On Monday the 21st of October, renowned Colombian Harpist Edmar Castañeda delivered a workshop, in Scoil Iosaif Naofa Girls National School, Mountmellick. The workshop was a huge success with many young harpisits feeling greatly inspired.
Here's what Rosa Flannery (Co-ordinator) and Music Generation Laois had to say about the day:
"We are still on a high here in MG Laois since Tuesday’s workshop with the genial, inspirational, Columbian Harpist – Edmar Castenada. Over 50 young musicians gathered in St Joesph’s Girls NS Mountmellick, to meet the Harpist who began his musical career as a dancer in Columbia. Edmar moved to the US in his teens, along with his family who immigrated there, and studied Trumpet by day and Harp by night.
On Tuesday in Mountmellick, Edmar asked the group of young musicians, ‘How many of you play the harp?’ and was astounded when the entire group of 50 children gathered raised their hands. Edmar explained that ordinarily when he poses that question, the standard response is 2-3 hands being raised!
Edmar’s workshop included lots of different styles from Bossa nova to Jazz, and as well as playing his blue custom-made Camac Harp, he gave a tremendous performance using Maracas, which was jaw-dropping!
Edmar also performed a duet with our own Claire O Donnell, the wonderful Harpist responsible for the great work being done in Rath NS Ballybrittas, St Joseph’s Girls NS Mountmellick and our latest recruits Gaelscoil an tSlí Dala in Ballaghmore, as well as our evening students in Portlaoise College."
Such an excellent opportunity for these young musicians, thanks to Music Network for making this possible.
Here's what Rosa Flannery (Co-ordinator) and Music Generation Laois had to say about the day:
"We are still on a high here in MG Laois since Tuesday’s workshop with the genial, inspirational, Columbian Harpist – Edmar Castenada. Over 50 young musicians gathered in St Joesph’s Girls NS Mountmellick, to meet the Harpist who began his musical career as a dancer in Columbia. Edmar moved to the US in his teens, along with his family who immigrated there, and studied Trumpet by day and Harp by night.
On Tuesday in Mountmellick, Edmar asked the group of young musicians, ‘How many of you play the harp?’ and was astounded when the entire group of 50 children gathered raised their hands. Edmar explained that ordinarily when he poses that question, the standard response is 2-3 hands being raised!
Edmar’s workshop included lots of different styles from Bossa nova to Jazz, and as well as playing his blue custom-made Camac Harp, he gave a tremendous performance using Maracas, which was jaw-dropping!
Edmar also performed a duet with our own Claire O Donnell, the wonderful Harpist responsible for the great work being done in Rath NS Ballybrittas, St Joseph’s Girls NS Mountmellick and our latest recruits Gaelscoil an tSlí Dala in Ballaghmore, as well as our evening students in Portlaoise College."
Such an excellent opportunity for these young musicians, thanks to Music Network for making this possible.