Joyful Noise project proves a big hit with event organisers
By Maurice Garvey
FIVE months of rehearsals proved fruitful for a music band modelled on inclusiveness, reports Maurice Garvey.
Joyful Noise, a music project from Walk, a Dublin 12 organisation that supports adults with an intellectual disability, performed a live gig in the Sugar Club on May 1.
Participants at the Joyful Noise live gig in The Sugar Club
The project was established by Walk facilitators Mark Hart and Dani Brown and supported by Dublin City Council's Dublin Culture Connects programme.
Participants underwent rigorous training with professional musicians, and the hard work paid off in style at the city centre venue.
Organisers say the response was overly positive, with messages of support sent in over the course of the night and in the days following the gig.
Walk facilitator Mark Hart said this was the third time they have organised this project.
He said it is beneficial in “contributing to wellbeing and personal development” of individuals, and offers an opportunity for marginalised residents to perform at a live event.
The project is open to all in the community and attended by those with and without disabilities.
Builds your confidence
Joyful Noise were supported on the night by Le Galaxie and BCFE rock school band Tunnel Vision.
One member of Joyful Noise said it “meant a lot” for her be involved in the project, as it “helps you make friends and builds your confidence.”
“When I started I was very shy but now I’m different and feel good talking a lot more,” she said.
