A Slippy Slidey Day Out

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Sunday 22nd June saw the inaugural Downshire BBQ take place at Ardnavally Scout Centre with members of our Junior, Youth and Senior Bands attending along with friends and family.  This was an opportunity for friends of the band and members of our different groups to get to know each other a bit better and to discover a few of the more slippery characters within our ranks.  After a few attempts, the BBQ was finally lit and a few members stepped up to showcase their culinary talents, tongs in hand.

Once everyone was fed and watered, our younger members (and those young at heart) got the chance to hone their aerodynamic abilities  on the slip ‘n slide. It’s amazing what fun can be had with a tarpaulin, a garden hose, a couple of litres of washing-up liquid and a hill.  In true world cup spirit, a five-ish a side match followed which, given the now sodden grass, saw a few bruises and a few bruised egos to match. Many thanks to all who helped to organise the event and also to those who came along.  A great day out – roll on next year!

Downshire Youth Band CD planned for Summer 2014

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Downshire Youth Band needs your help over the summer...

Downshire Youth Band will be making a CD over the summer and we would welcome help from any young players in Belfast or beyond who might like to take part in this exciting venture.

The band has already worked up a repertoire of pieces for inclusion on the disc and this would be an ideal project for any young players over the summer break!

Please get in touch using the following form if you are interested in taking part.  



New award at Downshire Brass

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Downshire Brass introduced a new award at its end of year concert on Monday.  The Doreen Alcorn Cup for Outstanding Musical Contribution was presented on behalf of the family and by Mr Bertie Alcorn in memory of Doreen, who was a long-time supporter of brass bands and a regular attender at youth band concerts.

The first recipient of the award was Youth Band euphonium player Oisin McDonnell.

 
 

The long-established Sam Doherty Endeavor Cup, which recognises a wide contribution to the band by a young player, was won this year by Tegan McCullough from Downshire’s Junior Band. The Cup was presented by David Bird, Downshire’s Youth Development Officer.

 
 

Individual certificates of achievement were presented to all members of the Junior and Youth bands in recognition of their hard work and attendance during the year.  

"Stand Up" for the Downshire Kids!

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Downshire Junior, Youth and Senior Bands shared the stage last night at Malone Presbyterian Church Halls.  This was the first time that the three bands had performed together since the formation of the new Youth Band.  Downshire Brass was the warm-up act for impressive performances by the Junior Band, conducted by Roger Doherty and the Youth Band conducted by Brendan Coyle.  All three bands took part in a rousing performance of "Stand Up for the Ulstermen" at the end of the concert.

 

Downshire Junior Band 2014

 
 

Downshire Youth Band 2014

 

Newtownbreda Brass Academy

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Downshire Brass has just launched an innovative partnership with Newtownbreda High School in South Belfast.  More than 100 first year pupils took part in the launch of a new brass academy at the School and tried out instruments ranging from cornet to tuba and also percussion.  Over the coming months the pupils will be given individual tuition to get them started on various instruments before they are intergrated into Downshire’s new Junior and Youth Bands.  

13 members of Downshire took part in the morning workshop which included a short concert, demonstrations on hosepipes, vuvuzelas, and a sheep’s horn and then provided opportunities for all the children to try the range of brass and percussion instruments on offer.

School Principal, Mr Colin Black said “we are grateful to Downshire Brass for providing an excellent opportunity for our pupils to experience the joy of playing brass instruments.  I am sure the academy will go from strength to strength.”

Speaking after the event, the Band’s musical director, Michael Alcorn said “we are thrilled to be working so closely with Newtownbreda to develop this brass academy and we have already spotted some talented young players coming forward to take part in our new programme.”