Rath National School near Ballybrittas this week received three new harps, under the Music Network Music Capital Scheme.
Rath National School established a harp programme in partnership with Music Generation Laois in 2012.
Since then the programme has gone from strength to strength, with young harpers performing at many notable events including, Music Generation Laois’ annual Schools’ Out for Summer Concert in The Heritage Hotel Killenard, and in the Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise.
Young harpers from Rath NS have taken part in Nobber Harp Festival in Meath on numerous occasions and also have travelled to Edinburgh International Harp Festival.
Siobhan Buckley, Harp Tutor from Music Generation Laois, works with 29 young harpers from Rath National School each week.
Speaking about the special delivery the school received this week, Siobhan commented , “The young people I work with each week in Rath are a super bunch of young harpers.
“They work so hard, and have made the absolute best of the challenges we have all faced since March 2020.
“I’m thrilled for Rath NS that they now own their own harps. In addition, the school now has a dedicated space for music classes where the harps will be situated!”
Young people from Laois and neighbouring counties can sign up to the Music Generation Laois harp programme, and attend classes in Laois Music Centre, Portlaoise – harps are provided and fees are heavily subsidised to make taking part really accessible.
A range of instruments and opportunities are available, from rock bands, trad programmes, drumming, and The Music Box, a programme for children and young people with special needs.
Laois schools can sign up to take part in programmes with Music Generation Laois.
See musicgenerationlaois.ie or email mgl@loetb.ie or call 057 8681782
Music Generation Laois is a performance music education programme for children in the county.
It is part of Laois Offaly Education and Training Board, and supported locally by Laois County Council.
Nationally Music Generation Laois is part of Music Generation, Ireland’s National Music Education Programme, initiated by Music Network and co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds and the Department of Education and Skills.
Since Music Generation Laois started in 2012, they have invested in over €120,000 in an instrument bank for the county.
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