Teen SpiriT - A Celebration of Teen Talent & Christian Faith

"Every choice that you are making, every step that you are taking, every chain that you are breaking, history is in the making.
Every word that you are saying, every prayer that you are praying, every chain that you are breaking, history is in the making!"
(Taken from "History" - Matthew West, from TEEN SPIRIT I)

TEEN SPIRIT first took place in the INEC Arena, Killarney, Co Kerry on April 30th 2009 and was a celebration of the talents and Christian faith of teenagers from all around the Kingdom. By popular demand, TEEN SPIRIT I returned to the INEC on November 26th for a rerun. The original show starred members of: Killarney Youth Choir, Church of the Resurrection Folk Group, Teen choirs from Beaufort, Killorglin, St. Brendan’s Tralee .... and guests, the Doneraile Youth Choir. The show featured music by Coldplay, Snow Patrol, Leona Lewis, Take That, High School Musical and many others.... as well as Contemporary Christian music that deals with a range of real issues such as: struggling to believe in God, seeing our true value as through God’s eyes and being real with ourselves and God. This selection of inspirational music will challenge you, uplift you and make you want to change the world!

Following the huge success of TEEN SPIRIT I in the INEC Killarney in April 2009, TEEN SPIRIT II was back with a brand new show in the INEC in April 2010. New music, new dancers, a powerful drama and visual imagery - TEEN SPIRIT II brought all that was loved about the original show to a whole new level! Combining popular chart music from artists such as Coldplay, Beyonce, Michael Buble as well as hits from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, TEEN SPIRIT II also showcased some of the newest Christian music. These songs explore our relationship to God and how He values us and loves us. The songs are really edgy and are just like chart music. They address issues such as peer pressure, poor self image, being afraid, and how experiencing the love of God is the solution to so many of the damaging issues that young people face today. These songs are really teen friendly but are suitable for all ages because they address universal issues like who we are, what is our value, what’s the meaning to life and how do we cope with the challenges of life.

“The TEEN SPIRIT concert is a great initiative that has brought so many young people together from the diocese to celebrate their faith and talents through modern songs and music. The show promotes a healthy and positive outlook on life and also looks at the Christian faith in a teen-friendly way. Young and old have described the show as an inspiration and I recommend that schools do not miss out on the opportunity to see it.”

Bishop Bill Murphy, Diocese of Kerry

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“The standard on the occasion of the TEEN SPIRIT concert in the INEC, Killarney last April, wowed us all. For the youngsters it was clearly an extraordinary lived experience. How lovely to see them enjoying faith, feeling its celebration in their being – cerebral faith! It was also great for them to meet with other young people from Kerry parishes and celebrate with them, peer ministry in the fullest sense. The energy of their music and song and rhythm was infectious that night. Congratulations and thanks to all involved. Please continue this wonderful ministry and ‘Go, tell it on the mountains, over the hills and everywhere !!!!’”

Canon Gerard Casey, P.P, V.F, Doneraile.

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“I loved the show! Energetic and thought-provoking, creatively produced and performed by young and extremely talented musicians. I would highly recommend it for all second level students!!!”

Maura McAuliffe, Music Teacher, St Mary’s Secondary School, Mallow

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For more Teen SpiriT photos,
go to Photo Gallery or click the thumbnail below:



For more on the Teen SpiriT journey,
go to Archives or click the thumbnail below:

What the teens have to say about the Teen SpiriT experience....

“I found the entire experience fantastic! The months leading up to TEEN SPIRITwere intense, but prayer has always been the centre, along with Christian Music, so both choirs and organisers kept a cool head throughout the experience, and I honestly think it is down to God working through all people involved.”

Fran, Doneraile Youth Choir

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“Something like this concert is a brilliant experience. You not only learn how to handle pressure and deadlines, but you make friends and it’s the most furthest thing away from boring!!! An event like this takes time, effort and more time! But when you hear everyone sing and mean every word, it actually would give you goose bumps!! Every single person involved in the choir gave 100% and it wouldn’t be possible without every single one of them!”

Jessica & Kayleigh , Killarney Youth Choir

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For TEEN SPIRIT III BootcamP images click the thumbnail below:



Or to watch BootcamP footage, click here.

“TEEN SPIRIT was such a surreal experience. I’ve been in it since the start, and I’m still surprised by the whole thing. The friends, the laughs, Noel’s oh-so-inspiring pep-talks at the start of each BootcamP : ) With such a bad opinion of both our church and our teenagers all over the media and in people’s minds, it’s just such a great thing that a group of teens can get up and sing about their faith. It’s truly awe-inspiring. I feel blessed to have been a part of TEEN SPIRITand I hope that our show has given you all a deeper realisation of your faith and has given you a more positive outlook on teenagers.”

Mark, Doneraile Youth Choir

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“TEEN SPIRIT for us has been very enjoyable so far. It’s great to be able to perform in front of our family and friends in the INEC. The TEEN SPIRIT choir are so close even though we’re all from different parts of Cork and Kerry. It’s very rewarding and great for our confidence. There’s such a great bond between everyone and great new friendships have been made. When we’re not singing we’re laughing all the time! : )

Marion & Clíona, Doneraile Youth Choir

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“What an experience it's been for me since joining the youth choir two years ago. Before that I would have never had the the confidence to stand up in front of a group of people and sing. Noel P has given me that confidence as a singer and musician to perform but most importantly to enjoy it! Working with him has shown me that anything is possible if you have the right attitude, determination, but above all - belief in yourself."

Cathal, Killarney Youth Choir

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“A once in a lifetime experience! This past year of the TEEN SPIRITjourney has developed me immensely, not only in my confidence as a performer but also bringing me closer to God through the medium of music. Noel and all the friends I have made through TEEN SPIRIT are like a family to me now and I find myself ­ncreasingly willing to attempt things that I never would have considered before. Such as performing here in the INEC . . . we'll see how that goes!”

David, Killarney Youth Choir

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"With the great memories of the first show, I knew TEEN SPIRIT II would be even more special, especially after hearing the fantastic songs, with a palette of material ranging from the Hucklebuck to Jedward (yes ­Jedward!!), ensuring both a powerful and entertaining show. But from a personal point of view, another TEEN SPIRIT II show meant returning to the friendly ambience of last time, where teenagers can get a chance to shine, and where else better to shine than the INEC! With the amazing leadership and hours of preparation Noel has put into this show, this has proved ­nspirational all round. And with the help of the parents, teachers and leaders at the BootcamPs providing sandwiches and criticisms, it proved both encouraging and delicious!"

Ronan, Killarney Youth Choir

Teen SpiriT as a Resource
We don’t see Teen SpiriT as a show a specific group have done and have ownership of. We see the Teen SpiriT shows, songs, and reflections as a resource for the Church, a resource for parishes, pastoral areas, and schools.

Click here for more info on bringing Teen SpiriT to your parish / area.