Back on the contest stage again

Downshire Brass were delighted to be back playing on the contest stage again after a long 18 months. The setting was the 103rd North of Ireland Brand Championships which took place on 16th October 2021 at the Marketplace Theatre in Armagh. The set test piece was “Royal Parks” by George Lloyd and band were drawn to play second in the Championship section.

Musical Director, Michael Alcorn said “this piece had much to keep the band working hard in the weeks leading up to the contest. The first two movements in particular have lots of colours and textures to explore and the band rose to the challenge of bringing those sounds to the fore on the contest platform. Massive thanks to all the members of Downshire Brass for their work in preparation for the NIBA and a particular ‘well-done’ to the players who took on new seats in recent weeks.”

Although giving a very creditable performance on the day, the band secured third behind the First Old Boys and Laganvale bands. Congratulations to Stephen Cairns and First Old Boys and to Louise Bell for winning the best soloist. Thanks to everyone in Downshire Brass and especially to Jonathan Corry and Paul Hamilton for their help and to Lucy Place for guesting with the band.

You can listen to our performance here: