Pictures: City sways to Sounds of Summer as Music Generation Kilkenny plays Butler House

Sounds of Summer, a free musical event was held in Butler House Garden in partnership with Kilkenny Civic Trust in which talented young musicians from Music Generation Kilkenny’s Creative Music Space performed a selection of songs on guitar, drums and vocals.

Separately, three workshops were held for Cruinniú na nÓg, a day of free creative activities for children funded by the Creative Ireland programme.

First up was Song Trail, a singing workshop and pop-up performance project for children aged eight to 12 years. The workshop was held in the Friary Hall and was followed by pop-up performances in the Medieval Mile Museum, Rothe House and The Market Cross Shopping Centre from for parents and the public to join. A baby music workshop and toddler music workshop was also held in the Scouts Den on the Bennettsbridge Road and featured song, movement, instruments and sensory activities.

A second free Sounds of Summer concert was held in Butler House Garden featuring a violin performance by four Kilkenny primary schools who participate in the Music Generation Kilkenny Primary School String Programme.

Over 50 young violinists from Kilkenny School Project, Scoil Naomh Fiachra Clontubrid, St Kieran’s National School, Johnstown and Scoil Bhríde, Paulstown ignored the rain and performed beautifully in Butler House Garden under Music Generation Kilkenny educator Carl Rochford.

“We are delighted to have developed these workshops and performance opportunities for children and young people in Kilkenny for Sounds of Summer,” said Sinéad Blanchfield, Music Generation Kilkenny Development Officer.

Musical joy
“The idea is to give children and young people access to transformative musical experiences that bring meaning and joy to their life.”

June was a busy month for Music Generation Kilkenny as they hosted Summer Drummers in 15 Kilkenny primary schools. The workshops, facilitated by two teams of samba drummers, will run in the schools’ playground with all children taking part from junior infants to sixth class.

Music Generation Kilkenny is part of Music Generation, Ireland’s national music education programme, initiated by Music Network and co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, the Department of Education and Local Music Education Partnerships.
Locally, Music Generation Kilkenny is led by KCETB in partnership with Kilkenny County Council. The programme aims to transform the lives of children and young people up to 18 years by creating access to high-quality, affordable music tuition in their localities.

For more information on Music Generation Kilkenny email musicgenerationkilkenny@kcetb.ie or phone 087-1765493.