By Mickey Ferry

An exciting new summer music programme had its press launch at the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny this week.

Musicool Europe is an educational and fun programme for aspiring young performers and musicians from the age of 13 to 19.

Devised and fronted by an accomplished team, including popular local singer-songwriter, Mickey Harte, RTE presenter and entertainer, Brian Ormond and the internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter and producer, Francie Conway, the project will be held in four nationwide centres for five days at each centre. The Clanree Hotel will host the first week July 7 through to July 11 and application forms are available now.

Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, Mickey Harte expressed his delight at one of the centres being in Letterkenny.

"I pushed hard to make sure we got one held here in the North-West," he enthused. "The Clanree is a really suitable venue to host the week, making it more accessible to people coming from the other parts of Donegal, Tyrone and Derry. The management of the Clanree have been fantastic in facilitating us so far."

On the topic of a touring musical workshop, Mickey is convinced that Musicool is the only one of its kind in Ireland. "It's pretty unique, I think. We've checked and I don't think there's anything else in the country taking to the road like we'll be doing."

He adds, "We have really strong team of people who will be at hand for all who take part. People like Brian and Francie bring a lot of weight to the programme. Francie alone has a musical CV that outweighs the rest of us."

Francie himself outlined what will be on offer to those who sign up for the programme. "It's going to be a series of workshops focusing on song-writing, stage-craft, production, personal tuition, band coaching, the Internet explosion and safety.

The safety aspect is something I feel very strongly about. People buy equipment online from all over Europe and plug it into halls and garages. It takes something very simple for something serious to happen, so guidance when dealing with electrical equipment will be focused on."

"Question and Answer sessions will follow the workshops. These are vital for young people who are interested in playing music or hoping to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. It's important to have a good grounding," he stressed.

The fun factor of the workshops was something that Francie wanted to highlight, hoping that they will be seen as "fun and informative" with lots of interaction and playing together. "This is hugely beneficial," he added, "especially for young people who, because of where they live, perhaps do not get the opportunity to play music with like-minded people too often. The beauty of Musicool is that it not only allows this but encourages it."

The project was initially devised by Mickey Harte and Brian Ormond following Mickey's appearance as a mentor on the RTE talent show Star Search, which Brian hosted.

Brian is delighted that the project has developed the way it has and is hoping it will be an annual event. "We're delighted to get it this far and really pleased with the response we have had so far," he said.

"Spread the word because we really want it to be a success and I can't wait to come to Letterkenny next month to kick it all off."

The weeklong programme of events will conclude with a live performance by all participants on Friday, July 11, with family and friends welcome to come along.

Joining Mickey, Francie and Brian on the mentor team each week will be Rob Burke, founder of the creative keyboard school in Dublin, and Ken Gillick, who has worked with many of the biggest names in the Irish music scene.

Information on how to apply for places, which are also open to bands, can be found on the websites www.musicooleurope.com and www.bebo.com/musicooleurope. Numbers will be limited so that all who attend can fully avail of the expertise and facilities on offer. It's an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in a future career in the entertainment business.