RíRá

RíRá was set up by Dave Sheridan and Ciarán Somers in 2006 to help traditional singers, musicians and dancers in secondary schools throughout Carlow join a group that would enable them to continue their enjoyment of this culture in a fun yet professional environment

Mission Statement

Rí Rá is a traditional Irish group dedicated to the promotion and performance of Irish music, song and dance amongst secondary school teenagers throughout Co. Carlow. Rí Rá are committed to developing, nurturing and investing in the musical ability and artistry of young people so that they achieve their full potential as performers, teachers and promoters of our rich Irish culture.

To bridge a gap in the provision of traditional music opportunities which exist in Carlow during teenage years Rí Rá aims to:

1.Provide participatory opportunities within a supportive environment to facilitate the development of traditional music within young people.

2. Produce programmes of the highest artistic quality which incorporate new challenging orchestrations and arrangements that go beyond standard repertoire.

3. Develop high standards of stagecraft – incorporating presentation, sound production and set design.

4. Develop bonds of musicality and friendship among group members, the wider music population in Ireland and forge links with similar groups internationally.

5. Organise a series of master classes to raise the levels of excellence in performance amongst group members.

6. Promote traditional music involvement as a socially acceptable recreational endeavour for teenagers.

7. Professionally develop the capacity of group members into leadership roles as teachers to new members thus encouraging others to become involved in our Irish traditional music culture.