Join the band, and let’s make music together
Mullingar Town Band Junior Band Music Programme recruiting
Mullingar Town Band have announced the recruitment drive for their Junior Band Music Programme. This term, the programme aims to teach children aged 8-10 years old the basics of music, starting with recorder playing.
The new classes are on Wednesdays 6-7pm, commencing Wednesday March 8, and will be led by Kim Magee, director of the senior band.
In addition to learning recorder playing, the Junior Band Programme participants also take part in Bucket Drumming and Colourguard (flags) taster programmes, as well as instrument try-outs and performances throughout their junior membership. The Junior Band Programme runs mostly alongside the school terms.
"We are thrilled to offer this programme to the community, and we welcome children who have a passion for music to come and join us," said Kim. "We believe that this programme will be a great opportunity for children to learn how to read and play music, as well as make new friends and have fun."
The programme is suitable for beginners, and for those aged 6+ and interested in joining the band, recruitment will take place in September. Please register your interest in this programme by texting or calling Kim on 0861999497. If you require further information on membership and fees, get in touch.
MTB Colourguard Launches Recruitment Drive for Ages 11+
The Mullingar Town Band Colourguard are on the lookout for new members aged 11+ years to join their team. The colourguard form the flag section of the marching band, and they also compete in their own dance competitions nationally.
The colourguard perform with the marching band on parades, recitals, shows, and competitions throughout the year. They use equipment such as flags, streamers, dance rifles, and sabres and learn the techniques used to handle equipment and dance, enhancing the visual, colour, and dance display of the marching band section of the band.
The new class is on Sundays from 10.30-11.30am, commencing on Sunday March 12, and will run alongside the school terms. The classes will be managed and taught by Colourguard instructor Hilary McKeon and assistant Alison Oakes.
The classes require a minimum number of six participants. Registration of interest is essential – contact band director Kim Magee on 0861999497.
Joining the Mullingar Town Band Colourguard is an excellent opportunity to develop skills in dance, teamwork, and performance.
Mullingar Concert Band prepare for concerts
With the dark winter evenings slowly giving way to the first flush of spring, the Mullingar Concert Band have been busy rehearsing and preparing for the coming season of performances.
The monthly rehearsals have now increased to twice a month, as the 30-member band put in the hard work required.
Already in the pipeline are a joint concert with the Ballymore Eustace Concert Band in St Paul’s Church in May, and a return to the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in August next. The band will also be playing at one of the Masses in the Cathedral of Christ the King during the fleadh.
Last year was an exciting one for the band, and one of the highlights was their successful and much talked about joint concert with the Midlands Youth Orchestra, in St Paul’s Church.
The band were also delighted to perform at the Homecoming Fleadh in 2022 alongside the Marching Band and are looking forward to another great occasion this year when the fleadh returns to Mullingar in August. But for many the happiest memory was getting to perform carols on the steps of the Cathedral again on Christmas Eve.
With a programme ranging from The Beach Boys to Burt Bacharach, music from the movies and stage, Irish airs and of course some rousing marches, Mullingar Concert Band members look forward to showcasing their new repertoire and to the coming season of performances.
About the Concert Band
The Mullingar Concert Band, with conductor John Walsh at the helm, launched in autumn 2021 with the aim of encouraging adult musicians of varying standards to join together to play music, learn, socialise and have fun.
It is a part of, but also a natural extension of the renowned Mullingar Town Band, and many members had previously played with the Town Band.
New members are welcome. The band rehearse on Wednesday nights, twice a month.
The Concert Band management committee are: Aoife O’Reilly, Orla Duncan, Damien McDonnell and Padraig McCaul.
The Mullingar Concert Band are rooted in the local community and aim to bring the best of music and entertainment to the Mullingar community.
MTB bring home silver awards from SoundSport Competition
On Sunday February 19, MTB members travelled to Tallaght to participate in the Irish Marching Bands Association SoundSport competition, at the National Basketball arena.
The senior marching band, the Colourguard, and the Junior Band Music Programme all attended, and it was the first time for the Junior Band Music Programme to take part.
The MTB members gave a splendid performance at the event. The marching band performed their St Patrick’s Day 2023 music programme, the Colourguard performed in the Winterguard section, and the Junior Music Programme performed in the Cadet Band section.
Other performers included Inbhear Mór junior and senior band and Colourguard from Arklow and Clondalkin Youth Band marching band and Colourguard.
The hard work and dedication of the MTB members and their leaders paid off, as they received multiple awards at the event. The marching band received a Silver Award, the Colourguard received a Silver Award, the Junior Band Recorder Programme received a Bronze Award, and the Junior Band Cadet Band received a Bronze Award and Best in Show.
MTB had 70 performers on the day, ranging in age from seven years to adult. The group managers, team leaders, and designers include Adrienne Syron (assistant band director), Hilary McKeon, Alison Oakes, Cathal Byrne, Ellie Syron, and Kim Magee.
Organising committee at the event were Helen Henry, Therese O’Connor, Brendan Hoye, Rachel McCormack and Gemma Kelly.
The MTB members are thrilled with their success at the SoundSport competition, and they are grateful for the support and guidance of their leaders. They look forward to their next performance and are excited to continue their musical journey.
Upcoming performances
The marching band will have a busy St Patrick’s weekend commencing on Thursday March 16 at 7pm in Mullingar, where they will do a short parade from the Market Square to the Harbour Bridge to attend and entertain boats to the harbour for the weekend in association with the Mullingar St Patrick’s Festival and the IWAI Royal Canal Branch. (More info from the Mullingar St Patrick’s Festival Committee).
On St Patrick’s Day the band will parade in Tullamore, Clara, Moate and Castlepollard and following a day’s rest, they will be up and about bright and early to travel to Limerick on March 19 to compete in the International Marching Band Championships.
MTB Gig Band
Mullingar Town Band announce the formation of a new performance ensemble, The MTB Gig Band. They are 14 hardened musicians from for the concert band who deliver a pop, rock, hip-hop and blues tunes.
The ensemble will have their debut gig in April in a Mullingar venue and plan to follow that with appearances at a string of summer festivals and events around the country. The MTB Gig Band management committee are: Gerry Baker, Aidan Magee and Brendan Hoye.