Music For Me
Music for Me was one of Common Ground’s core programmes of arts development from 2005 to 2012. It was open to children who accessed the services of Homework Clubs in Dublin 8.
Music for Me facilitated children to play, listen to, participate in and experience the type of music that appealed to them. Since 2005 the programme was facilitated by professional musicians; Elaine Agnew, Kate Ellis, Brian Fleming, Eoin O’Brien, Dara O’Brien, Cora Venus Lunny, Klaus Vormehr, Ray Boyle, Pia Dunne, Mark Ellison, Robbie Harris, Peter Moran, Maeve O’Hara, Nick Roth; in collaboration with homework club staff, and included weekly and seasonal music sessions.
As an art form, music is deeply rooted in human nature. It is a unique form of communication and a means by which feelings and interests are organised and expressed. With this in mind, Music for Me aimed to empower children to successfully communicate feelings and interests about themselves and the world around them. Each section of the programme involved elements of listening, responding, performing and composing, underpinned by a desire to create an atmosphere of joyful participation.
The children were provided with the opportunity to perform on a regular basis in both local and wider community contexts. In April 2007, an exciting musical performance of both Irish and International music was staged by the Dolphin House Music Club in the Rotunda Room of Dublin City Hall. In 2009, the children performed their version of Humperdinck’s famous opera ‘Hansel and Gretel’ in the Shaw Room of the National Gallery. And in 2009, a new composition entitled The Power of Music was performed at the National Concert Hall by a group of young musicians from Dolphin House Homework Club.
A publication celebrating the achievements of the Music for Me programme was launched on 30th October 2012, formally launched by Orlaith McBride, Director of the Arts Council with special guest Brian Kennedy in attendance. Music was performed by children from the After Schools Club in St Michaels Estate, Fatima Homework Club and Dolphin House Homework Club.
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