Applications are now open for high-standard, dedicated young trad musicians to join the Music Generation Laois Trad Orchestra . Membership is for 2018 and will commence in January 2018.

The positions open for audition are:
- Button accordion
- Mandolin
- Banjo
- Flute
- Fiddle
- Piano
- Harp
- Uilleann Pipes
- Double bass

Standard: This opportunity is for advanced traditional music students with 4 years experience and upwards

Age: 21 and under.

How to apply: Spaces are allocated on an audition basis – send an email to [email protected] with your name, date of birth, instrument(s), standard (how many years you have been playing, any significant performances or achievements in this time), Parent/Guardian contact telephone number (for those under 18) and home address. Note, as this is an advanced ensemble, expression of interest emails are to come from young people, applications made by parents/guardians on behalf of their child will not be accepted.

Deadline for receipt of applications is 5pm, Thursday 30 November

Auditions: Successful applicants will audition on Tuesday 5th December in the Portlaoise Further Education & Training Centre.

The Music Generation Laois Trad Orchestra was established in January 2016 under the directorship of Paul Finn and Siobhan Buckley. In May 2016, the orchestra collaborated with Donegal Accordionist Martin Tourish to create a new 30 minute suite of music ‘1916 Visions and Voices’ funded by the Laois 2016 Community Fund, Per Cent for Art through Laois County Council and the Music Generation Arts Council Partnership. The music was premiered on the 22 of May 2016, as part of the Music Generation Laois New Works Series, to unprecedented public response! The work has since been performed in Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in Ennis 2016, for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in Dublin Castle and in Powerscourt for the Ireland Funds Worldwide Conference attended by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Prince Albert of Monaco.

The Trad Orchestra performed on the Gig Rig at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann once again in 2017 and have worked with acclaimed composer Ryan Molloy and have had workshops with brilliant Irish musicians such as Michael Rooney and members of Goitse.

Please note: This is a highly professional youth ensemble, repeated absenteeism is not acceptable nor is poor timekeeping. Frequently additional rehearsals and performances are added and these are mandatory. Young musicians must come prepared to rehearsals. Poor conduct and irresponsible behaviour is not accepted in line with the expectations around adult professional musicians.

For further information, musicgenerationlaois.ie