Junior and senior band members participate in Bold as Brass

Finally, after several months of preparation, Bold as Brass gave an amazing concert at Elizabeth Fort in Cork on Sunday 21st of June.
Both junior and senior band members have been attending workshops with jazz musician and composer Jason Yarde since April. The concert was performed by 100+ brass musicians from County Cork, giving St.Fachtna's Silver Band members ample opportunity to make new musician friends and experience new musical ideas. They found the music itself exciting, unusual and very inspiring.
A wonderful initiative to be part of!

Bold as Brass Sunday 21st June       Photo: Bold as Brass

Photo: Bold as Brass

Photo:Bold as Brass

President's Salut on the 11th June

St. Fachtna's Silver Band catered for a cermonious atmosphere at the President's recent visit to Skibbereen. Not only did they play the President's Salut, they also gave the very best of their repertoire as the crowds gathered for the momentous occasion. In memory of Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa, the band played "The Boys of Wexford" - a very suitable choice to go with President D.Higgins' passionate speech on Skibbereen's very own rebel.
Here some pictures from the day: click on any to enlarge.

Bold As Brass - a new experience!

On March 1st, 14 members of St.Fachtna's Senior and Junior Band braved the harsh weather and drove to Cork to be at Jason Yarde's first workshop in preparation of the Bold As Brass initiative.
The atmosphere at the School of Music was wonderful, and all participants were animated and inspired by the workshop.
It was amazing to hear how, after only a few hours, the music came together and excited everyone - including the members of the Junior Band who have only been playing for a few months.

Read some more about it on the Bold as Brass website:

Post by Bold as Brass Cork.

Photograph shared from Bold as Brass facebook page

Spreading Christmas cheer...

St.Fachtna's Silver band has been busy with it's annual spreading of Christmas cheer: playing at the Skibbereen square for the lighting of the Tree, at numerous carol services and, with the help of the new junior band, at the West Cork Hotel.

Tuning up before the Ouverture!

Frank O'Connor conducting a selection of tunes by both the junior band and senior band

Hold it!

The Cornet Section

Deep in thought...

Junior Band shaping up!

A few months ago, St.Fachtna's Silver Band began recruiting some new members for its junior band.
20 new students have been enjoying tuition, and are diligently practicing. We can't wait to see them marching through the streets of Skibbereen!

Ethan O'Regan conducting junior band members