The future of Drogheda Brass Band is very bright if the latest set of grade results from the students in their school of music is anything to go by.
On July 17th last, 21 nervous students sat grade exams ranging from initial recorder to Grade 8 set by the Trinity Guildhall School of Music, London.
Despite the nerves and tension on the day the students received the best results in a long time with Stephen Murray (Grade 8), Francis Daly (Grade 7), Amy Townley (Grade 4), Eoin Tunstead, Ian McCormack, Grace English (Grade 3), Hannah Plunkett, Aisling Reilly and Ciara Condra (recorder grade) all receiving distinctions.
Speaking after the grade exams, examiner Brendan Drummond of Trinity Guildhall said: “The standard of playing was really quite excellent. I have examined all over the British Isles and in Asia and these students are as good as any I’ve examined in the past. It’s difficult to believe it (the school of music) is an entirely amateur school.”
Director of the School of Music Barry Maher was delighted with the results. “The most pleasing part for me is the average result of 78%. When you consider that for a lot of students this was only their first or second exam this is a brilliant average.”
The teachers – Aoife Crowley, Mark Nutley, Sarah Flood, Francis Daly, Yvonne Cunningham, Eoin Tunstead and Fiona Shields – deserve a huge amount of credit according to Barry.
“The teachers are incredibly dedicated. They balance their work and playing commitments brilliantly to keep the students interested and motivated.”
Band chairman Tony Collins was delighted with the continuing success of the youth system saying: “The band is 123 years old this year. This wouldn’t be possible if it was not for the continued dedication of our teachers, students and committee members towards our youth policy.”
The results crown what has been an excellent six months for Drogheda Brass Band and its school of music. The senior band has retained the National Brass Band Championships for a third successive year and played at the European Championships in Belgium, while the students in the school of music have enjoyed success at local level, winning prizes and plaudits at the north eastern solo competitions.
The students are currently taking a well-deserved break and will start back again at the end of August. The school of music is enrolling a new beginner class for students aged 8-12. Please contact Barry Maher at barry.maher4@gmail.com before September 28th for more information or visit www.droghedabrassband.org