Memorable days for the members of the Lourdes Brass Band
BACHELOR’S Lane was alive with the sounds of music as the annual Lourdes Brass Band Solo Competition’s took place recently. The adjudicator for this highly anticipated event was Mr. Cormac O’hAodáin. Cormac is the principle French-horn player with the RTE Concert Orchestra.
The day began with the junior classes of the band who have been playing brass instruments for 6 months, who performed beautiful renditions of their chosen piece
The competition began with young musicians competing in the “Student Awards.” Although these performers have been playing for only a short time they achieved a high standard. Cormac paid glowing tribute to each contestant, awarding 1st to Jack Black, 2nd to Amelie Douet and 3rd to Cathal O Malley.
The “Junior Brass” was next to shine. Each musician gave a beautiful rendition of their chosen piece. Mr. O’hAodáin commended the rising stars within the band, awarding 1st to Ella Carter, 2nd to Beth Kieran’s. Aoife Milne and Kaci Thornton received the adjudicator’s special recognition for her talented performance.
Expectations were high as the “Intermediate Section” commenced.
The standard of playing within this section was superb, with every entrant giving everything to their performance.
Mr. O’hAodáin was so impressed with the ability of these musicians, awarding 1st to Rosin Milne, 2nd to Kevin Carter and 3rd to Lucy Campbell. This time Cormac’s special recognition went to Brian O Malley for a most lyrical recital.
With everyone in attendance enjoying the music it was time for the he “Senior Open Section” to begin.
The audience were treated to fantastic renditions of the most varied music possible, ranging from Baroque to modern contemporary pieces.
Mr. O’hAodáin was impressed by the standard displayed in this section and awarded 1st (the “Harry Kelly” perpetual trophy) to Mark Newman and 2nd to Leeanne Kelly and 3rd prize to Tara Shortt. In this section Niamh Shortt received Cormac’s special recognition.
The final section of the day was the “Ensembles Sections” with members for the Lourdes Youth Band and Lourdes Brass Band senior band joining together to entertain the audience.
Awarding 1st to a quartet of Niall Shortt, Niamh Shortt, Tara Shortt and Fiona Shortt and 2nd to a quintet of Lucy Campbell, Sinead Wynne, Brian O Malley, Mark Newman and Suzanne Newman.
A special a adjustors award was given to the winning quartet of Niall Shortt, Niamh Shortt, Tara Shortt and Fiona Shortt and a duo of Ged Milne and Gareth Curran
The Lourdes Brass Band would like to give special thanks Mr. Cormac O’hAodáin for adjudicating the event and also thank Mrs. Klara Bolger for her dedication and the superb accompaniment she supplied.
Congratulations to everyone who took part and here’s looking forward to the 2019 competition.