President Receives Electric Reception at Ireland's First Academy of Popular Music
Published on: Monday, 23 July 2012
President Michael D. Higgins officially opens the Academy of Popular Music at CIT Cork School of Music.
Cork, 21 July 2012: Ireland's first Academy of Popular Music hit all the right notes this weekend as over 200 guests, comprising dignitaries, distinguished guests, directors, tutors, students and parents, welcomed President Michael D. Higgins to the CIT Cork School of Music for the official opening of the Academy of Popular Music.
 |
| (L-R) Karl Rooney and Brendan Manning (Academy Directors); President Michael D Higgins; Mr Michael Delaney (Vice President for Development at CIT; and Dr Geoffrey Spratt, Director of the CIT Cork School Of Music. |
Directors of the Academy, Brendan Manning and Karl Rooney, expressed their sincere thanks to the President for officially opening the Academy.
"It is an honour for CIT Cork School of Music Academy of Popular Music to welcome the President of Ireland here today to officially open the Academy, which is unique in Ireland. It is the realisation of a vision for the Academy Directors, Mai Manning, Karl and Trish Rooney and myself, shared and facilitated by CIT and the Cork School of Music. The support of President Higgins, who last year stated that 'the Academy of Popular Music was an example of how creativity in young people can be nurtured and supported', certainly encouraged us to pursue the vision for the tuition of popular music", said Brendan Manning, Academy Director.
"Just 12 months since the genesis of the Academy, it is clear to all concerned that the talent is out there; the nurturing of this talent is what makes the difference - this is what the Academy is all about," he added.
"This is something special, something magical and we are delighted to tailor music education to reflect changing and contemporary trends and styles, and to ensure that all musical tastes and talents can be truly embraced at the CIT School of Music, one of the finest music schools in Europe", added Academy Director Karl Rooney.
Following a breathtaking performance of popular music, produced by Director of Performance Bryan Flynn, the students and directors of the Academy of Popular Music presented President Higgins with a specially commissioned electric guitar as a token of their appreciation for the Presidentís continued support for the Academy.
Vice President for Development at CIT, Mr Michael Delaney said, "CIT is delighted with the successful completion of the Academy of Popular Music's first year and wishes them continued success."
 |
The Academy of Popular Music is the first Academy of its kind in Ireland specialising in popular music education for students between the ages of 10 and 25. The Academy provides professional graded tuition in electric guitar, electric bass, keyboard, voice, drums as well as song writing, music technology, choral ensemble, and a foundation course for the CIT Cork School of Music's Bachelor of Arts degree in Popular Music.
|
