The Donegal Schools Anthem 2016, created by Donegal post primary students, is to be launched on Tuesday next, 10th May, in Café Blend, High Road, Letterkenny.
The brainchild of Donna Harkin, in collaboration with Jacqui Dillon, Director of the Co. Donegal Education Centre, the Donegal Schools Anthem 2016 has been developed over the past year as part of a larger project – Donegal Anthems.
“This Beautiful Place”, is the first legacy of this new creative musical venture. Written, composed, performed and recorded by Donegal schoolchildren under the direction of Donna Harkin,
“This Beautiful Place” celebrates the county through the eyes of its youth.
“The challenge of inclusiveness grows with diversity. If the challenges we face in the next 100 years are to be dealt with using wisdom from the last 100 years, it will involve inclusive community,” Donna said.
“We’re creating a new tradition of inclusion here through music – one that is vibrant, joyful, freeing and connected, that is rooted in community and builds quality and confidence from the inside out, for the future. Real musicians know the deep satisfaction in the connectedness that musicians get when playing with one another.
“There is no depression in this world that cannot be overcome by the joy and empowerment that is found in music, and to tap into that joy, all that is needed is a little guidance and a will to be more than we are today,” she said.
She added “There is a wealth of sustainable power that comes from the experience of music, and it’s a relationship that lasts a lifetime,” Donna said. “Young people empowered with this early on, will have the most sophisticated tools any human being can have moving through their lives. The wealth of the future of Donegal lies in the hearts of our youth, and music feeds that like nothing else can.”
Inspired by the celebration of the birth of our nation, and featuring seven of the most talented young musicians in County Donegal today – Paul MacKinnon, Lee Russell, Leah Foley, Michael Grant, Pamela Collins, Mary Doherty and Chantel Collins – this original song is living proof of the vibrant musical tradition in our county, the wealth of talent in our schools, and gives an indication of the very positive future for music and culture in Donegal.
“The schools anthem reflects, celebrates and commemorates the last 100 years in Donegal, and through the young students’ own words and musical creativity under Donna’s guidance, a light is shone on the culture, history and depth of talent within County Donegal itself,” Jacqui Dillon said.
“A legacy has been left for teachers and students of the future. Too often the focus can be on the negative,” Jacqui said. “Donegal Anthems / This Beautiful Place – opens that chink to the light and celebration while looking forward to the next 100 years through the eyes and ears and talent of our young people.”
Donegal Anthems is an ongoing heritage and legacy project due to complete in 2022. Donegal Anthems has been supported by the Co. Donegal Education Centre and Údarás na Gaeltachta.
