A Redemptorist Priest, from Clonard Monastery approached Francis McPeake II and III in 1977 to arrange a 6-week programme for the local community, in-order to create an incentive for the youth of the area to develop an interest in music. As a result, the 'Francis McPeake School of Music' was established, and what was intended to be a 6-week holiday programme, has developed into an internationally renowned centre of excellence, now entering its 30th year.
Francis McPeake II and III, the creators and inspiration behind the 'Francis McPeake School of Music', believed that people from all backgrounds, all ages and across N. Ireland's religious and political divide could be brought together by a love of Irish traditional music inspired and nurtured by the McPeakes.
To be a success every school needs a mission statement - an underlying philosophy, which underpins its aims, objectives, its reason to exist. Irish Traditional Music is a link with the spirit and soul of previous generations - it guides the teachers and pupils of the 'Francis McPeake School of Music' in their quest for knowledge as to who and what they are, where they come from and what they can achieve.
Literally thousands of Belfast musicians, scattered throughout the world, can look back in gratitude to their early days with the McPeake Family.
The School has become established in Belfast's City Centre, serving as the only centre dedicated to teaching and promoting Irish Music.
The greatest achievement of the 'Francis McPeake School of Music' is that no one has ever been refused admittance to the school regardless of their ability. The pupils are not regarded as people who will grow up to become musicians - they are already musicians and they strive always to become better musicians.
Supporters Within Our 'Mosaic of Support'
Here are some of the artists and businesses who have purchased a Mosaic Tile within our 'Mosaic of Support.' Join in with them - this project is open to artists, businesses and music lovers alike!!
Full Supporters and details available on our newly designed website www.francismcpeakecom
Who I'd like to meet:
The Francis McPeake School of Music's Friend Space (Top 6)
The Francis McPeake School of Music has 638 friends.
Thanks for the add/req. Glad to be friends with you. "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace" - Jimi Hendrix. Greetings from Tarbert Music Festival, Tarbert (Loch Fyne), Kintyre, Argyll, Scotland. Next Years (25th Annual) Festival September 2010. Slainthe Mhah Neil Anderson Tarbert Music Festival ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫ website http://www.tarbertmusicfestival.com/
hi! Joined MySpace just to say how magical McPeake's performance at Celticfest Chicago was this year (that's our daughters dancing during "The Gypsy Jig" there.) I loved David Wallace's singing on "These Days" -- that boy could have a future in Nashville, he sounds even better live than on the cd -- and the rapport between all the musicians was fabulous. The highlight though, had to be "Will Ye Go Lassie, Go" -- a song I learned from my grandfather, performed so well by the great grandson of the man that wrote it. Hearing that song with the backdrop of the Chicago skyline, and realizing my kids -- age 8, 9, and 13 -- already knew all words. Feeling that link between generations of the McPeake family and generations of my own was electric. That's folk music. That's magic.
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
Hey, The Rose and Ben Band would like to thank you so very much for your friendship and support. And appreciate you accepting our invitation, VOICE IT IN MUSIC.
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 2 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): WALKABOUT WITH MY PEN
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
Online Now!
