Latest News
Diary
Training Band
Contact

[?] Subscribe To This Site

XML RSS
Add to Google
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to My MSN
Subscribe with Bloglines

 

Welcome To The Website Of
Ballyduff Silver Band

Ballyduff Silver Band are a brass band from Northern Ireland who 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.

The band currently practices at St Brigids Church Hall, Glengormley on a Monday and Thursday evening at 8.00pm. Our rehearsals are exciting and fun.

Click on the video below to hear us in action at the Valley Brass In Concert Championships 2008 where we won the prize for the best march. We played The New Colonial by RB Hall


If you are just starting out, been playing for a few years, or are a bit of an expert in your instrument, we would like to hear from you. We always look forward to welcoming new players to the band.

Also, if you want to start a new hobby in banding and learn to play a brass instrument, we can supply you with an instrument and give you lessons and coaching through our training band, Ballyduff Brass. They practice on Thursday nights between 19:00-20:00.

A Brief History Of Ballyduff Silver Band

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!!

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, Ballyduff Silver 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.

Success At The Contests For
Ballyduff Silver Band

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.

Table Of Contents

Below is a table of contents for all the information that you can find on this website.

Ballyduff Silver Band Blog
The Ballyduff Silver Band Blog is always up to date with the latest news about the band. Subscribe now and watch this space.

Diary Of Events For Ballyduff Silver Band
The diary of events with keep you up to date with all the concerts, contests and other events Ballyduff Silver Band take part in throughout the year.

Ballyduff Brass
Ballyduff Brass

Contact Ballyduff Silver Band
If you would like to contact Ballyduff Silver Band, please use this form.