This article is from page 22 of the 2008-07-22 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 22 JPG
CLARE County Council mightn’t be the first organization to spring to mind when it comes to promoting rock music but the local authority is playing an unexpected role in en- couraging new musical talent in the Shannon area.
Through its County Arts Office, the council is giving support for the Shannon Music Project by providing bursaries for thirteen talented young musicians which enabled them attend the Ennis Guitar and Rock School workshops in Shannon last week.
County council’s Traditional Arts Coordinator, Tara Connaghan, who is based in Shannon, said the work- shops provided a great opportunity to work with community groups in stom D acre
The Shannon Music Project (SMP) is a Clare Youth Service project based in Shannon which provides young people aged 15-25 with op- portunities to get involved in musical events, avail of practice space and high quality musical equipment to Lou COwremelee
It has been running for over ten years and this year received some funding from Clare VEC and Shan- non Community Grant Scheme to help with the cost of new equipment purchases. The project has organised bands nights, acoustic performances and competitions in Shannon and also liaises with Ennis Music Project for similar events and workshops.
Last week, the Ennis Guitar and Rock School ran workshops in Shan-
non which included tuition by profes- sional tutors on guitar, drums vocals, CD recording and songwriting.
The Ennis Guitar and Rock School was established five years ago and runs weekly classes throughout the year from its Clonroad Business Park location and will commence beginner classes in Scariff, Kilrush, Shannon and Ennistymon from Sep- tember onwards.
Further information on the Clare Arts Office can be had from www. clarelibrary.ie/arts while informa-
tion on the Shannon Music Project can be had from Cathal Dillon in the Shannon Youth Office www.clarey- outhservice.org.
For information on the Ennis Guitar and Rock School call 065 6822516 or visit www.ennisguitarschool.ie.