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The members of Warrenpoint Silver Band are in jubilant mood
following their success in the recent North of Ireland Band's
Association contest. It was some considerable time since the
band last took part in the championships so they were happy just
to get back to the stage where they could compete.
The competition took place in the Ulster Hall Belfast, the
usual venue, it is a very different experience playing there than
any where else. The band competed in section five where they were up against Tempo Silver Band who were section four winners last year. For some of the younger members it was their first experience playing in the Ulster Hall but they enjoyed he event especially when the result was announced. They had to play two pieces, a hymn tune and a march and despite being on first were successful, getting 92 points from the adjudicator Mrs. Hughina Naylor. It was a splendid day with many of the members staying on to hear the bands in the higher sections play.
Warrenpoint Silver enjoyed a busy summer programme which began with two concerts during the blues festival at the end of May. It was the first of two appearances in the band stand in Warrenpoint Park, a much admired and underused public facility. The band's busiest month was August when they gave concerts each weekend. During the Maiden of the Mournes Festival they hosted an invitation concert when they were joined by members of Banbridge Silver, The Commons Silver and St Peter's Silver. They played a festival concert sponsored by the Festival committee and were invited to play at the selection and crowning of the Maiden of the Mournes 2001. They were fortunate to be invited to play three concert for Banbridge Council, two in Scarva and one in
Banbridge. A very busy summer season ended with the band providing the music at the South West Down Bands' Association church service.
As they set about their winter programme they will be preparing for a concert in Lurgan in the spring. However in the short term the music preparations will be for Christmas. The band's first Christmas outing will be their annual visit to the Non subscribing Presbyterian Church, Warrenpoint for the Carol Service on Sunday 2 December at 3.30 pm. They also plan visits to Slieve Roe House, Kilkeel, the Rowans and will be playing in Banbridge town centre on 8 December. It looks like a busy time but they still have time to fit in a learners class and are keen to attract new members. There are vacancies in the horn section also percussion.
In October a young member of the band, Colin McCabe (flugelhorn), was a member of the Ulster Orchestra Youth Brass Band when they met over a weekend to record a CD in connection with Age Concern. Contact Suzi Ashcroft to buy a copy of this CD. Price: £10
The band were much saddened by the death of their esteemed President Mr. Billy McCoy. Billy was a founder member of the band and reveled in his position of President, taking a keen interest in all their activities, he is truly missed. The band's musical tribute to their late president was acknowledged by all at the largely attended funeral to be a fitting tribute.
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