Aspiring young musicians get new rehearsal room

PIANO: Bill Whelan, composer and board member of Music Gereration tinkles the ivories with two Sligo students at the opening of the first rehearsal room in Sligo funded by Music Generation Sligo. Pictures by Brian Farrell

A fully equipped rehearsal room for aspiring young musicians has opened in Sligo town centre, thanks in part to the generosity of rock icons U2.
The facility is located at For—iges’ CRIB Youth Project and Health Cafe on Rockwood Parade in Sligo. It has been provided thanks to funding from U2 and the Ireland Funds – lead funders of Music Generation Sligo (MGS).Music Generation heavyweights including board member and composer/producer Bill Whelan and his colleague, Lyric FM presenter Ellen Cranitch travelled to Sligo for the official opening of one of five such rehearsal spaces planned for the county.
A similar facility has also just opened at the Coleman Centre, in Gurteen. Three others will open in Co. Sligo later this year.
Older children, including some with plans to form a band, as well as would be composers, will have access to state of the art facilities including a drum kit (with cymbals), acoustic, electric and bass guitars, guitar amp, and leads, digital piano, mic, stand and speakers at the CRIB.
“The positive benefits of playing and being part of music must not be under-estimated,” said Anne Marie Regan, For—iges’ Project leader in Sligo/Leitrim.
“Music forms a very important element of youth culture and whether it helps a young person through a tough time, or makes them feel part of something, it will build   confidence and make participants feel connected with their peers.”
The board members also visited Sandcastles Childcare Centre in Easkey, where dozens of tiny tots and their parents/guardians are availing of the Discovering Music programme.
“Music Generation’s donors – U2 and The Ireland Funds – and indeed the Board of Music Generation are delighted with the progress of Music Generation Sligo,” said Rosaleen Molly, National Director of Music Generation.
“The ambitious plans for the future of music education in the county are driven by Sligo Music Education Partnership’s commitment to quality and excellence.”
And Rosaleen also praised County Sligo VEC, Sligo County Council and other local partners for their pro-active investment in music education.
 ”We are thrilled to see how the programme is developing led by some of the county’s finest musicians under the superb direction of coordinator Jessica Fuller.
“Our shared vision is for every child and young person to have access to music education and undoubtedly, exciting times lie ahead for children and young people in County Sligo!”



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