Ardee Concert Band holds special awards gathering

THE Bohemian Centre, home of Ardee Concert Band, was abuzz last week as mums and dads and family members came to hear the next generation of the band perform.

The evening started with a performance by the current Recorder Group, conducted for the evening by Sean O’Brien, one of their instructors.

The band holds annual grade examinations through the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Kevin Reilly, MC for the night, explained that last year, 50 students sat examinations and had excellent results.

Six band members received distinctions, this means 90 per cent or above. Dermot Murray, band secretary, presented these certificates and congratulated the students on their achievements.

The band also wanted to mark the fabulous win of the Ardee Concert Youth Band at the National Band Championships on 9 April last when they took first prize in Section 4.

The Youth Band conductor John Gaynor made the presentation of medals to all who performed on the day and also to Alex Clinton who unfortunately broke his collarbone a day or two beforehand. It was felt that Alex worked very hard and had improved so much that he deserved his medal.

“It was a great social evening,” says Fiona Reilly PRO.

“It was lovely for the families to hear their children’s progress and to get together in such a relaxed atmosphere.

“Tea and cakes were served afterwards to all who attended, organised by some of the ladies on the committee.