Music Generation Sligo (MGS) was established in June 2011 and the first phase runs for three years to June 2014. It aims to open the door to performance music education for every one of Sligo’s 16500 children and young adults under the age of 18. MGS is being developed in partnership with public and private music and education providers in the county and regionally. MGS is based at Sligo VEC. MGS has already created seven new jobs in Sligo with more good news to follow next year.
“…the music partnership programme provides a backdrop which enhances tradition and provides continuity to sustain a whole new generation of musicians in Sligo…Sligo VEC is delighted to be lead partner.” Shaun Purcell, CEO Sligo VEC
Music Generation Sligo has received significant funding from U2 and the Ireland Funds through Music Generation to make this happen. This has been matched to local funding from the steering committee groups, Sligo VEC, Sligo County Council, Sligo Education Centre, Sligo County Childcare, Cranmore Regeneration, the Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government, the Coleman Centre, Sligo Music Academy, Sligo School of Rock, Comhaltas and the private music education community. It is hoped to attract sponsorship in 2012 as further support for the projects.
“Music Generation is Ireland´s National Music Education programme, initiated by Music Network (the Arts Council funded development agency for music) and enabled by a €7m philanthropic donation – €5m from U2 and a further €2m which is currently being raised by The Ireland Funds. Music Generation will be funding up to twelve Music Education Partnerships during its first phase, six of which have been selected already. We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with and support Co. Sligo, who have proposed an exciting and ambitious high quality programme.” Rosaleen Molloy, Director, Music Generation
Sligo is the first county in Ireland to start the roll-out of actual activity with the first three of six our core programmes across the county already underway. They are designed to get young people playing, listening, trying instruments, going to a gig, buying music, dancing, and of course making and performing music.
The first four programmes are underway and will have involved almost ONE THOUSAND children and young adults in Sligo by Christmas. “Sligo is lucky to have a terrific range of music activity, but we need to make sure its accessible to all. Music Generation Sligo opens the door to all. This is happening because of the partnerships across the cultural, education and youth sectors in Sligo. The programmes have been created in response to a demand for services, job creation and a joining of dots! Jessica Fuller, Co-ordinator Music Generation Sligo.
DISCOVERING MUSIC is a short introduction to music [4-6 weeks]. A PERIPATETIC service, the course is being offered FREE to every child and young adult. Six music tutors are working on this programme.
RESOURCES & FACILITIES
A) County Instrument Library and Five Band Rehearsal Rooms
B)Rehearsal Rooms for teens – GET IN ! Space to create and play! Five rehearsal rooms are to be established at the five ‘hubs´ across the county to facilitate ease of access for bands and music groups, songwriters and composers.
PERFORMANCE PROGRAMME:This is all about making and playing music. MGS will be rolling out a series of activities and projects. The first is “Sing Out Sligo” -a Public Art Composition Commission & Performance Project.
GET INVOLVED: Music Generation Sligo is hosting a range of masterclasses and CPD programmes for musicians in Sligo from 2012. Music Generation Sligo will be hosting open days and community events in 2012.
MGS is establishing a Youth Music Committee and is making a call to all young people call us and find out more.
“Music Generation will significantly advance achievements in music education in Sligo to date. Sligo County Council Arts Service has prioritised innovative and quality music development programmes in Sligo since 1999, working closely with the music and education sectors locally and nationally. We are confident that this partnership approach is the best way forward for Sligo Music and is one of the key building blocks towards a Creative Sligo. The legacy will be a new generation of musicians and audiences.” Rhona McGrath, Sligo County Council Arts Service
GET INVOLVED and Open the doors to Music in Sligo! www.musicgenerationsligo.com
