Musician and Music Educator Ellen Glennon Appointed as Music Development Officer for Roscommon

Music Generation, together with Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB), is delighted to announce the appointment of musician and music educator Ellen Glennon to the role of Music Generation Development Officer for Roscommon.

In her new post Ellen will develop and oversee an affordable, accessible programme of performance music education for children and young people ages 0 to 18 across the county. This will include building partnerships with music and arts tuition services in the area and coordinating with schools, youth and community groups to create access programmes, ensembles, choirs and other initiatives, embracing all musical genres and styles.

Under the leadership of GRETB, Music Generation Roscommon is one of 20 areas now participating in Ireland’s national music education programme. Initiated by Music Network in 2010, Music Generation is co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, the Department of Education and Skills and Local Music Education Partnerships.

Ellen’s appointment is an important milestone in the development of Music Generation Roscommon, marking the beginning of a focussed phase of planning which will build towards the implementation of a full and comprehensive programme of vocal and instrumental tuition later in 2019.

Commenting on her appointment Ellen said: ‘I’m delighted to take up the role as Music Development Officer in Roscommon. As a performer and music educator I am looking forward to extending the vision of Music Generation across Roscommon. I have seen the impact that quality music education, in its various facets, can have on an individual. From learning to performing, sharing to listening, building confidence to nurturing talent, there are no limits to the benefits of a creative musical experience for the individual and the wider community. Through partnerships and collaborations, both locally and nationally, I hope to develop and grow the deep rooted music tradition of Roscommon and to provide access for children and young people across the county to a creative musical journey.’

Ellen takes up her role following a music career spanning more than 30 years, including through her local Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann branch, as a pianist and accompanist, and nationally and internationally as a member of the band Sín É. She has won numerous county and provincial titles at Feiseanna and Fleadh Ceoil na hÉireann, including an All-Ireland title on piano accordion and the McCullagh Piggot Cup at Sligo Feis Ceoil. Holding a BMus and a Higher National Diploma in Education from UCC, Ellen is a professional music educator having taught music at all levels and in all contexts and genres. Most recently she held the role of Tutor at Mullingar Training Development Agency and previously lectured in Music Appreciation at Athlone IT.

Welcoming the announcement, Chief Executive of GRETB David Leahy said: ‘We’re delighted to welcome Ellen to the role of Music Generation Development Officer for Roscommon. Ellen brings a wealth of expertise to the role, including in the areas of programme development and planning, leadership and music education. Already Music Generation programmes are getting underway in Galway City and County, under the leadership of GRETB. This great news of Ellen’s appointment now marks an exciting step in the implementation of the programme for Roscommon, further supporting our vision to extend access to music tuition for children and young people across the region. I very much look forward to working with Ellen to bring these new opportunities to communities across the county.’

Roscommon County Council is also fully committed to the Music Generation vision and to the strong collaborative partnership with GRETB, as lead partner. The Local Authority has been working closely with GRETB and other partners in the research and consultation process and in drafting the Framework Music Education Plan for the application to Music Generation, Phase 2. Mary Mullins, Arts Officer for Roscommon County Council, said: ‘This is a terrific development in the provision of participatory music experiences for young people in County Roscommon. Music Generation Roscommon will help to create rich and diverse ways for participants to engage in vocal and instrumental tuition which is delivered by skilled professional musicians, across all musical genres and styles. Roscommon County Council is delighted to work in partnership with GRETB in this exciting initiative.’

Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr Ivan Connaughton stated “I am proud to be associated with this wonderful initiative. It is an excellent time for children and young people in Roscommon and will encourage music development for many years to come”

Roscommon was among nine new areas of Ireland selected for participation in Music Generation’s second phase in September 2017, following an open national call for applications from new Local Music Education Partnerships (LMEPs). Expansion of the Music Generation initiative into Roscommon was made possible as a result of philanthropic donations by U2 and The Ireland Funds, which will seed-fund 50% of the costs of establishing the programme during a three-year set-up phase. This matched funding will then be sustained on a long-term basis by the Department of Education and Skills once the philanthropic donations cease. Roscommon LMEP will also generate a further 50% in funding locally. Roscommon LMEP will be led by GRETB, working in partnership with Roscommon County Council and Roscommon Arts Centre, Roscommon PPN and Roscommon LEADER partnership, TUSLA, County Childcare Committee, Foróige, Brothers of Charity and local youth and community music organisations.

Commenting on the announcement, GRETB Board member Councillor Kathleen Shanagher, said: ‘Music Generation will provide wonderful opportunities for young musicians to develop their talents by having professional musicians teaching and sharing their skills. There is so much talent waiting to be discovered, by having this programme it will give all young people a great start in their musical careers along with providing important employment opportunities for professional musicians in the county. I would like to congratulate Ellen Glennon on her appointment to the role in Roscommon.’

Further information about Music Generation Roscommon is expected to be announced over the coming months.