NIBA:

The band has entered the Northern Ireland Band Association Championships, which will be held on Sat. 20^th Oct. in the Market Place Arts Centre in Armagh. We will be competing in the advanced section. These competitions are unusual in that bands are expected to play two pieces of own choice, but which are of an advanced standard musically. Ardee Bands pieces are Journey and Celebration and Concert Prelude. Both are original compositions for concert band that show off all sections to their best. Fingers crossed that we will do well in the competitions.

CARLINGFORD RECITAL:

This took place on Sun. 2^nd Sept. The heavens opened for half of the recital but luckily the band members had a marquee to themselves in which to perform. When the sun finally did make an appearance, a large crowd enjoyed the wide variety of music performed at the recital.

RECORDER CLASSES:

These have now started and up to 30 children will begin their musical studies on the descant recorder. I would like to wish all the children the very best as they begin their musical studies with Ardee Concert Band.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY:

Do not forget to keep Thurs. 6^th Dec. free as we have our annual band variety concert on this date. This concert has become more popular over the years and is a welcome break in the long dreary winter nights.

CHURCH GATE COLLECTION:

Once again it is heartening to see the support from the townspeople towards the members of Ardee Concert Band. Your generous financial support is truly appreciated.

SINCERE SYMPATHY:

We extend sincere sympathy to band members Tony Flanagan and David Flanagan on the death of Pat Flanagan. Pat was Tonys brother and Davids uncle. We also extend sincere sympathy to Pats wife Eileen, to his sons Derek and Mark, and to his brothers Kieran and Terry.

Pat was chairman of the band for a number of years and but for him we might not own the magnificent premises that we practice in today. It was he who put forward the idea of the band selling a flyer at he community charities bingo and also putting half of all income towards a building fund. When the Bohemian Centre came up for sale, the band was in a good financial position to purchase it and the rest as they say is history. I always saw Pat as the cool, calm and collected man. He never got flustered, no matter how serious things became. He just got on with the job to the best of his ability and everything always worked out in the end.

He was also on the executive committee of the Irish Association of Brass and Concert Bands and left no stone unturned in promoting Ardee Concert Band and the Band Movement in general. Ardee Concert Band performed suitably reflective music at his funeral. A very sad occasion but also a celebration of a good mans lifework for the benefit of Ardee Concert Band. May he rest in peace.

FINALLY:

On a personal note, I would like to thank Kevin Reilly, John Gaynor, Michael Molloy, Peter McKeever and Paddy Neary, who performed the music with me for the funeral mass of Fergus McQuillan in Balapousta Church. Special thanks also to Pauline McMahon for the beautiful singing. Fergus was not a band member but was brother-in-law to Joan McQuillan and uncle to Bevan McQuillan, both members of Ardee Concert Band. I would like on the band and committee members behalf to extend sincere sympathy to his parents, Colm and Claire, to his brothers, Declan and Vincent and to his sisters, Mary and Rose. As a son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend he was one of the best. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends here in Ardee and by his friends and work colleagues in New York. May he rest in peace.

Updated 10th September 2007

Joint Concert with St. Eugenes Band, Omagh

On Wednesday 14th November, there will be another first for Ardee Concert Band when we travel to Omagh to take part in a Joint Concert with St. Eugenes Band. Also taking part is Omagh Community Youth Choir which is also conducted by Mike Reynolds, the conductor of St. Eugenes. The venue is the Strule Arts Centre (http://www.struleartscentre.co.uk/) which is the fabulous new arts centre serving Omagh and surrounding areas. This centre was officially opened in June 2007 and St. Eugenes Band played at the Gala Concert. Each of the three groups will play a short programme and then, they will all come together for an exciting finale.

Pat Flanagan RIP

The band played at the funeral mass of Pat Flanagan on Saturday 1st of September 2007. Pat was a stalwart member of the band committee for many many years and he was chairman for 5 years around the time that the band bought the Bohemian Centre. He worked very hard at the band Bingo for many years and he also di great work behind the scenes. He was National Treasurer of the Irish Association of Brass & Concert Bands for a number of years. His family has always been involved in the band, his father Terry was a lifelong member and his brother Tony and nephew David still play in the band. Deepest sympathy is extended to his family.

Carlingford Oyster Festival

The very first time that the band played in Carlingford was 1983 and we have played there virtually every year since. On 2nd September 2007, the recital was in the tennis courts in the centre of Carlingford and although the weather was not kind in the early part of the afternoon, the sun did break through to make the day worthwhile. Brian McKevitt of the organising committee told the band members that the festival would not be the same without the Ardee Band. Hopefully, we will play there for many a year in the future.

NIBA

The band have entered the Championship Concert Band Section of the North of Ireland Band Association Championships of Ireland which will be held in the Armagh Arts Centre on Saturday 20th October 2007.

Christmas Concert Thursday 6th December

This is a date for your diary, full details will appear on the website later.

Updated 1st September 2007

Engagements

On Sunday 26th August, the band performed at the Fairgreen in Ardee. A large crowd turned out to hear the band play its Summer Programme in this 1.5 hour recital. Thankfully the rain stayed away for the duration and an enjoyable afternoons entertainment was had by all.

On Sunday 2nd September the band will perform at the Oyster Festival in Carlingford. This always proves a good family day out with various other events happening there throughout the day. So if you are at a loose end, why not join us for an afternoon of music and fun.

Wedding Bells.

We have heard him play sleigh bells, cow bells, bicycle bells and even door bells, but it was Wedding Bells that our percussionist Paul O Brien was listening to when he and his fiancee Annamaria got married recently in Romania. On behalf of the committee and members of the band we wish Paul and Annamaria every happiness for their future.

Church Gate Collection.

Our annual church gate collection will be held on the weekend of 9th /10th September. This is one of the main sources of income for the band and is always well supported by the people of Ardee. For this we thank you and we look forward to your continued generosity.

---

Updated 12 August 2007

Clonakilty 2007

We had a marvellous weekend of fun in Clonakilty this year that will be remembered for many a year.

As part of the Festival of West Cork, the 28th Annual South of Ireland Band Championships was held on Saturday 7th July 2007 in the beautiful west Cork town of Clonakilty.

This is an entertainments style competition where each band must play a 15 minute programme which must include a march. Eighteen bands in all took part in Junior, Intermediate and Senior sections, eleven concert bands and seven brass bands. A number of bands travelled over 250 miles to take part in this very enjoyable festival, and the Senior section also included a concert band from Germany, The Waldaschaff Concert Band who visited Clonakilty on their way to the WASBE Conference in nearby Killarney in Co Kerry.

Clonakilty is a very special place to visit, there is always a great atmosphere in this holiday town even when there is no festival taking place. Each band that takes part in the competition is encouraged to give a performance on the main street and this further enhances the festival atmosphere.

Twelve members of the band travelled down by private car on the Friday 6th to make sure that all arrangements were in place and to sample the nightlife. They were delighted to receive an invitation from the Lourdes Brass Band to join them in their hotel for a social evening.

The bus carrying the remainder of the band left Ardee at 8am. Entertainment on the bus was provided by Laura and Claire in the form of games, quizzes and videos. The bus arrived bang on time at 1.30pm at the Clonakilty Quality Hotel for lunch. Afterwards the band travelled to the Clonakilty Community College for a short rehearsal and tune-up. The band was under the direction of Alan Kelly who was conducting the band for the first time in competition. Harry Kelly was unable to travel due to family commitments.

Ardee took the stage in a very professional manner and played a very entertaining programme, starting with The Liberty Bell March, followed by James Bond 007 and the final piece was a selection from the musical, Chicago. Immediately after the competition performance, all of the members walked to the main street and gave a 45 minute recital for the large crowd that had gathered. After this, it was a mad rush back to hear the results.

With twenty prizes on offer, most bands will come home with something. A special prize was created this year to celebrate the date (07/07/07) and this was won by Ardee Concert Band who gave an excellent performance, under their conductor Alan Kelly, of James Bond 007, arranged by Johan de Mey.

First prize in the competition went to the Lourdes Brass Band from Drogheda in Co Louth who gave a very entertaining performance which included the trombone section dressing as nuns for I Will Follow Him, second prize went to the Waldaschaff Concert Band and third went to Ardee Concert Band.

To end this special day, many of the bands took part in a Massed Band performance of some marches in the beautiful Kennedy Square in the town centre.

The fun continued in the local hotels and pubs where many of the visiting bands stayed over and enjoyed sing-songs etc into the wee hours.

The Emmet Hotel on Kennedy Square was the headquarters for the Ardee members and at about twelve o clock, Austin fired up his keyboard and Paul tuned his guitar and what ensued for the next three hours was one of the best singsongs ever experienced by the members. Many excellent contributions from Austin, Laura and Claire and solo spots from Anne O Brien, Niall, Betty, Dermot, Anthony kept the craic mighty. An excellent rendition of Irelands Call from Oisin Clarke was one of the highlights.

The music continued on Sunday when the Waldaschaff Concert Band played at the 12pm Mass and gave a recital afterwards.

A huge thank you must go to the excellent organising committee of Fiona Reilly, Anne O Brien, Fiona Byrne and Fionnuala Carroll without whom, the band would not have travelled.

---

Updated 4 July 2007

Clonakilty

We will be competing in the open section in the above competition. This takes place on the 7th of the 7th 2007. By pure co-incidence one of our pieces is James Bond 007. Perhaps with all these 7s we will be victorious under conductor Alan Kelly. Its quite a major competition for him and we all wish him well for the day.

Grades

The grades took place recently in the band room and well done to all fifty-four members who performed their examination pieces, solos and scales. Distinctions were awarded to John Gaynor, Adam Byrne, Alan Cox and Emma Byrne. A distinction is 90+ so the above members and indeed all fifty-four concerned gave a remarkably high level of musical performance. This augurs very well for the band in the future.

Congratulations

Congratulations from all the band members and committee to our principal oboist Janice McNiece on the birth of her 2nd child Danielle, perhaps another young oboist for the band in years to come.

Welcome Home

To Anthony McArdle who will be coming home on holidays from Australia. Anthony emigrated in the early 90s and is really looking forward to meeting up with all the band members once again. He was a former principal clarinet player with the concert band as well as being assistant conductor to Harry Kelly. Anthony will be competing with us in Clonakilty on July 7th.

Best Wishes

Welcome to Paul Callan who has recently joined the concert band. Paul is a brother of principal trumpet player Nicky Callan. I would like on behalf of the concert band members and committee to wish him many happy years of music in the trombone section.

Moorehall Lodge

The band will be performing at the above venue for their open day on July 15th. Its a great family day out so come one, come all and enjoy lots of music and fun during the day.

Townley Hal

The band performed in Townley Hall on the 3rd of June. Although the heavens opened we were fortunate in that we were able to perform in a marquee and a large crowd enjoyed a wide variety of popular music. Our good friends from St. James Band were also in attendance on the day.

---

Updated 4 June 2007

Townley Hall

We will be performing on the Sunday afternoon at the Arts in Action events which take place over the June Bank holiday weekend. This is a great family event and all band members eagerly look forward to playing for the huge crowds that come to Townley Hall every year. Here s hoping the sun will shine on all concerned during the June Bank Holiday.

Clonakilty

The concert band members are taking part in the Southern Region Band Championships held in Clonakilty over the weekend 7th/8th July 2007. These competitions are unusual in that each band plays a programme of own choice music. The only specifications being that each band must perform a march. Another unusual aspect to the competitions is that brass and concert bands compete against each other, unlike the National Championships where each type of band competes in their respective category. We were victorious in Clonakilty some years ago, so fingers crossed! The band will be conducted by assistant conductor, Alan Kelly.

Well Done

Well done to all who recently completed their grade exams. These are the Royal Irish Academy of Music exams and range from grade one to senior certificate level. Well done especially to Adam Byrne (Grade 7 tenor sax) and John Gaynor (Grade 8 trumpet).

Joint Cross Border Concert

This took place in the Bohemian Centre on Thursday 17th May 2007 and was a great success. Alan Kelly acted as M.C. and also conducted the Ardee Concert Youth Band, the Ardee Concert Senior Band and two pieces with the combined Ardee and St. Eugene’s Concert Band, Omagh. A busy night for Alan indeed! The night began with our Youth Band who gave a splendid performance of their National Championships winning pieces, Phil the Fluter and Variations on a Scottish Tune. These were followed by our very young musicians on recorder. These young musicians hope to progress onto a band instrument in the near future. Next on stage were Ardee Concert Senior Band and last but not least, St. Eugene’s Band, conducted by Mike Reynolds. Mike related to the audience how he really enjoyed the night in Ardee and stated that both bands had similar histories. He also said that the Ardee Concert Band facilities were the finest he had ever seen. After a short break, both bands combined. The various pieces were conducted both by Alan and Mike. All in all a marvellous night for music making and a fine example of how music can overcome boundaries and increase cross border co-operation.

Sincere Sympathy

We were honoured to play the march Old Comrades at the funeral of the late Dermot O Brien. What does one say about such a man? A magnificent all rounder in both gaelic football and music. I will leave gaelic football to my St. Marys P.R.O. colleague! As far as music went, he was steeped in it. He started in the Convent of Mercy and was also a member the boy’s band that was started by his father, Paddy. Dermot’s father was also conductor of the Ardee Brass and Reed Band. Dermot went on to have his own programme on R.T.E and toured America. When you play for people like Bing Crosby and Ed Sullivan you can’t get much better than that. He was delighted to see the concert band progress over the years and was a guest artist at one of our concerts some years back. Dermot was also a lifelong friend of band chairperson, Austin Nevin. One of the nicest things about Dermot O Brien was that he was a true gentleman and wore his phenomenal musical talent lightly. In summing up Dermot O’Brien, I would say that he was an astounding example to all sports people and musicians- amateur and professional, young and old. Ardee Concert Band and committee members extend sincere sympathy to his sons Ronan and Dermot, his daughters Roisin, Katherine and Grace and his sisters Triona, Toni and Marie. We also give our sympathy to his extended family and his many friends in sporting and musical circles. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Vincent McArdle

---

Updated 30 April 2007

Welcome to the Ardee Concert Band Website

Concert with Omagh Band

On 17th May 2007 at 8pm, there will be a combined concert in the Bohemian Centre with St. Eugenes Brass & Reed Band from Omagh. Tickets at 5euro are available from any band member or admission at the door on the night. The starting act will be the Ardee Concert Youth Band performing their two winning pieces, followed by the Recorder Group. Next up will be the Ardee Concert Band and then St. Eugenes Brass & Reed Band. After a short interval, both bands will combine in the finale of what should be a very enjoyable evening.

National Band Championships

Superb win for Ardee Concert Youth Band

Our young musicians had magnificent success under their conductor, Alan Kelly when they took first prize in the Junior Section of the National Band Championships held recently in New Ross. The adjudicator, Hughina Naylor from Scotland, complimented all sections of the band on their magnificent and spirited performances of Phil the Fluter and Variations on a Scottish Tune. The junior members swept the boards winning five prizes in all, the trophy for 1st place, the trophy for the best own choice pieces, the trophy for the best junior band of the championships, a cheque for 250euro and a new trumpet. All band and committee members, and the many parents who travelled to New Ross, were really proud of Alan and the young musicians when the results were announced.

Members are:- Flutes:- Grace Kerr, Kathryn Byrne, Lauren Matthews, Martin Meegan and Ciara Cousins. Clarinets:- Bevan McQuillan, Clodagh McClean, Sarah Kerr, Niamh McElarney, Niamh Byrne, David Flanagan, Rachel McCormack, Samanta Connolly. Trumpets:- Aidan Reilly, Martin Lennon, Darragh Briowne, Oonagh Kerr and Stacey McCarron. Alto Sax:- Niamh Stanley and Simon McLoughlin. Tenor Sax:- Sean O Brien. Euphonium:- Conor McCullough. Percussion:- Daniel Farrell and Ian Corbally. Well done to all. The senior band performed in the senior section of the championships but were unable to bring home any honours on this occasion.

Flower Festival

Ardee Concert Band will perform at the 12noon mass in the Church of the Nativity of Our Lady, Ardee, on Sunday 6th May at the invitation of Canon Clyne to coincide with the Flower Festival which will be held in the church from 4th to 7th of May.

Civic Reception for visiting MEPs

The band were delighted to be invited by Jim Tenanty, chair of Ardee Town Council, to play at a Civic Reception in Ardee Castle, organised by Ardee Town Council, on Tuesday 17th April, for visiting MEPs, all members of the Agricultural Committee of the European Parliament.

Sincere Sympathy.

On behalf of all band and committee members, I would like to extend sincere sympathy to my colleague, Fiona Reilly, on the death of her mother, Nuala Coleman, Drogheda, after a long illness. Sympathy also to Kevin, Aisling and Aidan Reilly and to Fionas, brothers Paul, Tom and Neil and her sisters Catherine and Ethna. Nuala was a great supporter of the band and always attended the bands concerts and recitals. She was also a very talented artist and a lovely person to know. May she rest in peace.

St. Patricks Day

As usual, we performed at the 12noon mass which is for deceased members of the band. At 3pm, we were delighted to lead what must have been the largest parade to date. The crowds that lined the route exceeded all expectations. It was great to see an increase in the number of novelty entries, i.e., man on stilts, man on one wheeled bike, Reaghstown Drama Group, etc. Long may entries like these continue.

AGM

This took place in February and was attended by a large number of band members, students and their parents. A wide and varied discussion took place, the principal item being the Official Opening of the new bandroom on March 10th.

Officers elected were:- Chairperson-Austin Nevin; Vice-chairperson-Jen McKeever; Secretary-Niall Doherty; Treasurer-Peter McKeever. Other positions for 2007 are:- PRO-Dermot Murray; Assistant secretaries- Laura Jones and Claire McCormack.

Church gate collection

This took place over the weekend 24th/25th March. Many thanks to you all for contributing so generously towards the band.

Vincent McArdle

---

Updated 7 April 2007

Historic Milestone For Ardee Concert Band

On Saturday evening last (10 March 2007) the Ardee Concert Band officially opened their new state of the art rehearsal and recreational facilities at Ash Walk in Ardee. Guest of Honour for the evening was Mairead McGuinness MEP.

It was a very proud evening for the Band, its members and indeed its supporters who have and who continue to give so much time, effort and indeed financial support to this marvellous organisation through its fundraising events each year.

MC for the evening was Assistant Conductor Alan Kelly who welcomed everybody before asking Chairman Austin Nevin to speak. Austin acknowledged all the people who gave time, effort and commitment from the start to the finish of the new building.

He mentioned all the organisations involved in funding the project along with the various contractors who built, what has been described as the finest premises of any Band in Europe. Main contractors were Kerr Brothers from Ardee. Austin also gave a special word of thanks to Niall Doherty who is honorary secretary of the band. Niall who is part of the team at Frank Aiken & Associates in Ardee managed the project from the start and was key to the realisation of the new premises Austin said. He also thanked the Building committee in the Band and the Treasurer Peter McKeever.

Before Closing his speech the Chairman made the point that the band was providing a School of music, a safe alcohol free environment for children to learn music and a recreation area that is kitted out with games, TV etc. This is a safe monitored area that is reassuring for parents knowing their children are safe. But he added that the purchase of instruments, heating and lighting the premises and all the other day to day costs of running the organisation were being funded by the people of the town while many sporting organisations are eligible for National lottery funding and indeed Government funding. He said this was unfair and that people should be aware that the Band is experiencing a form of discrimination from these organisations when it comes to funding.

The Band then gave a twenty-minute recital, which went down very well on the night.

Next to speak was Michael Curran from Louth County Council who explained exactly where the funding had come from for the project, namely the Louth County Council-led Peace II Programme. He congratulated the hard work of the band members and said that the Band as a great way of uniting different cultures, religions etc and that it was a very worthwhile organisation.

Chairman of LCC Jim Lennon spoke of how important it was for young people to have an interest in music and to be part of an organisation such as the Band. He stressed to the audience that the Band provided an invaluable facility to the children of the area and that parents should not take it for granted.

Mairead Mc Guinness was then called to speak before she unveiled the opening plaque. She said she felt very proud to be an Ardonian and to be asked to perform the official opening. She noted Chairman Austin Nevins comments about the lack of funding being directed towards music and said she would certainly address it. She then cut the ribbon to the sound of a trumpet fanfare and declared the new building officially open.

Reverend Michael Graham and Cannon Clyne then gave a blessing with prayers being read by members of the Band.

Following the official opening the members of the Band were on hand to show the guests around the Band room and refreshments were provided.

The evening was a huge success for the Band with everyone in high praise of the professional manner the organisation was ran and indeed the facilities they had to offer the community. The Band has its own Concert Hall, rehearsal area, recreational room and meeting rooms all under one roof which is certainly much envied by every Band in the country.

Dermot Murray

PRO Ardee Concert Band

0879917316

---

Updated 5 March 2007

St. Patricks Day

As usual, we will perform at the 12 noon mass. This mass is for deceased members who have all gone on to their eternal reward. All of the above will be remembered on St. Patricks morning by the present band members as they perform at mass. There has been some talk in the local papers that the parade in Drogheda may not happen this year because of lack of support! The Ardee parade has taken place continuously since the late 1960s except for a break of one year because of foot and mouth disease. It is with the above news re Drogheda that we ask for your full support towards the parade committee so that we can have yet another successful parade again this year. Ardee Concert Band organised the parade in former years and so we are well aware of such a big undertaking that a parade in Ardee entails. It just doesnt happen on its own. And so, we appeal for your support both financial and in attendance at the parade. As usual we will lead the parade from the north end of the town at 3 o clock sharp. Heres hoping that the sun shines down on all concerned for 17th march

National Band Championships

These will take place over the weekend of 14th/15th of April. The format will be changed somewhat this year in that we will have two bands taking part. The Youth Band will compete in the junior concert band section. These young musicians will be conducted by Alan Kelly and we wish him every success with the young members. The senior members will compete in the advanced concert band section conducted by Harry Kelly. The test piece for this section is entitled Amphion, I don’t know much about this piece except that it is exceptionally difficult for all concerned. At the time of writing, our own choice will be chosen from either Tombstone Arizona or Festivo. Both were especially composed for concert bands and we have had victory with both pieces in various competitions in former years.

Official Opening of the New Bandroom

This will take place at 7.30pm on the evening of Saturday 10th March. The band members will give a short recital in the Bohemian Centre. After a trumpet fanfare, the new premises will be officially opened by our very own M.E.P. Mairead McGuinness. Then, a short ecumenical blessing will be given by Rev Michael Graham and Rev Canon James Clyne. Light refreshments will be served on the night and all band and committee members are eagerly looking forward to this very important night in the history of the band.

Grades

At present, over 40 young members are working on set music in preparation for the grade examinations of the Royal Irish Academy of Music will be held in the Bohemian Centre in mid-May 2007.

Bingo

Although now only taking place on Sunday nights, we appeal more than ever for your usual generous support. There are many bills to pay in the running of the concert band. New bandroom insurance, heating, maintenance of bohemian centre, conductor’s fees, music, instruments repairs, busses etc…

Church gate collection

This takes place over the weekend 24th/25th march. As for the bingo article, we appeal for your usual generous head towards Ardee Concert Band. Vincent McArdle

---

---

		Latest News

---

		Latest News