Francis Magee, New Drogheda Brass Band Conductor
by Brian Murphy and Trevor Johnston
The dawning of a new era for the Drogheda Brass Band began in early January 2001 with the arrival of their new musical director, Francis Magee.
The Drogheda Brass Band's new conductor, Mr. Francis McGee, wasting no time in taking the band through its paces.
Picture © Newsfile.
Mr. Magee has been the principal tuba player with the National Symphony Orchestra for a number of years and has a long history in brass bands. He started life with the Strabane Concert Band in County Tyrone and steadily progressed from there to eventually playing in Scotland with a number of the leading brass bands in that country at the time, inclding stints with both Whitburn and CWS Glasgow Bands.
Francis takes over from Michael Maher, who has been conducting the band for the past six years. During his tenure, Michael conducted the band to its greatest successes: victory in both the North of Ireland and Irish Band Championships and representing their country at the European Championships in 2000. But Michael felt it was time for a change for both him and the band, and now our euphonium section will feel the benefits of his returning to the band as a player.
PRO Brian Murphy stated,
"It is indeed the beginning of a new era for Drogheda Brass Band. We feel that Francis will bring a magnificent background of brass music to us, giving us an insight into the world of professional musicians.",
The band is due to return to the Droichead Arts Centre on Wednesday 21st February next.