Music Generation Laois have commissioned composer Lorna McLaughlin to create a suite of 5 songs for and with children, ages 8-12, in 3 Laois Primary Schools: Rath NS, Paddock NS, and Cloneyhurke NS. The children’s voices and ideas will be central to the development of these new songs.
Lorna McLaughlin has experience of developing composition with children and young people, has a track record in community music, and also has experience in the creation of music that children enjoy. These new songs will have longevity and become part of the repertoire of children in Laois.
This collaborative commission with children will develop themes and ideas that respond to the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child (Article 31) and the composer will use musical games, percussion, singing and improvisation to explore themes relevant to the commission.
The composer will weave together the children’s ideas, themes, motifs and melodies and create the new suite of songs. The completed songs will then be further workshopped, rehearsed and prepared for a showcase concert in 2023 and performed to a live audience. Also in 2023 the the songs will be disseminated to school communities in Laois in partnership with Laois Education Centre.
This commission is also supported by the Arts Council’s Young People and Education Commission to develop a children’s song commission in 2022/2023.
For more information: https://www.musicgenerationlaois.ie/projects/
