Evan McGarrigle (Piano & Voice) is a highly sought after instrumental and choral pedagogue from south-west Donegal. Being an award winning piano soloist, he enjoys a busy performing schedule in collaborative and accompanying projects.


Sarah Ponsonby (Strings) Music and performing has always been at the epicenter of Sarah's life. Starting from a young age of 5 learning piano and violin, Sarah has always had a clear vision of a career in music performance, composition and teaching. She has performed in many different ensembles throughout her time at university studying Music at Queen's University Belfast and she taught at various music academia and summer schools, in both the western classical style and Irish traditional style. She has also recorded an album and EP of predominantly original music in 2020 and 2021. Sarah is an enthusiastic friendly teacher who strives to nurture each student for their uniqueness and individuality in every lesson. She aims to put the child's musical education and enjoyment of the instrument and subject at the forefront of her teaching.


Declan McClafferty (Teenage Kicks/Guitar) Declan is a multi-instrumentalist session musician and songwriter based in Ramelton. Declan works with a variety of artist and studios as a session guitarist and pedal steel guitarist - most recently seen touring with Ryan Mc Mullan and supporting the likes of Dermot Kennedy and Tom Jones. He’s just finished producing a solo record and is excited to begin that journey releasing new music later this year!


Jim Mc Dermott (Wind) Has worked extensively in America, Canada, Europe, the UK and Ireland, teaching, performing, TV and recording. Graduated from NUU Trinity L.T.C.L. ABRSM Dip in Teaching.


Victoria McHugh (Semibreves) With a background in childcare spanning over two decades, training in Montessori and experiences in musicals and circus, Victoria brings musical appreciation, movement, art and sensory exploration to her classes. With qualifications incorporating additional needs and early years education, she aims to access the talents of mini music-makers.


Mark Ponsonby (Guitar) is a well known singer and songwriter who has worked with many of the country's top musicians. More info about Mark can be seen at marksblack.com


Finbarr Doherty (Song writing) is a singer songwriter and has released CDs of his own work. Finbarr’s latest CD has been nominated for a Hotpress award.


Seamus Devenny (Drums & Song writing) teaches drums, violin and plays in several bands, performing at festivals, on radio and TV.


Sara Laughlin (Voice & Musical Theatre) completed a masters degree in music, specialising in vocal performance, and is a secondary school music teacher. She is also a voice tutor with Donegal Music Education Partnership and conducts the Donegal Youth Choir.


Ríana Lynch (Voice) Ríana is a singer and performer from Letterkenny. She recently performed in the extraordinary premier of the new musical elegy The White Handkerchief which was written for the 50th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday. A documentary about the making of the The White Handkerchief can be watched on BBC iplayer. Ríana also works as a singing teacher, choir director and music educator.

Rita DeMaria (Opera) Rita is originally from Bologna, Italy, and she's a spinto soprano. She's always loved singing, as she believes that's the best way to feel free and powerful in your own voice. She started studying opera singing when she was 18, under the mezzo soprano Katja Lytting. She has sang in various concerts around Italy and she has taken part in masterclasses to hone her voice (among others, she has taken part in a masterclass by Tamara Novichenko - Anna Netrebko's teacher - and Cheryl Studer). After moving to Ireland, she decided that this was the best time to go back to her passion for singing.

Linda Bennett (Dance) Trained at Laban dance centre at Goldsmith College, London. Taught Modern Dance, rock Jazz and Funky Disco at Pineapple Dance Studios from 1983 to 1987. Has worked with renowned choreographers Arlene Philips and Bruno Tonioli. She has also done TV work in Japan and backing dancer with touring bands. Former choreographer to the Finesse gymnastics display team and currently with Zona dance studios teaching jazz and acrobatics for dancers.


Thomas Duffy (Music from the Amazon/Samba) is a percussionist and educator specialising in Brazilian popular folkloric music, onstage and on street for almost 30 years. He holds the musical directorship of Maracatu ilha Brilhante National Afro-Brazian Percussion ensemble, RhythmRiotMusic Samba Group and performs with The Absurdist Pipe Band. Usually he can be found at festivals and carnival celebrations throughout Ireland, Europe and Brazil. Over his career Thomas has worked with numerous amazing musicians including: Jeremy Hickey (R.S.A.G); Kila & Emily Conway in Ireland; Jon Hardiman - (Uk); Nana Vasconcelos and Luis Claudio Farias (Br.) as well as Brazilian Music Groups including: Afoxe Loni, (Berlin)  Nação do Maracatu Leão da Campina (Brazil), Afon Sistema (Uk) & Maracatu Europa (Paris). In 2021 he was awarded the title: 'Guerreiro de Fé' for his contributions to Brazilian culture and music in Europe.


Gerry Strawbridge (Orchestral Percussion & Handbells)