The annual Brass Band League contest has been held in Ballygowan and the band have achieved 3rd place. Six bands competed in the section and performed a wide range of music and a thoroughly entertaining day was had by all.

The band chose to play “Variations on Laudate Dominum” by Edward Gregson. A superb piece of music which can be enjoyed by player and audience alike, the theme is a noble hymn tune by Sir Hubert H Parry, associated with the words “O worship the King, all-glorious above”. There are five variations, the fifth being a fugato which introduces half of the tune in long notes. The theme is not fully presented until the end, when it is heard in its full majesty and the music brought to a tremendous and climactic conclusion.

Thanks to all band members for their dedication and team work in the lead up to the contest and now it is time to get working to prepare a varied and entertaining programme of music for the summer concerts which will commence soon.

Second Section Brass

1st place – Ballyduff Silver – Conductor: W Hill – A Saddleworth Festival Overture
2nd place – Downshire Brass – Conductor: Dr W Hylands – Salford Sinfonietta
3rd place – Third Carrickfergus Band – Conductor: D Graham – Variations on Laudate Dominum

The other bands which took part in this section were, The Templemore Band, Drogheda Brass Band and Wellington Memorial.

Championship Section

1st place – 1st Old Boys – Conductor: S Cairns – Paganini Variations
2nd place – Laganvale Metal Technology Band – Conductor: E Ruddock – The Essence of Time

The other competing bands in this section were CWA Brass, Strabane Concert Brass and Murley Silver.