Membership day at The Core

FOR over a year now, young musicians and performing artists from Ballina and throughout Mayo have been taking advantage of an exciting new creative facility.

The Core is a resource for young musicians and schools in the Mayo community. It is run under the auspices of Music Generation Mayo and housed within Ballina Arts Centre.

At The Core, young people aged from 12 to 18 can engage in instrumental tuition, workshops, camps and regular performance opportunities, such as open mic events and showcases.

It also has a dedicated members-only creative space that is kitted out with high quality equipment. The resource has lots of instruments, including electric guitars, drums, piano, synths, a range of amplification, PA, and studio recording equipment.

Members are introduced to a community of like-minded musicians and music enthusiasts from all around the county. They can communicate on The Core private members-only group chat and are encouraged to organise collaborations and jam sessions, and they even have access to the rehearsal and recording space which they can book and use for practice, recording or collaborations with other members.

The members are not only from the Ballina area but come from across the county to engage in musical activity at The Core. They have access to a range of performance opportunities and get member discounts on all classes, camps and workshops.

The next opportunity for young to become a member is on Saturday (January 27) at 1 p.m. Advance booking is advised. For more information and to book your place, email PhilipCassidy@msletb.ie, telephone (087) 7485954, or visit www.TheCoreMayo.com.

Meanwhile, the next open mic event will take place this evening (Thursday) at 7 p.m. For this monthly event, the mezzanine area of Ballina Arts Centre is transformed into a vibrant and intimate performance space. As always, friends and family are more than welcome to come along - performers always appreciate the support.