Foden’s Tutors Back in Armagh for the 21st Armagh Old Boys Brass Band Summer School
A roundup of the week...
Armagh Old Boys Silver Band were delighted to host their 21st Brass Band Summer School in August…
The return of this much loved annual event was held from Monday 11th to Saturday 16th August at the City of Armagh High School - a fantastic week of music, fun and friendships.
The summer school offered a unique opportunity for individuals of all ages, from 6 to 74 in fact, to come together and form two bands based on their playing abilities - The Sterling Band, conducted by Mark Bousie, and The Sovereign Band, led by Michael Fowles, welcomed participants who represented various bands from across the province, Ireland, and Mainland UK.
Throughout the week, attendees engaged in morning warm-ups, sectional practices, and full band rehearsals. Additionally, participants were treated to an impressive performance by the Foden's tutors, inspiring them to reach for new heights in their musical journey.
Over the course of the week, players enhanced their musical skills through a diverse and challenging repertoire, including pieces such as "Prismatic Light" by Alan Fernie, "Trailblaze" by Geoff Richards, "The Seal Lullaby" by Eric Whitacre (arranged by Alan Fernie), "Neverland" by Christopher Bond, a musical tribute to Roald Dahl titled "The World’s Greatest Storyteller" (arranged by Philip Harper), and Shakira's "Waka-Waka" (arranged by Jonathan Bates).
The Summer School Spectacular Concert, held at the Armagh Old Boys Band Music Centre on the final Saturday afternoon, showcased the hard work and enthusiasm of all participants - who performed to a captivated audience. Both the Sterling and Sovereign Bands delivered outstanding performances during this event.
Awards were presented to celebrate achievements throughout the course, including:
Brasses Plaque - Best Attending Band: Third Carrickfergus Band
Armagh Old Boys Cup - Best Youth: Peter McCormick (St Marks Silver Band)
Dungannon Plaque - Best Adult: Wesley Thompson (1st Old Boys)
Poyntzpass Trophy - Loyalty and Commitment to the Course: Jacklin Bingham (Third Carrickfergus Band)
Foden's Band Cup - Best Overall: Harry Loyld (1st Old Boys)
Armagh Old Boys Silver Band would like to thank the wonderful and dedicated team of Foden's Tutors: Mark Wilkinson, Mark Bousie, Richard Poole, Shaun Farrington, Gary Curtin, Jonathan Bates, Stewart Baglin, Michael Fowles, and Anthony Mann.
Thanks also to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council who assisted in the funding of the summer school.
Finally… well done and thank you to all participants of the 21st Summer School.
“We look forward to welcoming Foden’s Band back to Armagh on 31st January (2026) - and watch out for news about the 22nd Armagh Old Boys Summer School coming up next summer.”
Thank you for the music!
Gallery
A few extra photos… thanks to the various photographers…
What’s On
Keep checking our START HERE & EVENT LIST pages to keep up to date with What’s On. Subscribe to our email newsletter below.
Explore: The Armagh Today Directory
ENDED (all the things you have missed)
and…
External links are provided as a convenience and for informational / entertainment purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by Armagh Today of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. Armagh Today bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
We reserve the right to edit, categorize, revise, or to decline any material submitted.