FUNDRAISING
The band is self supporting organisation we don’t receive any grants or monies from anyone, we have to work hard for it. There is no joining or subscription fee to get in the band, all members however are required to pay dues on a weekly basis. The band provides all musical instruments, music, tuition, uniforms, etc. To be able to do this the band has to raise funds throughout the year, by holding cultural evenings, running prize draws, selling merchandise etc etc. The band has to work hard to raise funds to pay for the travelling it does to parades both here in Ulster and weekends away in Scotland. All members are required to fundraise.

Each member of the band pays £2 dues each week and School age members pay £1 per week you may be asked from time to time to sell ballots, football cards etc all in aid of the band and are expected to turn up at any fund raising events and parades we do.
MEMBERSHIP
Like all bands The Ulster Grenadiers require members to function as a band, without them we wouldn’t exist so the band is always keen to take in new members, young and old, to promote the culture and traditions, for the today and the future. To be a member you don’t have to be able to play a flute or drum just have  the commitment to learn how to. We have had many a person join the band not even knowing how to hold a flute to become a great player of the flute, if you are willing to learn and have paitence this could be you.

TEACHING
We will teach new members to play an instrument and to understand flute notes even if they are a beginner. All that we ask in return is they give 100% commitment to the band.
Special tuition is given on a one to one basis for beginners until they are ready to play with the band as a whole.
Some of the fluters practicing before joining with the drummers for a full practice.
SIX WEEK TRIAL

When a new member joins the Ulster Grenadiers they are given a six week grace period before becoming a full member of the band, to see if they like the band's set up and if indeed this is the band for them, this is a safe guard for the new member and the bands benefit as it gives the new member the opportunity after six weeks to say if they want to stay or move on, without having committed themself to a band they cant give the commitment to. The band will provide all instruments, and tuition, and members will be tutored in the bands own practice hall on designated practice nights which are held in our Band Hall on the Woodburn Road in Carrickfergus every Wednesday night from 7:00pm, were the fluters and drummers will practice seperately for the fisrst hour then come together and practice for the remainder of the evening..
The Drummers practice
more of the band at practice
HOME PAGE
We know that this is not possible all the time as people do work but we would like people to do their best in attending. We run a three strike rule in the band if you miss either three parades in a row or three band practices or a combination of both without reasonable excuse you will then be asked to explain your reasons to the committee, if found to be just not bothering to attend because you cant give the dedication you will be asked to hand your uniform and instrument back to the band.

A FEW GROUND RULES.

DRUGS
The Ulster Grenadiers DO NOT tolerate drugs of any kind within the band in or out of uniform any member being found to be under the influence of Drugs or found to be using drugs will be removed from the band with immediate effect, touch wood this hasnt been a cause for concern for the band and we hope this continues to be the case.

BULLYING
Bullying within the ranks of the band is also another no go, this to like drugs will not be tolerated and stamped out imediatley, the Ulster Grenadiers have molded themselfs into what can be described as an extension of a family, and this will continue with the hard work and determination the band has.
If any member ever needs help with anything, should it be the simplest thing or the hardest thing there will always be members willing to lend a hand if indeed a helping hand can be given.

If you have the desire to play in our great wee band and help keep your culture and traditions alive,  and you think you have the commitment to do so, then send us an email
ulster_grenadiers@yahoo.co.uk