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.”