Fahey. Performing a diverse repertoire of pop, rock classical and of course Christmas favourites, The Carabells have given numerous performances locally, nationally and internationally and have also been featured on TG4, RTÉ Nationwide and the Late Late Toy Show.

With over one hundred years of making music, the Bofield Céilí Band is the oldest céilí band in Co. Mayo. The band provides a range of instrumental tuition to children and young people up to 18 years and has represented Co. Mayo on the local, national and international stage for decades. 

“We are delighted that young Mayo musicians will represent our county at this prestigious event”, said Cllr. Jarlath Munnelly, Chairperson, Co.Mayo Music Education Partnership. “And that they will have the opportunity to showcase their skill and represent their county on the national and international stage.’’

 “The Department of Education and Skills is delighted to have the opportunity to work with Music Generation and a host of local partners in planning an exciting performance programme that will feature some of Ireland’s finest young musical ambassadors to represent their county and their country over the coming months during Ireland’s EU Presidency”, commented Ruairi Quinn, Minister for Education and Skills.

This performance marks the first in a series of exciting musical celebrations that have been organised by the Department of Education and Skills and Music Generation for Ireland’s EU Presidency and will feature some of Ireland’s finest young musicians throughout the country.

For further information on EU Presidency events -  please contact Music Generation National Office, c/o Music Network, The Coach House, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2. 01 6719945 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / www.musicgeneration.ie

Solidarity Songs | Young Songwriters Wanted !!!

Win a Zoom® portable recorder and valuable studio recording time!

Solidarity Songs offers young songwriters the chance to win valuable studio recording time and pressed copies of their own work on CD. The songwriting competition aims to highlight the UN's eight Millennium Development Goals and offers young people the opportunity to showcase their creative talent. The winner will receive a Zoom® portable recorder.

Full entry details can be found on the Kerry One World Centre website: www.kade.ie/solidarity

Entry criteria
- one song in any genre, based on the MDGs
- submission on CD or by email
- entrants must be aged 21 or younger
- entrants must be resident in Ireland
- melody and lyric must be entrant's original work
- entrants may have another person perform the work

Solidarity Songs project partners are Kerry One World Centre, KDYS and Clubheadbangbang.

The deadline for receipt of entries is December 31st 2012.

Well done to all the students from Killocraun NS who made an appearance on the Late Late Toy Show!

In just a few short months, Killocraun NS, an 18 pupil small school, nestled under the shadow of Nephin, have progressed their percussion skills with tutor Anthony McNamee and the support of principal Catherine Canny and the community at large to win a coveted appearance on the legendary show!