Mayo's Erris Strings perform at Áras Inis Gluaire launch
Minister Dara Calleary launched the Pathways for Professionals to Use Irish at Work initiative at Áras Inis Gluaire in Béal an Mhuirthead, Mayo, with young musicians from the Erris Strings programme performing at the event.
Young musicians from the Erris Strings were delighted to perform at a special event in Áras Inis Gluaire, Béal an Mhuirthead, where Minister Dara Calleary launched the Pathways for Professionals to Use Irish at Work initiative.
The young performers were proud to represent their community and were warmly received by business and education leaders from across the region, and invited dignitaries attending the launch, demonstrating the positive impact of long-term investment in music education in the Erris region.
The Erris Strings programme has been running for more than eight years under the direction of Finola Reilly, Music Educator with Music Generation Mayo. Through group violin classes, pupils of Scoil Chroí Mhuire gan Smál learn to play in a fun and engaging environment using an aural-based approach, with music reading introduced gradually as their skills develop.
Their music leader, Finola Reilly, an experienced violin and piano teacher and long-time member of Music Generation Mayo, is passionate about supporting young people to develop musical skills, creativity and self-confidence through inclusive music-making.
Pupils from Rang 4, Belmullet Senior National School represented the wider music programme that takes place across the co-educational DEIS primary school. The performance showcased the children's dedication, confidence and growing musical ability, and added greatly to the occasion.
Music Generation Mayo have extended their thanks to Gaelchultúr, Údarás na Gaeltachta & Aras Inis Gluire for the invitation to perform at this prestigious event.
Music Generation Mayo, County Mayo's music education programme for children and young people, is part of Ireland's national Music Generation network. Its mission is to ensure that all children and young people have the opportunity to access and benefit from high-quality music-making experiences, regardless of background or circumstance.
Music Generation Mayo is managed by Mayo Music Education Partnership, led by Mayo, Sligo & Leitrim Education and Training Board in partnership with Mayo County Council Arts Office, Mayo Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) and Mayo Education Centre. For further information on the Erris Strings Project and other Music Generation Mayo initiatives, please visit www.musicgeneration.com