The vibrant atmosphere of Kavanagh’s Bar and Venue in Portlaoise was infused with the tunes of a new musical ensemble, The Resonators.
The group, formed by learners completing QQI Level 5 and 6 Music at Portlaoise FET Centre, made their debut in the local music scene, captivating the audience with a blend of well-known tracks and original compositions.
Alzbeta Bundova, Evan Byrne, Angela Byrne, Lucy Hood, Stevie Buckley, Patrick Tunga and Aimee Tynan, showcased their musical talent and ability at this fantastic event.
From classic covers to their own creations, each note seemed to resonate with the passion and dedication these learners have poured into their musical journey.
This is the first year certified music courses were available to learners living in Laois and Offaly as part of LOETB’s further education and training provision.
A collaboration between Portlaoise FET Centre and Music Generation Laois, QQI Level 5 learners were offered a range of modules including Music Theory, Event Production, Music Performance and Irish Music, with advanced modules available at Level 6.
For many of the performers, this gig marked a significant milestone, representing not only the completion of their studies but also the realisation of a dream to share their music with the wider community.
Angela, Stevie, and Patrick each performed their own heartfelt original compositions, and also collaborated on fantastic group performances.
Evan played an upbeat original song on the guitar, inspiring us all to never give up. Lucy sang a beautiful song which she dedicated to her mother who was present on the night.
The audience eagerly cheered on, acknowledging the hard work and talent on display.
However, what truly set this event apart was not just the quality of the music, but the spirit of generosity present.
In a heartwarming gesture, Aimee Tynan, a learner on the course explained how all proceeds from a collection held during the performance were pledged to Cancer Research.
She gave a beautiful performance of her own original song, dedicated to her aunt Caroline who passed away some time ago.
As the echoes of their performance lingered in the air, it was evident that The Resonators had not only entertained but had also left a mark on the hearts of all those present.
With their debut success, they have firmly established themselves as a promising addition to the local music scene in Portlaoise.
If you are interested in finding out more about FET Music courses in Portlaoise, you can:
Register interest here, https://forms.office.com/e/y96hNJm20q or contact Lisa at Portlaoise FET Centre, lmcevoy@loetb.ie or rflannery@loetb.ie.
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