Coole Music Celebrates 20 Years with Special Showcase Event

Coole Music & Arts, a prominent music school based in Gort, is set to commemorate its 20th anniversary with a special event, the Music4Life Showcase, on Sunday, October 5, 2025. The showcase will take place at the Gort Community Centre and aims to celebrate the rich history of the organization by featuring past and present students as well as various community groups that have collaborated with Coole Music over the years.

The event promises to be a lively affair, bringing together approximately 200 students and 10 music teachers from eight different countries. Attendees can expect a vibrant atmosphere filled with music, song, and dance. Coole Music offers diverse programming, including individual and group lessons, five levels of orchestras, eight chamber music groups, and a young choir, alongside numerous performances throughout the year.

The showcase will highlight performances from the Coole Music Youth Orchestra, which comprises over 40 teenagers who regularly perform at the National Concert Hall. Additionally, the Sonic Strings ensemble will entertain audiences with their local performances. Traditional music will be featured as the Clancy family from Tubber, County Clare, showcases their magic through traditional airs. The Gavin Dance Academy of Gort will also present a lively dance performance during the event.

Deep-rooted connections between Coole Music and Gort Community School will be celebrated, as the venue has hosted lessons and orchestra rehearsals for two decades. The concert will include an excerpt from the school’s recent musical, Sister Act, which further emphasizes this ongoing partnership.

Among the performers, soprano Helen Hancock, a former Coole Music teacher from Oranmore, will deliver songs from the musical Chess, accompanied by Coole’s teachers. Other soloists will include past choir student Chloe Collins and current student Lilian Owens. The Con4za Quartet will entertain with classic favourites, while Burren con Brio will present contemporary hits.

A unique highlight of the evening will be the Alumni Orchestra, featuring about 30 former students, some of whom have travelled from abroad for this special reunion. They will be directed by Coole Music’s esteemed founder, Katharina Baker, who has been instrumental in shaping the organisation’s vision.

Reflecting on the journey, Katharina Baker shared, “Twenty years ago, I had a dream and a vision of a community of young musicians of all ages, playing, learning, enjoying, and performing music together.” After moving to Gort in 2002, she began her mission by teaching violin and forming a Toddler Tunes group, which eventually laid the groundwork for Coole Music.

With the support of her sister-in-law, Caroline Baker, the duo established Coole Music in October 2005. Starting with just three teachers and 15 students, they have grown into a thriving community with hundreds of young musicians performing across Ireland and abroad.

As the event approaches, Coole Music invites the public to join in celebrating this significant milestone. The Music4Life Showcase will run from 17:00 to 19:30, with an interlude for light refreshments. Tickets are available through Eventbrite by searching “CooleMusic20” or by calling 086-3467245.

The showcase not only marks a milestone for Coole Music but also highlights the enduring impact of music education in fostering community and creativity in Gort and beyond.