Wellington Memorial Silver Band prepares for online shows

24 February 2021

A LOCAL band is getting to perform online in the near future.

In a collaboration with three other bands, Wellington Memorial Silver Band, which is based near Crossgar, will be making two online performances in the weeks and months ahead.

Thanks to the generous support of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Wellington Memorial is working on a projected developed in partnership with Downshire Brass, which is based in Belfast, Dynamic Brass, from Belfast and the Dundonald-based Harmonic Sounds.

Downshire Brass approached the three other bands last autumn in advance of submitting a funding application that has helped secure some recording equipment. The four bands have been working on the project since the start of 2021.

Speaking about the initiative, Thomas Woods, chairperson of Wellington Memorial, said: “Thanks to the initiative of the Downshire Band MD we’ve been able to get involved in this project with all the bands in producing a musical programme for everyone to enjoy.

“We have been doing some recordings on our own, however this project brings all the bands together to share skills and ideas to promote the brass band movement to a wider audience.

“We all look forward to a time when we can meet and perform together in public.”

Downshire Brass musical director Michael Alcorn said: “It been great for the musical directors and representatives from the four bands to meet and plan this project, sharing ideas on repertoire and technology, and where necessary, helping each other out with any player gaps in the ensembles”.

Patricia Evans, chairperson of Dynamic Brass, commented: “it has been great to have something to focus on and get members playing in the absence of real concerts.

“Our players have had to learn how to record without the benefit of having people sitting beside

you, playing along. This can be a bit daunting, but it has been enjoyable and it’s great to keep playing music.”

Paul Hamilton, musical director of Harmonic Sounds, said: “Like many other ensembles locally have been unable to meet in person since March last year but have kept in touch and worked on producing some video footage last year.

“The band are excited to work on this project and have enjoyed the opportunity for all bands to share good practice together in a safe respectful environment with the objective of generating online material for the enjoyment of our musicians and supporters alike.”

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