Ardee Concert Bands win treble at the annual Championship of Ireland Bands Contest
Both Ardee's Senior Band and Intermezzo Ensemble win awards
Last Saturday morning, October 19th, all roads led to a sunny Armagh City to the Marketplace Theatre for the 106th Annual Championship of Ireland Bands Contest.
Both Ardee's Senior Band and Intermezzo Ensemble took to the stage in their respected categories to perform their own choice test piece.
The senior band under their Musical Director Mr. Ronan O'Reilly gave an atmospheric performance of "Man in the Ice".
Adjudicator Adam Cooke on the day remarked on a very enjoyable performance by the band, also noting how the piece suited the band perfectly and how they managed to tell the story of the piece and paint a really musical picture for him in the winning entry.
The Intermezzo Ensemble under their Musical Director Mr James MacCafferty performed "Little Suite of Horrors" and once again the adjudicator complimented the band on playing a piece that was perfect for them which included a great mix of elements that they delivered well on the day.
On ending his remarks he stated "You do everything well".
The Senior Band took home 1st prize in the Championship Section of the Competition and this marks the Senior Bands third, 1st place win on the bounce with the competitions in Armagh.
The Turner Trophy, an impressive piece of Silverware made the trip back to Ardee last Saturday afternoon, making itself a cosy home in the Bandrooms of the Bohemian Centre.
The Intermezzo Ensemble made a fabulous win also on the day taking home 1st place in the Grade 3 Concert Section of the North of Ireland Band Championships.
"Well done to every member who played their hearts out on the stage and to top it all off they all had a fabulous night gathered together to celebrate both wins last Saturday evening reveling in a Champions/ Winners Atmosphere" said Band PRO Sinead Behan.