We had a fantastic response to our enrolment night, Wednesday 17th September, when 30 young people turned up on, to join. Unfortunately, we had to turn away others who were too young. The group was so big, it has been divided into two classes. Tutors for this year are Aisling Reilly and Adam Byrne. We are very proud of these two young people who both have come up through the ranks of the band themselves and are willing to give their time to teach this group. We also thank Laura Jones and Alan Cox who took last years recorder group from which 21 students are about to progress on to instruments.
The 21 students have been divided into groups, lessons will start on Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Clarinet, Saxophone, Flute and Percussion. Tutors Susan Connolly, Laura Jones, Tony Flanagan, John Gaynor, Kevin Reilly and Paul O Brien will give these classes. Our band rehearsals are ongoing, our junior band rehearsals with conductor John Gaynor and Senior Band with conductor Harry Kelly. The bandroom is a hive of activity and music is very much alive in Ardee.
Of course none of the above could happen if it was not for the generosity and support of the people of Ardee especially in our recent church gate collection for which we say a big thank you. Our ongoing Sunday night bingo sessions continue in the Bohemian Centre with the Jackpot heading for Eur4,000.
The band has a busy time ahead with the North of Ireland competitions on November 1st and a special date for your diary is our annual Christmas concert, which this year is on December 4th, hopefully all our new recruits will be ready to give their first public performance.
Finally the band welcome back Sean OBrien and Fiona Reilly back to band both on crutches but doing well and able to blow their instruments. Thankfully, we have a lift in our new extension. We also welcome a new member into the senior band, Annamaria OBrien wife of Paul. Annamaria is lending a hand to the boys on percussion.