Who are the Drogheda Brass Band?

The Drogheda Brass Band is a much-loved institution in the town, representing Drogheda and its communities since 1886, and currently number 55 members of all ages. We are currently enjoying our most successful period ever as reigning National Brass Band champions of Ireland for the third year in succession, and recently represented Ireland in the European Brass Band Championships in Belgium.

We are currently based in St Joseph’s CBS Gym, King Street, (entrance beside Scholars Townhouse Hotel) and will move to a new premises at East Coast Business Park, Donore Road, later this year, providing our members and students with a purpose-designed modern environment in which to learn and perform music.Why join our School of Music?

The principal aim of our organisation is to provide the people of Drogheda and surrounding areas with an opportunity to enjoy music in a safe, affordable, fun and educational environment. Over the years many past and current members have developed careers from the skills we provide.

Many have become professional players, composers and music teachers. All our current teachers either hold or are preparing for third level music/teaching qualifications. This, combined with the incredible success of our senior band, proves that we succeed in developing skills to help students progress in whatever musical genres they choose.Our main challenge is making the extremely expensive (and often elitist) area of music education accessible, affordable and enjoyable for students.

Our fee is highly competitive (with family discount and standing order discount options available). Your fee will entitle you to receive the following:

1. Entry to our book scheme for all brass instruments (this includes tutor books, grade pieces, solo and group music for concerts and competitions).

2. Entry to our instrument rental scheme – all students receive brass instruments from the band.

3. Subsidised visits by professional brass tutors.

4. Subsidised competition entries.

5. Internationally-recognised grade examinations examined and certified by Trinity Guildhall, London.

6. Preparation for practical elements of Leaving and Junior Certificate examinations.

We also prioritise safety and have developed a fully comprehensive child protection policy (copy available on request). We provide group learning which children find very enjoyable, and hold regular parties for students.

New Brass Class

This class is for students who have basic music reading skills. They must know the

1. Names of the lines and spaces on the Stave (G clef).

2. Basic time signatures.

3. Length of notes.

Students entering this class will start on a cornet (trumpet). They will join a group who have just completed their grade 1 recorder exam. New students will join the class on August 18th and work towards a grade 1 Cornet exam around Christmas. The class runs every Tuesday from 6 to 7pm. Fiona Shields BA, H.Dip. – a fully-qualified professional music teacher – will teach this class.

New Beginners Class

In this class students will learn to read music playing on Recorder. No previous experience is needed. This class will work towards a Grade 1 Recorder exam in the summer of 2010. Aoife Crowley who has a BA in Applied Music from DKIT specialising Music Education teaches this class. It will run every Thursday from 6:45 till 7:45pm starting on September 17th.

Students wishing to enter either of these classes should contact Barry Maher immediately as places are limited and offered on a first come first served basis.

Barry Maher, Director, School of Music.

Email: barry.maher4@gmail.com

Mobile: 086 0777355