Brass in Concert Champions 2024

Downshire Brass Success at Brass in Concert

What a weekend for team Downshire Brass, in which we took first place at the annual Brass in Concert competition in the Valley Hotel, Fivemiletown. We were placed first in music and also first in entertainments. Huge congratulations to Roughan Silver Band and Wellington Memorial Silver Band on their wins in their own sections and all of the participating bands on the day.

On behalf of the Band Committee, we want to take this opportunity to thank all of the members of Downshire who literally poured their hearts and souls into yesterday's ‘70s themed programme which included some stunning playing from our soloists Brendan Coyle and Joe Stewart.

The programme, entitled Sounds of the ‘70s aimed to transport the audience back to a golden era of pop music of the 1970s including hits by Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, the Carpenters, Barry Manilow, Barbara Streisand and ABBA. The programme included three brand-new arrangements specially created for this year’s contest in Fivemiletown by the band’s musical director, Michael Alcorn.

Move on Up - Curtis Mayfield (arr Michael Alcorn)

We’ve Only Just Begun - Roger Nichols & Paul Williams (arr Michael Alcorn) soloist Brendan Coyle

Dancing Queen - Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus and Stig Anderson (arr. Michael Alcorn)

Evergreen - Barbara Streisand & Paul Williams (arr Alan Catheral) soloist Joe Stewart

Copacabana - Barry Manilow arr Marcel Saurer

You Are the Sunshine of My Life - Stevie Wonder (arr Goff Richards)

VPM - Jacques Morali Victor Willis (arr Morali, Belolo, Willis arr. Tanner / Alcorn)

A massive thanks must go to our MD Michael Alcorn for the many many hours of music arranging, AV wizardry and most of all the endless work he does in the bandroom. Keep an eye out as you never know those ‘70s costumes may possibly make a reappearance at some point later in the year.

We hope all at the Valley had a great day's music making and the odd bit of craic as well and huge thanks to BBNI for their excellent organisation of the event.