Latest news with #ArdeeConcertBand
Irish Independent
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Arklow Silver Band clinch coveted title at national championships
Travelling to the Bohemian Centre in County Louth, a venue owned and operated by the Ardee Concert Band, the Arklow band settled into the beautiful surroundings, providing a fitting backdrop for a day filled with music and camaraderie. Their first time competing in 10 years, following an extensive period of restructuring and rebuilding the band, the competition marked a significant moment for Silver Band members. Performing the challenging Malvern Suite by renowned composer Philip Sparke, the band impressed both audiences and adjudicator alike, with their outstanding performance securing them first place in the Section 2 Brass category and the prestigious title of Best Overall Section 2 Band, a competition that included both brass and concert bands. As a band spokesperson explained, the achievement was even more remarkable, given that over half of the current members were experiencing their very first competition. 'It was a proud and emotional day for everyone involved, highlighting not just musical talent but also the spirit of dedication and perseverance that runs through the band,' they said. 'A special acknowledgement must go to Stephen Smith, who made his competitive conducting debut with the band. His inspiring leadership and musical direction were instrumental in shaping the performance and guiding the band to success. 'Credit is also due to Slawek and Artur Bosy, whose unwavering commitment over the past several years has been crucial in recruiting, training, and nurturing new members to bring the band back to full strength.' 'We put in a tremendous amount of hard work over the past few months to perfect and polish the piece, and it was incredibly rewarding to see that effort pay off,' Stephen Smith added. 'It was a fantastic experience for the whole band, but especially for our younger members, many of whom were competing for the very first time. This success is a true testament to teamwork, determination, and countless hours of practice, proving once again that 'practice makes perfect.' Looking ahead, the Arklow Shipping Silver Band is already preparing for their next challenge – competing at the South of Ireland Band Championships in Clonakilty in early July.
Irish Independent
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Drogheda sets new record while host town Ardee win big at National Band Championships
Ardee Concert Band's Senior Band topped Section 1 Concert, claiming First Prize in their first-ever home victory, They also earned Best Supporting Section for their Double Reed Players – Betty Roddy, Gerry Farrell and Wendel Frietas – and Best Brass Award for their outstanding brass ensemble. Crowning their achievements, Ardee was named Best Band of the Championships under the baton of Musical Director Mr. Ronan O'Reilly. Adjudicator Dr Jonathon Corry, Musical Director of the 1st Old Boys Brass Band, praised the community band for 'a fine performance with great technique,' noting that it was 'well directed.' The celebrations continued for Ardee as their Intermezzo Ensemble achieved Second Place in Section 3 Concert, just behind winners St Mary's Brass and Reed Band of Kingscourt. The Ardee Ensemble featured 40 young musicians, many performing in competition for the first time under the direction of Mr James MacCafferty. 'This is a huge experience for these young musicians and coming away with a win in their first competitive Session is an added Bonus,' said Band PRO Sinéad Behan. "Musicianship in Ardee Concert Band is in a strong position and the future is well and truly secure for many years to come.' Meanwhile, history was also made in the Brass Band competitions as Drogheda Brass Band won a record-breaking 16th National Band Championship title, surpassing the previous record of 15 titles jointly held with Arklow Silver Band. Performing Philip Sparke's 'Evolution' as their test piece, Drogheda Brass Band, under the expert baton of conductor Stephen Murray delivered a stunning performance that earned the a top score of 188 points in Section 1 Brass, narrowly edging out the Navan Silver Band, conducted by Kevin Teers, who scored 186 points. Lourdes Brass Band secured third place with 185 points. This victory not only underscores Drogheda Brass Band's dedication and excellence in the brass band community but also sets a new benchmark in the history of the championships. Adding to their triumph, Drogheda's soprano coronet player, Luke Murphy, was awarded Best Instrumentalist in Section 1 Brass for his outstanding performance. Band Vice-Chair Brian Murphy expressed the band's delight at the achievement, saying: 'The level of competition this was exceptional. Every band brought their best and it was an honour to come out as winners in a great contest." 'I'd also like to congratulate Ardee Concert Band, not only for hosting such a brilliant event, but for winning their own grade in the Concert Band Section 1, beating off stiff competition from Dublin Concert Band,' added Murphy. Throughout the day, sixteen bands from across Ireland, including Dublin, Kildare, Galway, Cavan, Louth, Meath, Wicklow and Offaly, showcased their talents and competed across various Brass and Concert sections. The event, organised by the Irish Association of Brass and Concert Bands (IABCB), marked a memorable day for Irish bands, celebrating musical excellence, new milestones, and the strength of community music in Louth and across Ireland.
