On 12th July, the band were honoured to play at the Aras for President McAlesse. This was a meeting of musical and cultural minds, to celebrate cultural diversity. The band gave a short recital while guests assembled. Then various groups performed. Ardee Concert Band was last to play. There was a very distinguished audience present including The Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy, Chief Constable of Northern Ireland, Sir Hugh Orde, British Ambassador, Chiefs Of Staff from both the Irish and British Armies, Chelsea Pensioners, and many others connected with the Peace Process.
The band members ended their recital with the Dixieland Concerto which featured Adam Byrne, Tenor Sax, Kevin O ‘ Brien , Tuba, Nicky Callan, Trumpet, Jenny McKeever, Clarinet ,
Mark McLoughlin , Trombone , and Paul O’ Brien , Percussion . This was a most suitable piece to end with as although the afternoon had been enjoyable, there was a serious side to the Aras event. The president was then presented with a bouquet of flowers by our most senior member, Kevin O’ Brien, and she then posed for photos with the band, along with her husband Martin. All photos taken on the day can be seen on the band’s web site.
Farmleigh Recital. This took place on the grounds of Farmleigh House on Sun 24th August, in a Marquee but not quite on the grand scale of the Aras one. The rain held off and a very large crowd enjoyed a wide variety of music, performed by the Concert Band. It was good to see members and some conductors from other bands present in the audience. We didn’t get a chance to tour the house as time didn’t allow but a picnic provided by some of the band and committee members , more than made up for this. Many thanks to those who gave of their time in providing food and drinks on the day.
Town Recital. The public were treated to a very enjoyable band recital some weeks ago outside the Church Of The Nativity. The Junior Band members also performed a few pieces on their own , under the direction of John Gaynor. Well done to the young members and to John.
Church Gate Collection. This will take place on the 13th and 14th Sept.
Get Well Soon. To Sean O’ Brien , Tenor Sax , and to Fiona Reilly, French Horn, who are both recovering after a short time in hospital. We hope you are both well on the road to recovery and that we’ll see you both back in the band very soon.