Imagine an Ireland where everyone in the country has the chance to learn to play a musical instrument, from the fiddle to the guitar, the drums or even the saxophone. This is the driving ambition of Glaoch an Cheoil, a new series for TG4 produced by Mind the Gap Films. The show aims to unite unused or discarded musical instruments with people who have always wanted to learn to play, but never had the opportunity. Four music hubs are being established (one in each of the provinces ) – and the Connacht centre will be in Áras Inis Gluaire, Belmullet, Co Mayo.
You can join the crusade in two ways by donating or lending an instrument or signing up for free music lessons. Lessons are available to people aged 16 and over.
The event will start in Belmullet on Sunday, April 28, from 11am to 3pm.
For those who bring instruments there will be assessors on hand to decide if it can still have a useful life and, if needed, it will be restored for you. Organisers guarantee that all instruments are fully insured while in the loan bank and, if lent, will be returned to their owners in better shape than when they were lent.
For those who want to learn, join and tell your story and what musical genre you are most interested in, be it trad, rock, classical, or pop.
The mentor for Belmullet is Ragús’s accordion maestro Fergal Ó Murchú. Ó Murchú will also encourage those who are learning to play and make sure they are putting in the time and dedication required to master their chosen instrument.
This is an opportunity to give someone else the gift of music. An opportunity to have a musical instrument brought back to life. An opportunity to pass on a tradition that is an integral part of our colourful heritage.
For more information or to register your interest in lending an instrument see www.glaochancheoil.ie, email [email protected] or call 0818 222 070.
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