The IRMA Trust has been donning a Santa hat early this year, speeding round the country to deliver sackfuls of free musical equipment to Ireland’s bands of tomorrow!
One of those successful applicants is Carlow Regional Youth Services who have received the starter pack this month containing everything a young band needs from guitars, amps, drum kits and keyboards along with a PA system, rehearsal recording equipment, microphones, accessories and a starter fund of €500 to get things rolling.
Twenty-one facilities around Ireland were shortlisted for an intensive assessment from the numerous applications for the scheme.
All in all, the Trust has invested €130,000 in the initiative, providing brand new equipment for rehearsal spaces open to bands from the local community.
Dick Doyle, chair of the IRMA Trust stated that "the Trust is pleased with the outcome of the Capital Music Scheme. We were astonished at the level of musical activity nation-wide and are thrilled to be able to provide assistance to fifteen organisations throughout the country. Our original mission was to give something back to the industry and to provide young people with the opportunity to be actively involved in making music. This partnership scheme is a most fitting final programme for the IRMA Trust. We hope that new partnerships between the music industry, The Arts Council and the youth arts community endure into the future. The rehearsal rooms are the Trust’s legacy to musicians in Ireland."
