Music Generation Laois have announced that they are now accepting applications for new members to join their Trad Orchestra and Trad Group.

For Trad Orchestra, members must have at least four years of experience playing a trad instrument, and must be able to pick up tunes quickly by ear.

Trad Orchestra takes place on Saturday mornings in Laois Music Centre from 10am-11.30am and is directed by Siobhan Buckley. The approximate age of members is 14 upwards to adults, with an annual membership fee of €150.

Pictured: Music Generation Laois' trad orchestra. Photo: Music Generation

For their Trad group, members must have at least two years experience playing a trad instrument, and be able to pick tunes up by ear.

Trad Group takes place on Thursday evenings in Laois Music Centre from 5.30pm-6.30pm and is directed by Denise Boyle and Tommy Fitzharris. There is an annual membership fee of €150.

"Please complete a sign-up form by 5pm Friday 19 September," a representative of Music Generation Laois said.

"Auditions will take place on the evening of Tuesday September 23 from 5.30pm onwards in Laois Music Centre, Church Avenue, Portlaoise, R32Y074. Please keep an eye in the spam/junk folder in your emails incase our emails with your audition time end up there," they said.

"For your audition, you need to play two different types of tunes, one of which must be a reel. If you play more than one instrument, you are welcome to play a tune on each instrument."

Auditions will last between five and ten minutes per person. If an auditioner needs an accompaniment, they are asked to let Music Generation Laois know.

Those interested in auditioning can sign up here.

Music Generation Laois is a performance-focused music education programme for children and young adults in Portlaoise. They offer various programmes including orchestral, rock, pop and traditional music.

The program provides weekly tuition and instrument access, partnering with the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB).

 It delivers high-quality music education in schools and centers, making music accessible through subsidised fees and a wide range performance opportunities.