Catholic and Protestant students from Strangford Integrated College
star, along with Belfast landmarks, in the music video of "Get Up" by
Awakening Queen Maebh with proceeds benefiting integrated education
In a year that saw historic political developments in Northern
Ireland, 40 students from an integrated school in Co. Down have teamed
up with an American Celtic musician to make a music video celebrating
the achievement of peace in Northern Ireland. The video features the
students acting out the region's Troubles, Good Friday Peace Accord
negotiations and transition to a peaceful society and showcases
Belfast landmarks such as Queen's University, Waterfront Hall, The Big
Fish, Angel of Thanksgiving Square and City Hall, where students met
with Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers.
"Get Up" was written and recorded by Los Angeles-based singer/
songwriter Elizabeth Pendleton as part of her Celtic music project
Awakening Queen Maebh, following a visit to Northern Ireland in 2002.
The optimistic take on Northern Ireland's transformation has been
translated into the Irish language, enjoyed airplay on both sides of
the Atlantic and was recently selected by Kid Antrim Music to be part
of a compilation CD due out in February 2008. Ten percent of all
proceeds from sales of Awakening Queen Maebh's music are donated to
Integrated Education via the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated
Education (NICIE) and 100% of the proceeds from the video are being
donated to NICIE. Since its internet debut on Armistice Day, the video
has been viewed over 1,000 times and will be on sale at iTunes in
early 2008.
Michael Wardlow, CEO of NICIE, commented: "This video is an excellent
presentation, combining a superb song with excellent photography and
student performances set against well known backdrops of Belfast.
Elizabeth's passion for integration comes through in her wonderful,
soulful singing as well as her lyrics and I am privileged that she has
chosen integrated schools as a cause close to her heart.
Congratulations to all involved in what is an excellent project. Let's
hope it is an indicator of better things to come!"
2007 is a significant year for Integrated Education as it marks both
the 25th Anniversary of the first integrated school, Lagan Integrated
College, being opened in Belfast and the 10th Anniversary of
Strangford Integrated College.
Strangford Principal Alan Dalton added, "As a school we are pleased to
commemorate our 10th Anniversary by involvement with such a unique and
creative project. The song has already achieved considerable success
and we are truly honoured that our students had the opportunity to
showcase their photographic talent in the accompanying music video."
Pendleton said, "What the people of Northern Ireland have achieved is
truly inspirational. I'm deeply honoured to work with these talented
and enthusiastic students from Strangford and to contribute to the
courageous work of NICIE."
To view the video, please visit:
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=21842230
For further information:
http://www.myspace.com/awakeningqueenmaebh
http://www.elizabethpendleton.com
http://www.nicie.org
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