Richard BodinHere at The Hidden Track, we want to talk about music in all its forms—first and foremost, as an art. Music is more than just rock stars or bands that leave us in awe. Art, in general, goes beyond the artists themselves; it is a medium for anyone to express themselves or simply enjoy. More than that, art is essential—just like eating or breathing. It serves as a way to channel emotions, cope with challenges, and heal.
According to the World Health Organization:
“Art can help us to emotionally navigate the journey of battling an illness or injury, to process difficult emotions in times of emergency and challenging events. The creation and enjoyment of the arts help promote holistic wellness and can be a motivating factor in recovery.”
With this in mind, we aim to support programs that use art to uplift communities, just as much as we enjoy reviewing albums or sharing the stories behind music legends. Because ultimately, it all comes down to music as an art form—how it makes us feel and how it helps us navigate daily life. Unfortunately, some communities lack proper access to these creative opportunities.
One such initiative making a difference is ROAM, a program led by Cork City Council and supported by the Irish Hospice Foundation. ROAM was created in response to the lasting effects of COVID-19 isolation, particularly on young children and older adults. Through the arts, the program seeks to rebuild connections, foster creativity, and provide a sense of healing. A team of specially trained artists—versed in grief support and emotional expression through art—will reach communities in North Cork, helping them open up and thrive through activities such as painting, photography, stone masonery, writing, music…
The ROAM Launch Event
On Saturday, February 15, ROAM officially launched with a special event featuring the Tinderbox Collective from Edinburgh. This 21-piece orchestra—composed of young musicians, artists, and youth workers—blends the rich textures of orchestral music with contemporary elements like rap and vocals, creating a fresh and exciting sound. The collective is also deeply involved in music accessibility initiatives, including a recent collaboration with Ed Sheeran to provide free instrument rentals through libraries.
Throughout the day, Tinderbox led several workshops alongside local groups from Mayfield and Knocknaheeny. Children and adults got a hands-on experience of how an orchestra works, and some were even given the unique opportunity to conduct the ensemble. Tinderbox musicians eagerly shared their experiences, taught participants how to play different instruments, and, most importantly, created music together—fostering joy and connection.
To make the event truly special, the workshops culminated in a collaborative effort to compose two original pieces, uniting Tinderbox with various Cork-based groups. Among them were the now-famous Kabin Crew, the Intergenerational Trad Group from Creative Tradition, and Musical Mash-up from Mayfield Music Generation.
A Performance to Remember
The day concluded with a free live performance at the Firkin Crane in Shandon, Cork. The Tinderbox Collective brought boundless energy to the stage, rapping and singing alongside their instruments, and the enthusiasm was equally palpable in the audience. Soon, they invited the local groups to join them, allowing each to perform their own music. The Kabin Crew had a standout moment, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
Tinderbox returned for a few final pieces, including one particularly moving collaboration with poet and librarian Hannah Cooke. As Cooke recited a powerful poem about music’s essential role in life, the orchestra wove an evocative soundscape around her words—at times intimate and melodic, then swelling into a storm of sound. It was an intense and emotional highlight of the night.
For the grand finale, all the groups returned to the stage to perform the two original compositions they had crafted earlier in the day. Children and adults alike contributed lyrics and melodies, eager to share their work with the audience. After a brief, chaotic moment of last-minute coordination, the entire stage erupted into a vibrant, joyful blend of jazzy-traditional music, alternating between sung choruses and rap verses—a climactic conclusion to a day filled with creativity and connection.
As the audience dispersed, Ella Daly, project coordinator for ROAM, reflected on the event’s overwhelming success. The mother of one young performer expressed her gratitude, saying that the day had provided her child with musical opportunities she would not normally have access to. And that, at its core, is what ROAM strives to achieve.
And this is only the beginning!
