First time for Ballinasloe Town Band at National Championships!

The Ballinasloe Town Band making their way to the Dean Crowe Theatre in Athlone

The Ballinasloe Town Band travelled to the Dean Crowe Theatre in Athlone to compete in  the 55th National Band Championships hosted  by the Irish Association of Brass and Concert Bands (IABCB), their first time ever competing in the contest.
 
The community band is a voluntary organisation comprising of musicians ranging from youngsters to folks in their eighties. Originally formed in 2014, the group take on children and adults providing  access to music education in the locality.
 
Our young musicians ventured to the Dean Crowe Theatre, by coach. Although nervous on the day, the band were well prepared with their three pieces on the day ‘Cyclone’ by Michael Oare, ‘Gold Medal March’ by Paul Murtha and ‘Ancient Flower’ by Japanese composer Yukiko Nishimura.
 
Twelve bands joined them on the occasion, demonstrating some fierce competition among the players. In the teeth of more established performing bands the Ballinasloe Town Musicians provided  a fantastic performance on the day, with adjudicator Michael Ball elaborating high praise for the band’s efforts.
 
The IABCB results ceremony saw the Dublin Concert Band and Drogheda Brass Bands receive the Top Prizes in the Section one winning titles, the Percussion Section were singled out and came away with the ‘Best Supporting Section’ Cup across all the bands.
 
This was a fantastic achievement for the players and to celebrate, the band spent their time at the following practice session to watch back videos of their performance combined with a pizza party, to the delight of the young members.
 

 

Brothers of Charity crafting Easter Bonnets for the fair.

During  Eastertime the band held a Craft Fair in the Band Hall ( the old Parochial Hall on Dunlo Hill ) Many came along to support, as well as the youngsters who entered some fantastic hats into the Easter Bonnet competition. Creative skills are not in short supply – as was evident in the variety and quality of the arts and crafts items for sale with the Brothers of Charity contributing some fantastic bonnets. Business was brisk as stall holders sold their items, while the Town Band entertained all Fair goers.   ​

Jenny Schmidt, Danu Flanagan, Rory Kelly, Ryan Kelly, Peter Culleton, Aoibhín Coughlan pictured with Best Supporting Section award.

Plans for a new upcoming Summer concert are underway for the Town Band. Rehearsals are ongoing, but dates and times are yet to be confirmed which will be published in the local press, Parish Newsletter and on their Facebook page. Those hoping to get in contact with the Town Band can do so via Martina Doherty at 087 9710496 or by email at [email protected].