On Friday 3rd June and Saturday 4th June the Junior Band and Training band attended a weekend of learning masterclasses which culminated in the end of year concert and prize giving and was attended by a hall filled with proud parents, family members, friends and supporters. The conductor for the weekend was Mike Eccles from the Brighouse and Rastrick Band along with his team of tutors. Additional tutors from a selection of the principals from the senior band were also in attendance and considerable work was done with each section of the junior and training bands. The entire 2 day event was held in the War Memorial Hall, Carrickfergus.

Despite the hard work, all the young members remained attentive and enjoyed the event and kept enough stamina to produce a superb concert to show off some of the work they had achieved, not only from the weekend, but from the hard work done throughout the year.

The concert consisted of a fine selection of music featuring both the junior and training band all under the baton of Mile Eccles. As an additional treat there was a ensemble performance by the 4 principal tutors for the weekend.

After the concert came the awards, with the prizes being given out by the band’s special guest – our own Des Graham who has just retired from the post of senior band conductor after 30 years in charge.

Just prior to the awards our great friend from Armagh Old Boys Silver Band, Mr Ivor Stevenson, the driving force behind the annual Armagh Brass Band Summer School which takes place each year and features expert tuition from members of the Fodens Band gave details of the 2016 event which we will be encouraging our players to attend. Our thanks go to him for his interest and attendance today.

Our thanks also go to all those family members, friends and supporters who attended the concert and we hope that you will continue to encourage the players of tomorrow.

A special mention must also go to Mike Eccles and his team of tutors, Peter Arthurs, and all the other tutors and helpers without whom this excellent event could not have taken place.

The list of prize winners for 2015/16 are noted below;

Prize Giving – Award Winners

THE TRAINING CUP
Winner: Eli Davison
Runner up: Cameron Gilbert

MOST PROMISING BEGINNER
Winner: Eden Cully
Runner up: Erica Glover

JUNIOR BANDSMAN OF THE YEAR
Winner: Jamie Wharry
Runner up: Oisin Frost

MOST ENTHUSIASTIC MEMBER
Winner: Chloe Lockhart
Runner up: Jamie Gorman

COMPENDIUM CUP
Winner: Sophie Hueston
Runner Up: Kathryn Howard

THE TOM CRUMBLE CUP (most improved player)
Winner: Eva Dennis
Runner Up: Lucy Doris

CONDUCTORS PRIZE
Winner: James Kerr
Runner up: Lucy Hanna

HELEN WARNOCK TROPHY
Winner: Ryan McFaul
Runner up: James Kerr

SECTION PRIZE
Winner: Trombone Section

PERCUSSION PRIZE
Winner: Lara Halici

Congratulations to all winners, runners up, those who were promoted and all players involved today. The junior bands now go on their summer holidays and will start back again at the beginning of September.