Music Generation has announced the appointment of Leo Blennerhassett as Chairperson of the Board of Directors. A former Managing Director of Accenture Ireland, Leo is currently Chairperson of the Board of RSA Insurance Ireland Ltd. Previously Leo was also an adjunct lecturer on the MBA programme at Trinity College Dublin and a member of the Advisory Board of the Business School.
Welcoming the announcement, U2’s The Edge commented: ‘Leo has been a constant and active supporter of our common cause to bring music education to children and young people throughout Ireland. We are delighted that he has agreed to take on the role of Chairman and continue the work to make Music Generation a national movement.’
National Director of Music Generation Rosaleen Molloy said: ‘I am delighted that Leo has been appointed as Chairperson of the Board of Music Generation. Leo brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the organisation, particularly in the areas of management, leadership and strategic planning. As a member of the Board since 2010, Leo has already made an enormous contribution to Music Generation during an important period of development. We very much look forward to working with him in this new capacity as we embark on an exciting phase of expansion.’
On his appointment, Leo Blennerhassett said: ‘I am delighted to continue my work on the Board of Music Generation and to take up this new role as Chairperson. The achievements of the programme during its first phase have been nothing short of remarkable. The ground-breaking approach to public-private partnership that the organisation models has paved the way for further growth while ensuring sustainability, enabling positive outcomes for children and young people through music. I look forward to collaborating with my fellow Board members, the Executive of Music Generation, the programme’s philanthropic donors, the Department of Education and Skills and Local Music Education Partnerships to advance the shared vision of the organisation.’
Music Generation is Ireland’s National Music Education Programme, initiated by Music Network and co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, the Department of Education and Skills and Local Music Education Partnerships. Currently established in 12 areas of Ireland, the programme provides high-quality, subsidised performance music education to more than 38,000 children and young people annually who would not otherwise have the choice of access or the chance to participate. Since its formation Music Generation has created more than 330 employment opportunities, mainly for musicians who deliver over 99 different programmes in 680 tuition centres. Music Generation focuses on performance music education – that is vocal and instrumental tuition, encompassing all music genres and all types of instruments and vocal styles, from ukulele groups to rock bands, choirs, orchestras, composers’ clubs, rock schools, hip hop squads, traditional Irish music ensembles, rap groups, song-writing sessions and more.
http://www.musicgeneration.ie/
