OCN Lambeg Success for Local Schools

31 May 2019

On Thursday 30 May, at the Ulster-Scots Agency’s Celebrating Achievement event, a number of talented children were presented with their Open College Network (OCN) Certificates in Lambeg Drumming.

The Ulster-Scots Agency has a keen interest in promoting Ulster-Scots musical traditions, particularly amongst children and the Lambeg drum, an instrument indigenous to Ulster, has proven to be popular amongst students in both the primary and post-primary sectors.

This year, over 180 children from Carr’s Glen Primary School, Culcrow Primary School, Oakfield Primary School, Glynn Primary School and Tandragee Junior Orange Lodge took part in Lambeg tuition as part of the Ulster-Scots Agency’s ‘Flagship School Programme’ and ‘Music and Dance in Schools Programme’.

Michelle McIlveen MLA kindly hosted this event at Parliament Buildings, Stormont and she was on hand to present OCN Lambeg Drumming Certificates to pupils as their family members proudly watched on.

Michelle McIlveen MLA commented; “I would like to commend the Ulster-Scots Agency on the work they do in promoting and reinvigorating interest in traditions such as drumming. It is always a pleasure to support the OCN Lambeg Drumming Awards. The Lambeg has been a part of our culture for hundreds of years and the OCN course is playing an important role in ensuring its continued place in our culture. With large numbers of graduates each year, it is incredibly encouraging to see that there remains a keen interest in the instrument and that its use is flourishing.”

Speaking about the event, Richard Hanna, Director of Education and Language at the Ulster-Scots Agency commented; “Ulster-Scots has a rich heritage of music and dance. Each year the Ulster-Scots Agency provides grants to schools to provide music tuition for learners and the programmes give young people the opportunity to develop new skills playing a musical instrument. The skills they learn are accredited externally by the Open College Network.

He continued; “As well as learning to play an instrument young people get opportunities to collaborate with others and learn about Ulster-Scots heritage and culture through the medium of music.

“Learning to play a musical instrument requires commitment and this deserves recognition. The Celebrating Achievement event is an opportunity for the Ulster-Scots Agency to recognise and celebrate the commitment and achievements of the young people and share this celebration with their families.”

Throughout the evening, guests were treated to Lambeg performances from Carrickfergus and Bannside Drumming Clubs and there was the opportunity for those children who attended, to show off some of their Lambeg drumming skills.

To find out more about the Ulster-Scots Agency and the range of School tuition programmes available, visit www.ulsterscotsagency.com, email info@ulsterscotsagency.org.uk or call 028 9023 1113.

To view an album of photos from the night, click here.