JUNIOR BAND

Downshire Junior Brass was formed in 1991, being made possible because of the number of spare instruments which the band had acquired from the amalgamation. The band boasts 16 playing members, the youngest of which is 8 years old. 

The band rehearse on a Monday evening between 7 PM and 8PM in the Boland Room, Paton Halls in Malone Presbyterian Church, Lisburn Road , Belfast. Rehearsals are led by Roger Doherty, Billy McIlveen and Jonny Caroll who have a vast amount of experience in tutoring young players. Members range in age from 8 to 13 years old; more experienced members are promoted to the senior band.

Members can also be entered for practical examinations and obtain music grades from the Associated Board of The Royal Schools Of Music.

During its existence, Downshire Junior Band members  have entered the annual Brass Band league solo and quartet contest which is held for all bands in Northern Ireland. The band’s members are proud to have won the U12 title 9 times since the band was formed in 1991. The junior band have also won quartet and ensemble titles.  

The Conductor of the junior band for two years was Mr Jack Crossan OBE who was conductor of the 34th Boys Brigade Silver Band (Ulsterville Presbyterian Church) for over 30 years. Jack also wrote an abundance of music for the band. It was with great sadness that Jack passed away in 1996. He will be greatly missed.

The junior band in its own right have carried out a number of public engagements which have included the switching on of the Xmas Tree lights at Hillsborough, playing carols at Tesco, Lisburn Rd as well as concerts in Malone Presbyterian Church and Saintfield Road Presbyterian Church. The junior band also took part in their first contest at the NIBA in October 1999 which afforded excellent experience for all concerned. The band maintains its numbers by the intake from the busy learners class which itself was formed in 1990 a year before the Junior Band came into being.

Those interested in joining  (age 7 and above) should contact Roger Doherty on 028 9049 2658 or print and complete the online application form and post it to Roger or indeed call at the Band Hall on any practice night. Some musical knowledge is desirable but not essential. 

DOWNSHIRE LEARNERS CLASS

Downshire run a very successful learners class for children with little or no experience in playing a musical instrument. Expert tuition is given by experienced members of the senior band. All learners receive a folder containing music and an instrument can be provided if needed.

When players in the Beginners’ Class are of an adequate level they will be introduced into the junior band.

Members are also encouraged to enter solo contests when an appropriate standard is reached.

The annual subscription for membership of the Junior Band or Beginners’ Class is £ 24 or 3 payments of  £8 for the terms Sept – Dec,  Jan – Mar and Apr – June. Cheques should be made payable to Downshire Brass. If there are 2 family members in the band the cost is £40 per year in total.