Music West continues to prosper at new Mayo headquarters

Music West, located at Breaffy Road Retail Park in Castlebar, has reported further progress in its development thanks to the new lease of life its new headquarters has provided to the organisation.

A total of 574 people pass through the door on a weekly basis, all of whom are involved in the performing arts, the annual general meeting was told.

The number of ensembles has increased from three to five with the arrival of the High Flyers and the Big Band, joining Mayo Concert Orchestra, Mayo Youth Orchestra and Castlebar Concert Band as central components of the organisation and each with their own musical directors.

There are six choirs using the facilities, including a children’s choir run in partnership with Mayo Music Generation.

It is also a centre for traditional music as members of Castlebar Comhaltas Ceoltóirtí Éireann, The Rolling Waves, practice and teach at Music West a number of nights every week.

This hall is used seven days a week and that level of footfall has presented its own challenges.

The centre’s first big public event was Culture Night held in September and it was wonderful to see so many young people and their families in attendance.

This hall hosted its first live recording earlier this month by members of the Ballintubber Church Choir with Stephen Doherty.

There has been a steady increase in the number of groups using the band rooms.

Music West is firmly established as a centre of musical excellence, teaching and examinations.

The building has been a success story beyond the expectations of Music West and it’s being managed well, with John Caulfield being particularly to the forefront in that regard.

Tom Kelly, chairman, stated: “The potential is great and we are already planning for further investment in our facilities and are awaiting the right opportunities to do so.

“We are fortunate to have a committee with foresight and ambition but we wish to place on the record that we need more people to come forward for roles in administration and we have a key vacancy coming up this time next year.”

Gratitude was extended to the five musical directors – Dr. Ann Moriarty, Kathy Fahey, Debbie Clarke, Catherine McGlinchey and Martin Jones – for their dedication, local councillors for their ongoing support and all members for their support and loyalty.

The Music West committee members are Tom Kelly, chairman, John Caulfield, secretary, Siobhan Gallagher, treasurer, Declan Hynes, president, Sean Gavin, Heather Grimson, public relations officer, Zane Kazotniece and Darina Hynes.