Music Yard Larne

Music Yard Larne have been rehearsing for months ahead of the world premier of the Opening Doors Performance on 9th March at 7.30pm in the McNeill Theatre Larne.

We had a quick chat with Thomas Hamilton, co-founder of Music Yard Larne, who gave us an insight into the work that the organisation does, the impact it has on the local area and their involvement in the Opening Doors project.

How did Music Yard Larne get started?

I had heard of music schools operating in other parts of Northern Ireland but Larne had nothing remotely like that available at the time.  So myself and my wife decided to take the chance and open a school of our own. We started with a handful of music tutors and students in Jan 2015 and have grown from there. We now provide more than music tuition alone - we facilitate ‘music wellbeing’ workshops for the elderly or people with learning disabilities etc, we hold dance classes, drama workshops and most recently our sensory baby raves!  We also provide the opportunity for many of our music students to perform and showcase their talents at various events across Northern Ireland including Stormont Buildings, Dalriada Festival and the Goodwill Music Festival in Larne.

What have you been doing as part of Opening Doors?

I was approached by Kevin Murphy to organise a group of young musicians in the town who would be capable of taking part in this fantastic project.  I have been mentoring them over the past while and ensuring that they have been practising their pieces in advance of the performance. It has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience and I have learnt so much from taking part, not to mention how much the children have gained also. The Wall2Wall Music team have been wonderful to work with and we are so grateful to have been involved.

What can people look forward to in the Opening Doors performance on 9th March

The budding musicians, all in their teens, have been working very hard to ensure they are more than ready for the performance.  The pieces of music are all original and very unique which will add to the element of surprise on the night for the audience. It will definitely be a night to remember for all those present.

What are your greatest hopes for Music Yard Larne in the future?

We hope that The Music Yard will continue to grow and be seen as a positive influence in our town.  We all know the power of music and how it can help people from all walks of life and hope that we will have a lasting effect on as many people within our community as possible over the coming years.

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The Opening Doors Performance takes place on Saturday 9th March at 7.30pm in the MacNeill Theatre Larne.

Join us for a celebration of new music and song written by composer Sarah Murphy, poet Colin Hassard and others, inspired by material gathered over the past year from people across Ballymena, Carrick and Larne. The evening will be full of local flavour with references to Slemish, the Rhinka and the Black Arch and feature The Whitehead Community Orchestra, Island Voices Community Choir (with members of Larne Concert Choir), Music Yard Larne, soloists Sarah Richmond and Steven Irwin and members of the Ballymena Inter-Ethnic Forum.  

Admission is Free. Tickets are available from Larne Visitor Information Centre on 028 2826 2495 or online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/larnearts. Donations accepted in support of local performing groups