Ballyduff Silver Band
Ballyduff Silver Band are a brass band from Northern Ireland that practice in Newtownabbey, County Antrim. The band have a busy programme of events throughout the year giving concerts in all parts of the province and further afield.
LATEST NEWS: Busy Summer Continues For Ballyduff
The band currently practices at St Brigids Church Hall, Glengormley on a Monday and Thursday evening at 8.00pm. The rehearsals are exciting and fun. If you are of grade five standard or above on any brass instrument, we would like to hear from you. If you would like to come along and play with the band, use the contact us form and we will be in touch with you. We can even lend you an instrument!
Ballyduff Silver began life as a flute band in 1894. This type of ensemble were the most popular in Northern Ireland during the late 1800’s early 1900’s. They competed in all the usual band competitions with some success until 1951 when the decision was taken to change to brass, as this was a cheaper option, rather than purchasing a new set of flutes!!
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The conductor of the band during the transition period was Bob Meharg, who remained with the band for a number of years. He was followed by John McCoy, Herbie Majury and George Bayford who was regarded as one of the finest cornet players in Ireland during the 1960’s when the 55th Old Boys band were at their peak.
Noel Roy served the band faithfully as principal cornet and then as conductor for a period of nearly fifteen years. It was during this period that the band had a spell in the Championship Section in the late 1970’s and by then had began to build their reputation as one of the most entertaining bands in the province.
In 1986 the band purchased a complete new set of instruments at a cost of almost £50,000. This was raised by a lot of hard work by the band members, organising fund raising events as well as their usual summer and Christmas engagements.
The band have continued to contest successfully, especially in the entertainment competitions where they have held the title of Brass in Concert Champions no fewer than six occasions.
In 1992 the band achieved perhaps one of their finest moments when they gained third prize in the Isle of Man Brass Band Festival.
Millenium year brought the “Double”, when the band won both the Brass Band League Spring Festival and also the NIBA Championships.
The band have an outstanding record in the Spring Festival recently, winning their section no fewer than five times in a nine year period.
Ballyduff Silver Band News contains information about the latest events relating to the band. It is updated regularly, so keep checking back.
Ballyduff Silver Band personnel changes from time to time but the core of the band has remained consistent for a number of years.
This is a list of this year's concerts and events where Ballyduff Silver Band will be performing.
Ballyduff Silver Band is building relationships with like minded websites all over the world. Here are some high quality links to other websites.
If you would like to get in touch with Ballyduff Silver Band, use this contact us page to send a email or comment to the band.
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If you are a lover of Brass Bands or if you'd simply like to learn more about Ballyduff Silver Band, please subscribe to the Ballyduff Silver Band Newsletter.
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