Sunday 11th October saw members of St. Joseph’s take to Hill Valley Golf Centre, Sion Mills for a day out. The day promised some entertainment and some laughs and both were provided. Two non-members even turned up for the fun of it all. The day started brightly with all 14 members on the practice green for some rules and regulations. There was a prize kitty set up and even some wagers set between sections of the band. The weather conditions were testing for any experienced golfer, never mind any amateur!
Off they trod however and it was the first group who took some 15 minutes for four players to simply tee off. It was at this point that we decided it appropriate for the players to stagger the starting positions so that everyone could get moving and get the blood circulating. The laughs began for one group as they began their day from the 4th hole. Picturesque scenery was all that was in front, with a driving range to the right and this proved attractive for one member as he proceeded to lose two balls in here before decided to drop a shot down the hill. It was on this very hill that one member even decided to slide down via his derrière!
But onwards they trod through thick and blustery conditions before the weather eventually settled and the sun made an impromptu appearance. Things were going great as the putts rolled in and the occasional par and even a birdie was spotted close by. The one main piece of eventfulness came on the illustrious 13th hole. The steep downward decline led to one unfortunate member requiring a trip to A & E and a cast on a badly broken wrist. However, the show (or rather competition) must go on and that’s what happened. 12 players continued their quest for the illustrious and coveted “St. Joseph’s Brass Band Golf Trophy” and the final scores proved that there was some competition involved. There were some 39 shots difference between first and last place and even 7 points between first and second.
The winner on the day happened to be none other than Tommy Barr Jr, a non-band member, who came up and literally stole the prize! Second place went to Mark Rouse after some great shots throughout. The bass section wager went to Rob Coyle after Noel Barr took fear and relinquished his opposition. For the sake of the players I was going to keep scores from public view but that’s no fun so as follows:
1. 73 – Tommy Barr Jr.
2. 80 – Mark Rouse
3. 91 – Rob Coyle
4. 94 – Adam Barr
5. 96 – Noel Barr Jr & Oran McGranaghan
7. 98 – Jason Barr
8. 99 – Darren Barr & Noel Barr Sr.
10. 106 – Ciaran Simpson
11. 110 – Eugene McDaid
12. 112 – Amanda McGinley
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St. Joseph’s are to start back on Sunday week following the summer holidays. This will see the band begin preparations for the weekend in Dublin and Glenties plus try and get the routine stuck into everyone’s head until Christmas at least! The band had a solid 6 week break so Sunday 16th August seems destined to be a morning or valve oil for the majority of members.
Anyone wishing to come along to see the band, or think about joining, can call to the band hall on the Derry Road any Sunday morning from 11am – 1pm or Wednesday night from 7:30pm – 9:30pm from the 16th August.
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The Alley came alive for three days of thrilling music performances, competitions and workshops, highlighting the very best in talent not only within Strabane and the North West, but across Northern Ireland and the rest of Europe. From the magnificent Swedish National Youth Brass Band to St Joseph’s Brass Band storming to victory within their section, the North West Music Festival surpassed all expectation.
The festival started on April 2nd with musical workshops for local students interested in pop, rock and brass workshops. Led by Brendan Breslin, the celebrated Irish composer and musician, over 140 students benefited from excellent tuition and hands-on experience with some of the leading musicians in their field.
In the afternoon, Radio Foyle and BBC Newsline descended onto Strabane and the Alley to promote this wonderful community festival. “The Mark Patterson Show” held an outside broadcast in the Alley’s Jenca Cafe, interviewing various participants in the festival, musicians, local business and political leaders, while Keiron Tourish, BBC Newsline North West correspondant filmed workshops in action and a performance by the Swedish National Youth Band and St Joseph’s Brass Band at the world famous “Tinnies” statues.
The Dublin Concert Brass Band and Brendan Breslin thrilled a packed audience on April 3rd with their performance of “Music from the Mills”, a collection of big band, swing, brass music, which simply pulsed with energy and rhythm.
On Saturday, April 4th over 20 brass bands from across Northern Ireland fought it out in the Alley auditorium to be crowned champions, with Strabane’s St Joseph’s Brass Band once again winning their section and Strabane Concert Brass coming a very respectable 3rd in their section. The competition started at 10 a.m and did not finish until 6 p.m, with packed audiences throughout the day enjoying some of the very best in brass band music in the UK on show.
The grand finale of the festival was the Swedish National Youth Brass Band and Steve Sykes, who gave a gripping performance of music around the world. “The Swedish group had a fantastic time in Strabane and musical friendships have been built for years to come with the exciting visit by our European partners” commented John Kerr, Alley Theatre Manager. “The North West Music Festival has been an amazing success and we look forward to welcoming the North West Festival Committee back again next year”.
Tommy Barr, North West Music Festival Director and member of St Joseph’s Brass Band commented “The festival has been a fantastic experience for everyone involved and I would like to sincerely thank all the sponsors, including Strabane District Council, The Connect Project, MK Audio and other local businesses for their support, without which this whole event would not be possible. We have now demonstrated to the musical world what talent Strabane and the North West has and we look forward to next year!”.
Source: The Alley Theatre
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This weekend sees St. Joseph’s Brass Band, Strabane; host another weekend full of entertainment. After the initial idea from band chairman, Thomas Barr, the weekend promises to be action-packed with plenty of variety for anyone with a musical interest. The initial plan was for the Band to offer the venue for the years Brass Band League (BBL) Spring Festival. This is Northern Ireland’s only “sole brass” contest which sees the band fight it out for the best in section title. Not wanting to simply put on the competition the band decided to go one further and implement a “Music Festival” whereby the competition would simply be an element in the weekend.
The result of all of this has seen the band play at the Stormont Assembly building in Belfast to launch the official “North West Music Festival.” This saw the band play in front of invited guests and some of the Members of Parliament from Northern Ireland. Included in this festival are workshops, master classes, acoustic music night, and a battle of the bands competition and even a few concerts, not to mention the BBL Spring League competition. Musical workshops will be run by professional players from England, as well as some of Irelands finest. Conducting classes, music technology classes and even composing classes.
Thursday sees the workshops come down to school level whereby the musicians will visit local schools and give them an insight as to what music is all about, with a particular emphasis on brass. On the Thursday night there is a “Battle of the Bands” competition, which is open to anyone aged 12-18. These bands will have to showcase their talents and try to impress the judges on the night.
Friday sees some of the older pupils from Secondary school visit the Alley Theatre and workshops by members of the Swedish National Youth Brass Band will host these classes. The Friday night sees local man and nationally acclaimed musician, Brendan Breslin, host a night of big band music for all to enjoy. Brendan and his band have been around Ireland many times and it is a highly anticipated event entitled “Music from the Mills.”
Saturday will be, for many, the big day as The BBL brings the competition to Strabane. The BBL itself was formed in 1942 as a sister organisation of the North of Ireland Bands Association (the governing body for bands in Northern Ireland since 1907). The Spring Festival is Northern Ireland’s own competition set aside solely for the Brass Bands of the Country. Unlike its NIBA equivalent, which has been traditionally held in Belfast’s Ulster Hall for the past 80 years, the SF is classified as an ‘own choice’ contest. The contest will see 18 of Ireland’s bands travel to compete in their respective sections and adjudicator for the contest is Mr. Alan Fernie.
Saturday night will then see the Swedish National Youth Brass Band (SNYBB) take to the stage of the Alley to play a concert featuring guest soloists. This is a highly anticipated event that should finalise a very successful week for the Strabane area and moreover, St. Joseph’s Brass Band. The band people in Strabane have always had to travel to attend contests so on this one occasion the members of St. Joseph’s Brass Band and Strabane Concert Brass can enjoy the benefits of Strabane being the focal point in the BBL Spring Festival.
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Belgium will be the destination later this year for two young members of St. Joseph’s Brass Band after they secured places with the European Youth Brass Band.
Tenor Horn player Amanda McGinley and Cornet player Darren Barr successfully auditioned last week and will be the only Northern Ireland representatives taking part in a number of concerts in Belgium. Their concerts will be held during the week of the prestigious European Brass Band Championships, April 26th to May 3rd.
Amanda and Darren are elated with their success and are looking forward to the honour of representing Northern Ireland’s brass musicians in Belgium and to meeting, and playing with, other young musicians from various parts of Europe.
The North of Ireland Band Association and the Brass Band League will be covering their travelling expenses and the accommodation and hospitality costs will be met by the hosting association.
Naturally, their own band, St. Joseph’s, is very pleased with their selection. Speaking on behalf of all the members, Band Secretary, Paddy McGranaghan congratulated Amanda and Darren on their success.
“This will be a great occasion for both and their selection is a recognition of their talent and hard work. We hope they have a great time playing in the European brass Band, making new friends and gain valuable playing experience. We know they will be great representatives for all the members of the Northern Ireland Brass Band community.” Paddy Added.
Source: Strabane Chronicle
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Just a note to everyone from all at St. Joseph’s Brass Band wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We hope you have a peaceful festive season and thank you for your support over the past year.
We are extremely grateful for all your support and commitment and look forward to what next year has in store, namely the hosting of the annual BBL Spring League contest, Barney Breslin and The National Youth Brass Band of Sweden. It promises to be a busy year yet again with no signs of slowing down so thanks again and see you all soon!
St. Joseph’s Brass Band Committee
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Strabane’s Alley Theatre is the venue on December 5th for a concert of festive music and carols hosted by the new All Ireland Second Grade Brass champions, Strabane’s own St. Joseph’s Brass Band.The concert, entitled “The Spirit of Christmas” will see the band programme a selection of beautiful festive music and carols and their invited soloists will perform songs and readings. Children from local primary schools will render carol singing.
Priced at £8, £5 concessionary, tickets are available from the Alley Theatre. This promises to be a very entertaining concert, a must for putting oneself into “The Spirit of Christmas.”
At the recent All Ireland Brass Band Championships in Armagh, St. Joseph’s not only won the Grade Two title but also picked up the awards for the Best Cornet Section and Best Conductor.
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St. Joseph’s Brass Band climbed another rung in the ladder of success when they won the All Ireland Grade Two Brass Band title on November 1st at the Market Place Theatre, Armagh. Having won the All Ireland Grade Three Brass title last year, Musical Director, Noel Barr ventured to test the waters in the Grade Two contest this year with spectacular results. The Adjudicator, Markhus Bach from Switzerland, gave St. Joes top marks of 91 points; thus bringing the band to the highest place in their contest career so far and setting them on to the road of tighter challenges. Commenting on the band’s success, Noel said “When I took over the conductor’s baton two and a half years ago, I set myself a goal where I wanted the band to be in five years time. That goal was reached on November 1st last when the band won the Grade Two title with a magnificent performance of ‘Prelude and Jubilate’. I wish to congratulate all the members of the band on this success and thank them for their attendance and dedication to practice sessions, section work and individual home practice. It’s a job well done and the band is a credit to Strabane and a worthy musical ambassador for the town.”
However, the band will not be resting on its laurels and practice has already commenced for the busy Christmas period ahead, starting with the band hosting “The Spirit of Christmas” concert in the Alley Theatre on December 5th. Tickets are now on sale at the Alley. Details of other Christmas engagements will be announced shortly.
Band Chairman, Tommy Barr, was pleased to announce to the band at the weekend, that following negotiations with the committee of the Brass Band League, the latter have agreed to host their 2009 Spring Contest in Strabane’s Alley Theatre. During the negotiations, representatives of the League visited the Alley Theatre and were very impressed by the facilities available there. Thus, the Spring Brass Band Contest will be coming to the North West, moving out from the usual venues in the Greater Belfast area. The contest will be held on 4th April 2009 and will be part of the Brass Band Week hosted by St. Joseph’s. Details will be announced later, but this event, a first for Strabane, will bring to the town some of the best brass bands from all over Ireland.
Interested in the band? Then contact Band Chairman, Tommy Barr; Secretary, Paddy McGranaghan or any band member.
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A busy couple of months lie ahead for St. Joseph’s Brass Band. The Senior Band will take part in the Grade Two section at the All Ireland Brass Bands contest at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre on Saturday, 1st November. This contest will be a step up for the current All Ireland Grade Three Brass champions, but the members are relishing the challenge and are looking forward to playing in the higher division. Musical Director, Noel Barr, believes the band will put in a good performance. “The band is ready for the Grade Two contest on November 1st in Armagh; a lot of practice has been put in for the event; it will be a challenge at this higher level but I am confident that we will give a good account of ourselves. The members of the band have been working hard for the competition; the piece of music “Prelude and Jubilate” is challenging, but we are up for the challenge. We should accredit ourselves well.” Sunday 16th November sees the band participating in the annual O.N.E. Remembrance Service at St. Michael’s Church, Cootehill, Co. Cavan, and on 5th December, at Strabane’s Alley Arts Complex the band, with guests, will be staging the show “The Spirit ofChristmas”. This will be a very enjoyable festive occasion and tickets are available from the Alley Arts Centre.
The senior band has other engagements planned for the Christmas period, whilst the band’s “Vintage Brass Ensemble” has festive-tide engagements in a number of Donegal locations. Details will follow.
The band is grateful to Strabane Credit Union for its donation towards the publication of “The Band’s Out”, the story of band. Written by Paddy McGranaghan, the book priced at £5.00, can be purchased from any member of the band or at Haughey’s Shop, the Pagoda Gift Shop, Doran’s and McFadden’s newsagents. Copies are also available at the Alley Arts Complex.
The “Music for Youth” programme has started its new year and tuition is available in Brass, Guitar, Piano, Percussion, Speech and Drama and, Theory of Music.
The members of the band were sorry to learn of the sudden death of long-time member, James O’Gorman. James was a popular and hard-working member of the band and for twenty-four years was the band’s secretary, a role in which he excelled. To his wife Vera, daughters Marie, Geraldine and Yvonne and sons, Pat and Martin, the band members offer their sympathy and regrets.
Anyone interested in booking the band for engagements, enrolling in the “Music for Youth” programme or in joining the band as a player, or as a learner, should contact the band’s P.R.O / Secretary, Paddy McGranaghan, on 07512727373
Source: Paddy McGranaghan
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on Tuesday, October 21st, 2008 at 5:05 pm and is filed under News.
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Well the weekly “Wednesday Night Club” is still continuing amid fears it could dismember as people return to normality amidst the start of term time. But alas, it has continued to keep up its interest and members continue to enjoy the evening’s proceedings.The Wednesday Club’s inception was some eighteen weeks ago, the 4th June and was aptly named by its’ founding members; Mark Rouse and Declan McElroy who had decided that some post-rehearsal drinks were needed after such a long break of service. Declan had been studying in Philadelphia, USA for almost a year (that explains the hairstyle!) and because it was his first rehearsal back we decided some celebrations were in order! Robert Coyle and Christina McBeth took little persuading and so it was, the beginning of an era.
Declan McElroy, Mark Rouse, Christina McBeth and Robert Coyle on the first night.
The Wednesday night’s have been continuous throughout with the exception of one night, some 5 weeks ago when all the members were suffering bad bouts of the flu; even band rehearsal had to be adjourned. But it has since been continuing to strive with new members coming and going to the club.
Even last week the Club embarked upon new territory as it moved to pastures new, this being its’ first tour, albeit only to Belfast, but essentially it still seems to be moving in the right direction.
Onwards and upwards is all that is left to be said!!
Source: Mark Rouse
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