On Saturday evening, 13th August 2022, a grand finale concert featuring tutors from the Foden’s Band along with a fantastic group of attendees was held in Armagh bringing to a close what was a brilliant week of learning and fun after the return of the Armagh Old Boys Brass Band Summer School. This was the first time the event had been held since the summer of 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Along with players from various other bands, no less than 22 players from the Third Carrickfergus Band, both young and young at heart embarked on a week of learning, tips and concert preparation with tutors from the world famous Foden’s Band headed up by Michael Fowles. The picture above shows Third Carrickfergus Band President, Des Graham, with the band’s attendees.

All attendees have seen the improvement in their playing abilities and confidence levels as they enjoyed the privilege of working and playing alongside some of the very best in the business.

Grateful thanks go to the Stevenson family – Ivor, Heather and Julie-Anne for their incredible hard word in organising the event and the wonderful team of tutors from the Foden’s Band namely Michael Fowles, Mark Wilkinson, Richard Poole, Jonny Bates, Mark Bousie, Gary Curtin, Shaun Farrington, Stewart Baglin and Anthony Mann. Special thanks also to our own Niamh Burgess for organising things so efficiently on behalf of the Third Carrickfergus Band.