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.