Balbriggan students set for Groove School

STUDENTS at two schools in Balbriggan are set to take part in a music programme this summer.

As part of the Balbriggan Socio-Economic Regeneration Strategy, Fingal County Council and Dublin City University have partnered to bring the Boston-based Berklee Music School’s Groove School programme to Ireland in August.

Thirty-nine of the 100 places on the three-day programme have been given to students from Balbriggan’s Loreto Secondary School and Ardgillan Community College. The students will be involved in a concert on August 3 at the culmination of the course.

The Groove School programme offers participants access to the Berklee method of music education, encompassing theory, ear training, improvisation, ensemble performance and instrumental instruction. 

During the programme, participants will also have the opportunity to audition to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Chairman of Balbriggan Leadership Group, Brian McCraith, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for the students from Balbriggan to improve their musical education and is a result of an initiative by the Balbriggan Leadership Group to assist local musicians in realising their potential and getting the most from their talents.” 

Laura Guilfoyle of DCU said: “Groove is, to many, the basis of all that we do. It's the feel: the groove moves us. 

“All musicians in contemporary music should have an understanding of groove, style and the functioning of the backline, not only to be better performers, but to be better songwriters and producers. 

“Groove School at DCU is going to give the participants the insight into how it's done.”  

The workshop will take place on three consecutive days from August 1. Groove School will present sessions in lecture and masterclass formats. 

The lecture sessions will enable students to learn about various performance skills and techniques centred on groove and style while the masterclasses allow students to put them into practice.

Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Gráinne Maguire, said the purpose of the Leadership Group is to identify ways to make a real difference to the people of Balbriggan.