Band recital for Mitchelstown this Sunday

The James Fitzgerald Memorial Brass and Reed Band will treat those in Mitchelstown to a very special recital on Sunday afternoon, as the band will gather for one last recital before the summer begins in New Square. The show kicks off approximately 12pm in the square, in order to catch the Mass crowd.

The band are somewhat diminished in numbers at the moment, due to a combination of factors. Pandemic restrictions means that the recruitment of new members has been curtailed, while moves to college and moves for work for established members have led to even more reductions in numbers.

However, the recital on Sunday is a proactive affair to get people on-board. People will get the chance to see the band in action and it might whet the appetite of interested parties to join the ranks. Rehearsals will not begin until September, so there’s plenty of time to mull the decision over and maybe recruit a friend or two to join as well.

John Seymour, secretary of the band, explained to The Avondhu how their usual recruitment avenue is through the national schools, but that hasn’t been possible in the last two years with Covid. On Sunday the band will be led by conductor Aisling Lineen, whom John says has been invaluable in recent months as she led the band.

Speaking back in January, Aisling told The Avondhu how the band is an ideal team opportunity for those who aren’t drawn to sport.

“Playing in the band is fantastic for those who don’t play sport; it’s a different type of team. We provide the instruments, and ordinarily provide beginner lessons, so no musical experience is required at all.”

To join the band, or find out more, contact any band member or find the band online. Sunday at 12pm in New Square, Mitchelstown, is the spot to catch the band in action.