Brass in Concert Champions 2024

Downshire Brass Success at Brass in Concert

What a weekend for team Downshire Brass, in which we took first place at the annual Brass in Concert competition in the Valley Hotel, Fivemiletown. We were placed first in music and also first in entertainments. Huge congratulations to Roughan Silver Band and Wellington Memorial Silver Band on their wins in their own sections and all of the participating bands on the day.

On behalf of the Band Committee, we want to take this opportunity to thank all of the members of Downshire who literally poured their hearts and souls into yesterday's ‘70s themed programme which included some stunning playing from our soloists Brendan Coyle and Joe Stewart.

The programme, entitled Sounds of the ‘70s aimed to transport the audience back to a golden era of pop music of the 1970s including hits by Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, the Carpenters, Barry Manilow, Barbara Streisand and ABBA. The programme included three brand-new arrangements specially created for this year’s contest in Fivemiletown by the band’s musical director, Michael Alcorn.

Move on Up - Curtis Mayfield (arr Michael Alcorn)

We’ve Only Just Begun - Roger Nichols & Paul Williams (arr Michael Alcorn) soloist Brendan Coyle

Dancing Queen - Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus and Stig Anderson (arr. Michael Alcorn)

Evergreen - Barbara Streisand & Paul Williams (arr Alan Catheral) soloist Joe Stewart

Copacabana - Barry Manilow arr Marcel Saurer

You Are the Sunshine of My Life - Stevie Wonder (arr Goff Richards)

VPM - Jacques Morali Victor Willis (arr Morali, Belolo, Willis arr. Tanner / Alcorn)

A massive thanks must go to our MD Michael Alcorn for the many many hours of music arranging, AV wizardry and most of all the endless work he does in the bandroom. Keep an eye out as you never know those ‘70s costumes may possibly make a reappearance at some point later in the year.

We hope all at the Valley had a great day's music making and the odd bit of craic as well and huge thanks to BBNI for their excellent organisation of the event.

North of Ireland Band Champions 2023

Delighted to announce that Downshire Brass are the 2023 championship section winners of the NIBA contest held yesterday in the Marketplace Theatre Armagh.

From all the band officers, a massive thanks must go to all of our players for their hard work and dedication, but a special mention must go to our Musical Director Prof. Michael Alcorn. His attention to detail and ever-present enthusiasm drove the band to a brilliant performance yesterday.

This now qualifies the band to represent Northern Ireland at the 2025 European championships in Stavanger , Norway 🇳🇴 We want to congratulate all the competing bands who performed yesterday in Armagh and a special mention to Roughan Silver and Dungannon Silver on winning the silverware in their sections.

Farmers Market at Royal Hillsborough

Our 10-piece ensemble (actually 11!) had an enjoyable day out at Royal Hillsborough today performing at the Farmers Market at the Dark Walk. (27 May 2023)

Memorable day at Hillsborough Castle for the King's Coronation

Downshire Brass were delighted to be invited to perform in front of a huge crowd this afternoon at Hillsborough Castle to mark the coronation of King Charles III.

Following the live-streamed coronation service, a 21-gun salute and a performance by the Royal Irish Regiment Band, Downshire provided two hours of entertainment for the audience in glorious sunshine.

Downshire return to Fivemiletown

Downshire Brass returns to Malone Presbyterian Church for a special service

Remembrance Day services are always poignant occasions for all communities as we mark those that have given their lives in service to their country. Sunday 13 November 2022 was very special for Downshire Brass as we returned to Malone Presbyterian Church for the first time since the pandemic to be part of the congregation’s remembrance day service.

Calling Percussionists

2022 Brass Band League Contest

Well done everyone on an incredible BBL contest yesterday! A great day to get stuck back into in person brass band performing 🎺 Big shout out to Lagenvale who won the Championship Section and to all other bands who participated and won prizes throughout the day⭐️

Championship Section Results:

1st place ~ Laganvale

2nd place ~ Downshire Brass

3rd place ~ 3rd Carrick

4th place ~ 1st Old Boys

5th place ~ Strabane

6th place ~ Murley

We are so grateful to be back playing together against such a high level of brass banding and are especially excited to have won best percussion section. A huge thanks to our MD Prof. Michael Alcorn who led us through a performance the whole band is proud of. Bring on the European Brass Band Championships 2022!

Congratulations everyone 💜

Solo Success

Every year the Brass Band League organises a solo and ensemble contest for brass and percussion players from all over Northern Ireland and beyond. Pre-Covid, all sections of the contest would have been held in our old band hall at Malone Presbyterian church, but this year recordings had to be sent to the adjudicator for all of the youth classes.

Nine young musicians from our Youth Band took part in the competition which was streamed on Saturday, 26th March 2022. They all gave excellent performances with four of them amongst the prizes. Two of Downshire’s young trombone players took first prize in their sections. Holly won the 12 and under section with her performance of ‘Close Every Door’, whilst Daniel won the 15 and under class with his performance of ‘Danny Boy’. Players from the band also secured a second place in the under 12 and a 3rd place in the under 17 section.

Roger Doherty, who has led Downshire’s Youth Band since it’s inception in 1991, said “I am so proud of the Downshire youth band members. They are definitely musicians of the future.”

Congratulations to all of the competitors who took part in the competition. Special thanks to Ellen Mullen who accompanied our youth performers, to Amber MacLennan, Secretary of the BBL for her work in supporting the competition, and to the adjudicator, Gael Haslett.

Farewell 2021 and hello 2022!

Thanks to everyone who has helped and supported Downshire Brass during the ups and downs of 2021. It’s certainly been an interesting, challenging and memorable year for the band and musicians everywhere! Here are some of our highlights.

January - April 2021

Despite the COVID restrictions which prevented us from meeting in person, January to March 2021 was busy with preparing and recording music for two Downshire projects involving Harmonic Sounds Concert Band, Wellington Memorial Silver Band and Dynamic Brass. Supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the Four Band Projects kept everyone busy with home-based audio and video recordings for two concerts which were streamed on YouTube on 6 March and 24 April.

Downshire’s contributions included the premiere of Rush Hour Duel, an excerpt from a more extended piece which Downshire had been working on during late 2019, Spain, which featured Rick Swann and Neil Doherty, both on flugel horns and Song of the Night Sky which featured Hannah Calderwood on cornet. The second concert closed with a performance of The Candyman which involved performers in all four bands. Although nothing like the experience of live music-making, these online events were helpful in keeping the band playing and motivated during a challenging time for everyone. Special thanks to Andrew McQuiggan, Patricia Evans, Paul Hamilton and Thomas Woods for their support and input into these online events.

May - June 2021

Much to everyone’s relief, the easing of COVID restrictions in May 2021 meant that the band could now meet in a limited capacity in outdoor locations. On 6 May, face-to-face rehearsals started at a new location for the band - the BB Pavilion at Belvoir. In the early months of 2021, and with an eye to the likely impact of COVID on music-making for all organisations, the band decided to move from its historic home at Malone Presbyterian Church and take up a new permanent base at the BB Pavilion in Belvoir Estate. Being back together was wonderful if a little odd because of social distancing, temperature and COVID checks, masks and the precautions required in handling instruments, music, stands and seats. Still, it was great to be back together after 14 months and important to do so with a concert at Hillsborough bearing down on us!

26 June, a date to remember… Twelve months to the day since our successful online performance with David Childs, Downshire Brass was back in action performing in front of live audiences in the grounds of Hillsborough Castle. With back-to-back concerts on 26 and 27 June 2021, it was a real treat to be able to return to face-to-face, live music-making. Social distancing rules meant that the band would have to relocate from the South Terrace to the lawns in front of the Castle, a move which allowed the audience to sit on the grass and to picnic with friends and family.

A massive thanks to all our guests who helped over the weekend, and congratulations to Gerard McCartney who was making his debut with the band on Eb bass and to Lauren Ward who did a tremendous job on kit for the first time with the band.

July - August 2021

With further easing of COVID regulations, the band was able to move indoors to its new dedicated rehearsal space in Belvoir. Thanks to a grant from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the hard work and support of band members, we were able to create a wonderful new facility for Downshire. The funding enabled us to purchase a new suite of music stands and make a significant investment in acoustic treatment and recording equipment for the band. Much of the summer was spent preparing for return to normal banding in preparation for the autumn months and contest preparation.

September - October 2021

Downshire Brass was delighted to be back playing on the contest stage again after a long 18 months. The setting was the 103rd North of Ireland Brass Band Championships, which took place on 16 October 2021 at the Marketplace Theatre in Armagh. The set test piece was Royal Parks by George Lloyd and the band was drawn to play second in the Championship section. September and early October were busy with contest preparations, both sectionals and full rehearsals, and by the week before the contest, we were fully back in contest mode with five rehearsals in the days leading up to the contest. We gave a very creditable performance on the day and managed to secure third place behind the First Old Boys and Laganvale bands. Irrespective of the result, it was good to be contesting again!

November - December 2021

The Christmas period is normally busy for all brass bands, but in 2021 it turned out to be an exceptionally busy and rewarding period for Downshire. A concert in First Church, Belfast, as part of the City Council’s ‘Once Upon a Time in Belfast’ event kickstarted a really busy period for the band that included a residency at Let’s Go Hydro, a Sing Out Christmas Special for BBC Radio Ulster and various performances supporting local schools, charities and organisations.

The highlight of our Christmas programme was undoubtedly the sell-out performances in Belfast city centre of The Snowman on 18 December 2021. This amazing 26-minute score was a big undertaking for band at short notice but we rose to the challenge and the events proved to a huge success with our audiences.

Looking Ahead to 2022

We are extremely excited about 2022 and beyond for Downshire Brass. COVID allowing, the early part of 2022 will be focused on preparations for the European Brass Band Championships in Birmingham in May, as well as on concerts, contests and recordings. With nearly a year completed in our new home in Belvoir, we have ambitious plans to expand and develop our youth and community engagement and to ensure that the band thrives despite the somewhat uncertain times ahead because of the pandemic.

We want to thank everyone who has helped and supported Downshire Brass during 2021. Particular thanks to all the guests who helped us during 2021, particularly Jonathan Corry, Paul Hamilton, Stuart Adair, Catherine Dodsworth, Lucy Place, Amber MacLennan, George Sanford, Sam Moreland and Thomas Loughrey - we couldn’t have done it without you all.

With best wishes to you and yours for 2022 from everyone in Downshire Brass!

Christmas is Go!

Thanks to everyone who joined us last night at First Church, Belfast, as part of the City Council’s ‘Once Upon a Time in Belfast” event. It kickstarts a really busy period for the band which includes a residency at Let’s Go Hydro (Speedos at the ready!?) and various performances supporting local schools, charities and organisations. The highlight of our Christmas programme will be two performances in Belfast City Centre on the 18th of December (further details and ticket information very soon) and a recording for BBC Radio Ulster. Watch this space…

Back on the contest stage again

Downshire Brass were delighted to be back playing on the contest stage again after a long 18 months. The setting was the 103rd North of Ireland Brand Championships which took place on 16th October 2021 at the Marketplace Theatre in Armagh. The set test piece was “Royal Parks” by George Lloyd and band were drawn to play second in the Championship section.

Musical Director, Michael Alcorn said “this piece had much to keep the band working hard in the weeks leading up to the contest. The first two movements in particular have lots of colours and textures to explore and the band rose to the challenge of bringing those sounds to the fore on the contest platform. Massive thanks to all the members of Downshire Brass for their work in preparation for the NIBA and a particular ‘well-done’ to the players who took on new seats in recent weeks.”

Although giving a very creditable performance on the day, the band secured third behind the First Old Boys and Laganvale bands. Congratulations to Stephen Cairns and First Old Boys and to Louise Bell for winning the best soloist. Thanks to everyone in Downshire Brass and especially to Jonathan Corry and Paul Hamilton for their help and to Lucy Place for guesting with the band.

You can listen to our performance here:

Home from Home

As the return to rehearsals continue, Downshire Brass has also taken time out to enhance its new band room and ancillary spaces.

Thanks to financial support from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the band has been able to install acoustic treatment in the rehearsal hall to enhance the quality of sound in the space.

With a hard floor and absorbent ceiling, this creates an ideal mix of ‘lively’ and dry sounds. Over 700 tiles were installed in the ceiling by a dedicated crew from within the band over a number of evenings in June and July. New music stands for rehearsals and a percussion shield were also part of the support kindly provided by the Arts Council.

Other major enhancements have included the fit-out of custom shelving in the band’s new storeroom and music library and the first steps in an overhaul of the entire library.

Those with an artistic flare were even put to work outside preparing the entrance way.

Youth Brass Summer Scheme

Downshire Brass is delighted to be hosting a three-day summer scheme for young brass and percussion players. The course will take place at the band’s new rehearsal space at Belvoir BB Pavilion from the 3rd - 5th of August.

Downshire’s Musical Director, Professor Michael Alcorn, said “we are delighted to be offering this new programme. It’s been such a challenge for all our brass players and percussionists over the last 18 months and we hope this event, which is open to all young brass band musicians, will help them get prepared for a new academic year of music-making.”

Downshire Brass Youth Summer Course will be directed by Professor Alcorn alongside experienced music tutors and teachers who are part of Downshire Brass.

Key information
DATES: 3rd - 5th August 2021 from 10am until 4pm
LOCATION: Belvoir BB Pavalion, Belfast
INSTRUMENTATION: All brass band instruments including percussion from grade 2 level upwards. Please note, because of COVID restrictions we will have limited number of places.
COURSE FEE: £25.00

PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES: A mixture of full ensemble and smaller group sectionals, and supervised fun activities for everyone to enjoy outside in the facilities at the BB Pavilion.

Register your Interest here

If you are interested in registering a young player for this scheme, then please complete the following expression of interest form. The closing date for initial applications is Tuesday 13th July. A list of participants will be confirmed by 16th July.

What's it like to be back playing live?

Members of Downshire Brass share their thoughts on the thrill of a return to live concerts after the COVID lockdowns of 2020 and 2021.

What a difference a year makes...

It’s twelve months to the day since our successful online performance with David Childs and Downshire brass is back in action, performing in front of live audiences in the grounds of Hillsborough Castle.

With back to back concerts on 26th and 27 June 2021, it was a real treat to be able to return to face to face, life music-making. Social distancing rules meant that the band would have to relocate from the South Terrace to the lawns in front of the Castle, a move which allowed the audience to sit on the grass and to picnic with friends and family.

A massive thanks to all our guests who helped over the weekend and a huge congratulations to Gerard McCartney who was making his debut with the band on Eb bass and to Lauren Ward who did a tremendous job on kit for the first time with the band.

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Members of Downshire Brass talking about the thrill of being back making live music again at concerts

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Photographs from Hillsborough Castle 26/27 June 2021

Benedictus - performed by David Childs and Downshire Brass. From our online concert in June 2020.

Downshire Brass with David Childs performing Benedictus

Downshire Brass on Radio Ulster - Friday Bingo!

Band members, Peter, Lauren and Oonagh took part in the Connor Philips show on BBC Radio Ulster on ‘World Tuba Day’, Friday 7 May 2021. In addition to lots of chat about percussion, trombones and horns and what it’s like to play in the band, the three of them competed in a game of Radio Bingo. Well done to Lauren who won the competition, and bad luck to Peter and Oonagh who now have to help move percussion as a forfeit.

Sounds of Lockdown Part Two

A second and final online concert was shared on YouTube on Saturday 25th April arising from our partnership with Dynamic Brass, Wellington Memorial Silver Band, and Harmonic Sounds Concert Band. Nine specially prepared pieces were performed in a socially distanced, multi-tracked format because of COVID restrictions.

The programme included rousing performances of the marches Slaidburn and Liberty Bell and popular items such as Lord of the Dance and This is Me and the hymn tune Love Unknown. Solo features included Hannah Calderwood performing Song of the Night Sky by Christopher Bond and Davi Johnston performing Blue by Thomas Gansch. Local jazz musicianRick Swann made a guest appearance in Chick Corea’s Spain with an freely improvised flugelhorn solo. The concert was rounded off with a fun performance involving all musicians in the four bands of The Candman.

During the Interval of the concert, MD, Michael Alcorn chaired an discussion panel with Philip Harper, composer and MD of the Cory Band, Kenny Crookston, Chair of Brass Bands England, and Jonny Bates, composer, performer and MD of Starta Brass.

Special thanks to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for their support of this project.

Downshire Brass to feature on "Brass at Breakfast"

View fullsize

We are thrilled to be included in the BBC Radio 3 series “Brass at Breakfast”, alongside such illustrious company in the banding world.

Tune in between 7-9am on 23rd March to hear soloist Lauren Stewart performing “She Moved Through The Fair”, part of our prize winning programme composed by our Musical Director Michael Alcorn for the 2020 Cory Online Brass Contest.

The full article from 4barsrest can be viewed here.

Sounds in Lockdown

Thanks to the support of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Downshire Brass is busy working on a collaborative online project with Dynamic Brass, Wellington Memorial Silver Band and Harmonic Sounds Concert Band, which will result in two online performances in the weeks ahead.

Downshire’s Musical Director approached three other bands in late Autumn in advance of submitting a funding application that has helped secure recording equipment for the project and the four bands have been working on pieces since the start of 2021.

Downshire’s MD, Michael Alcorn said “It’s been great for the Musical Directors and representatives from four bands to meet and plan this project, sharing ideas on repertoire and technology and where necessary, helping each other out with any player gaps in ensembles.”

Speaking about the initiative, Thomas Woods, the Chairperson of Wellington Memorial Silver Band said “This initiative by Downshire Brass has enabled use to get involved in a project with all the bands to produce a musical programme for everyone to enjoy. We have been doing some recordings on our own, however this project brings all the bands together to share skills and ideas to promote brass banding to a wider audience. We all look forward to a time when we can meet again and perform together in public.”

Patricia Evans from Dynamic Brass added, “This has been a great encouragement as we continue this year with Covid restrictions in place since March 2020. It’s great to be together in music with other bands, sharing our passion for brass band music. To have something for our team to focus on each week at our Zoom workshops is a real encouragement.”

Speaking on behalf of Harmonic Sounds Concert Band, Musical Director Paul Hamilton said, “Like many other ensembles locally, we have been unable to meet in person since March last year, but have kept in touch and worked on producing some video footage last year. The band are excited to work on this project and have enjoyed the opportunity for all bands to share good practice together in a safe, respectful environment with the objective of generating online material for musicians and supporters alike. It is also hoped that members of youth bands from Downshire and Harmonic Sounds can be encouraged to join us in our love for making music.”

The first of two concerts will be streamed next Saturday 6th March 2021 at 7pm and will include pieces by all four bands.