Young musicians and singers in Laois invited to enter song-writing project

MUSIC Generation Laois combined with The Nerve Centre in Northern Ireland have launched a new song-writing project entitled ‘Isle of Song’.

‘Isle of Song’ involves children and young people from Laois and Offaly as well as across Northern Ireland taking part in the project from March to October.

Young musicians and singers, who love music and are interested in song-writing, aged between 10 and 18 from Laois, Offaly and Northern Ireland are invited to take part in ‘Isle of Song’ across two residential music camps in Antrim and Laois. 

Those taking part will get to experience playing in a band, collaborating to write songs with fellow participants and under the guidance of experienced mentors, performing at Stendhal Festival in Limavady and at The Fort in Portlaoise.

‘Isle of Song’ will culminate with showcase concerts in September and October on-stage in The Nerve Centre in Derry and in the Dunamaise Arts Centre in Portlaoise.

Those wishing to park part in the project must be able to commit to all dates. 

Taking part is free of charge as are all meals, accommodation, transport and workshops.

There are just 50 spaces available. Please note not all those who apply will secure a place on the project.

Music Development Officer with Music Generation Laois Rosa Flannery said: “We are reaching out to young people who play an instrument, sing and are interested in collaborating with other young musicians to create original music.” 

Ms Flannery said that ‘Isle of Song’ will bring together 50 young musicians from all over Ireland, North and South to create, collaborate and develop original music.

“We know this project will have a profound impact on participants who will get to meet like-minded young musicians from all over Ireland, visit new places, perform at festivals and professional music venues, record and release new music,” she said.

She said that while applications are open to all young people aged between 10 and 18, “in particular we welcome applications from children and young people from marginalised backgrounds to take part.” ‘Isle of Song’ is part of Creative Ireland’s Shared Island Initiative.

The ‘Creative Youth/Shared Island Initiative’ aims to bring together like-minded organisations and children and young people, North and South on the island of Ireland to nurture collaboration, understanding, and hope for the future through active participation in creative projects.

Music Generation Laois is leading out on the ‘Isle of Song’ project, partnering with The Nerve Centre, Derry.

The Creative Youth/Shared Island Initiative’ application process was highly competitive, with six projects across Ireland in total receiving ‘Creative Youth on a Shared Island’ funding.

€180,000 was allocated to the ‘Isle of Song’ project.

Application forms are now open on both Music Generation Laois and The Nerve Centre’s websites (musicgenerationlaois.ie or nervecentre.org) with closing date on Monday 20 January at 5pm.

Those requiring assistance or support to complete the application form should email mgl@loetb.ie or phone 057 8681782.