Navan Band plans shining future after national awards wins

John Donohoe

Published: Wed 20 May 2009, 7:54 AM

Last updated: Wed 20 May 2009, 11:56 AM

Navan Silver Band marked its return to the National Brass Band Championships recently by taking home the 2009 Intermediate Brass Band title from Cork. Under musical director Paul Byrne, the Navan band scored an impressive 135 points out of 150 to secure the title and played two pieces - 'Valerius Variations" and 'Pirates of the Caribbean". This win enables Navan Silver Band to play in the top tier of competitions in 2010 at the 45th National Championships. The adjudicator, Mark Heron is music director of the Nottingham Philharmonic, University of Manchester Symphony, and Liverpool Mozart orchestras and a member of the conducting faculty at the Royal Northern College of Music. Mr Heron congratulated the band on their musical performance and playing ability. Navan Silver Band want to pass on their congratulations to the Irish Association of Brass and Concert Bands (IABCB) for staging a great weekend of competition and their appreciation to the Cork School of Music for opening up their wonderful venue and for the great welcome received by everyone. The band is holding its annual concert in Solstice Arts Centre on the 28th June which will showcase their programme for the South of Ireland entertainment competition to be held the following weekend. This year, the band will be competing in the senior section of competition after wiping the boards last year in the Intermediate section winning three trophies and beating eight other bands. New term of classes for beginners will begin in September and everyone is welcome. No musical experience is necessary. The band is hoping to reintroduce Grade exams for all members and to begin percussion/drum lessons in the near future. As always, former members are always welcome to return. The band has big hopes for the future including expanding the use of the hall for other instrument tuition as well as brass. For more details on joining, contact Heather (086) 169 2053 or Dennis (087) 646 1078. To book the band for an engagement, contact Ruth (087) 271 1037.