Music project in Horseleap centre hits the right note!

“Music can change the world because it can change people,” so said Bono of U2. 

It's a quote that certainly could be applied to an innovative new initiative in Temple Accommodation Centre in Horseleap, where asylum-seekers from diverse backgrounds, cultures and religions are coming together to play and sing music from their homelands.

Kara Richards, a local musician, has been facilitating the project since November in conjunction with Westmeath Libraries, thanks to funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund through the Department of Rural and Community Development. She says it has been a great success in connecting with women and families living there as they wait for their application to be processed.

“Music is so inclusive, allowing people to join in by clapping and harmonising irrespective of any language barriers,” Kara, who plays guitar and is a singer/songwriter, explains. 

She is assisted on her weekly visits to the centre by Aíne O'Regan from Athlone Library, herself a talented fiddle player, and initially, they were meeting in an upstairs room to play, sing and teach music but they quickly moved to the kitchen area where most of the women were congregating, Kara says. 

Every visit has been very dynamic and emotional with songs and music from all over the world. 

“There are people there who had never seen a musical instrument let alone touched one. It's been amazing, everyone has music in them, it's just a case of being able to get that out,” she says. 

“It's incredible to work with the residents, they have been through so much.”

As the project progresses, several of the ladies have expressed an interest in learning to play the guitar and other instruments. With support from Westmeath Libraries, Benny from The Sound Factory Athlone and support from friends on Facebook, Kara was able to bring some new and pre-loved guitars and fiddles to the centre on New Year’s Eve, which turned into an impromptu session and a particular highlight of her involvement so far, with songs from Uganda, Xhosa, Zimbabwe, Georgia, Pakistan and Ireland as well as a guitar and fiddle jam.

Music really cuts through any barriers, Kara says, and it has been a particular delight to see those initially on the fringes get involved. She mentions one lady in this regard who only knew one song – the Pakistani national anthem – and she sang that with backing vocals provided by women from Uganda and Georgia which was a very emotional experience.

Another visit saw some women sing recipes from their home countries in what turned into a lively kitchen session with drumming and music.

With the project due to finish in February, Kara wants to leave a musical legacy in the centre, and this is where the public can help by donating any pre-loved or unused guitars, drums, fiddles etc so that women and children can continue their musical journey into the future.

“Perhaps you have upgraded a guitar, or perhaps you have an instrument for a child who has lost interest or can’t give the time to their music anymore. For what ever reason, if you have an unplayed instrument in your home and feel it would be happier in the hands of someone who is going to get huge pleasure from it, please contact me on 0851376569,” Kara says, thanking everyone who has already donated instruments to the project.

It's hoped in the future that some of the women will record their native songs in the famed Grouse Lodge in nearby Rosemount, a venue which has played host to Paulo Nutini, Michael Jackson and REM, to name just a few, over the years.