Arklow Shipping Silver Band has entered its fortieth year. The band was founded in 1968, and under the auspices of Mr. Michael Byrne and Mr John Bonner, began the long journey towards being one of the best brass bands in the country culminating with an unprecedented winning of seven (7) national titles in a row from 2000-2006.
This year sees the continuation and upgrading of measures which will help to ensure the band continues long into the future. These changes and innovations include, the appointment of Mr. James MacCafferty BA (HONS), MA, PGCE, LRSM, Dip. ABRSM as resident conductor, regular guest tutors and ‘master classes’, entering national and international competitions and a concerted recruitment drive. In fact, our learners’ class, which is on a summer break, still has spaces, and it is hoped to expand the class to start a junior band in September.
So far in 2008, the band has returned to the competition trail, and is now actively taking bookings for the rest of the year and beyond. So far, there are a number of concerts and other engagements planned for the year ahead, details of which are available on our website www.ArklowSilverBand.com
Another major step for the band this year is the appointment of Mr. Derek Broadbent, who has had a long association with the band, as Honorary President. This is a major coup for the band as Mr. Broadbent is renowned world wide for his expertise in brass band composing and arranging of music, adjudicating and conducting. He has been resident conductor with the world famous Black Dyke Mills Band and also the Brighouse and Rastrick Band. He was responsible during his time at Brighouse for their chart topping success with ‘The Floral Dance’. We are deeply honoured to have Derek associated with the Band and look forward to many more master classes over the coming years.
Should you wish to contact the band about becoming a member or for bookings, please visit our website or email arklowsilver@yahoo.ie for details.