The Listening Room - April 2004

An Evaluation

By Pete Courtney

The Magical Musical Dust that was ever-present in the beautiful Market House in Monaghan during April has settled and has more than likely been recycled into another form of creative expression, but that is the way it works!

Ollie Cole from the rock group "TURN", Gemma Hayes, David Kitt and myself hosted workshops and performances on all aspects of 'the' and 'our' musical world. We gave our where-with-all and energy and mixed it up with humble honesty to demonstrate to the attending 14 to 19 year olds what it is and what it takes to progress and evolve in our designated profession.

I was honoured with the role of coordinating the other artists' days in Monaghan and had the luxury of looking at things objectively. My interpretation of their days amongst us leads me to conclude that they received as much out of the entire process as did our interested "youths". It was a new experience for them to be artistically naked in front of the audience/participants, because in them they saw themselves where they were when they first felt the sound and symphonies of their own heart.

Ollie represented the rocking angst-ier persona, full of hope and desire. Gemma the more sensitive commercial type, content with a mainstream success. David personified a knowledgeable introspective studio buff at work in an eclectic arena. I exhibited my side being of an alternative independent artist living the life by being true to my heart and following the call of all musicians. For we are all so similar, same spirit different face. What we do is a vocation not just a profession.

I believe we all felt a great connection, artists and audience.

I also believe one cannot put a price on giving something of such value to the community. I believe we have started something great in Monaghan that is already being talked about in other counties. I believe we are lucky in having an Arts Office that has the vision to recognise creativity in all its forms.

This following comment from Fiona was one of many sincere 'thank yous' that the Arts Office received as well as the artists, but in my mind it wholly and fully expresses a collective reflection.

"Just a massive thank you for the Monaghan music workshops. Most memorable thing to happen here since...

I think you're getting the picture.

Hopefully, this wasn't a one-time thing. I'm pretty sure the sanity of Monaghans youth depend on it."

That's it, y'know!