Armagh Old Boys’ host annual summer camp with world-famous Foden’s Band

Welcoming more than 80 participants, from seven years of age upwards, the summer school brings together people of all ages and abilities from across Northern Ireland and further afield to be trained under the guidance of nine highly talented Foden’s tutors.

Now in its 18th year  the summer school, supported by Arts Council of Northern Ireland National Lottery Funds, is going from strength to strength.

Participants can choose between two bands, the Sterling Band for beginners or the Sovereign Band for a more challenging programme. The repertoire is designed to support all abilities and includes a wide range of genres, from film and pop-music, to more classical works and extended brass band pieces.

Ivor Stevenson MBE, from Armagh Old Boys’ Silver Band, commented: “The summer school is a wonderful opportunity for folk of all ages to develop their knowledge, technical playing skills, team ethos and individual achievement as well as building the brass band family network across the province.”

Participants performed two concerts –  a Young Soloists Evening in Armagh Old Boys Silver Band Music Centre and another in First Armagh Presbyterian Church.

Ciaran Scullion, Head of Music at the Arts Council, said: “This is a superb summer school, offering first class tuition and important development for instrumentalists of all ages and abilities.

“As well as the masterclasses and workshops, participants can also look forward to hearing their tutors perform, so that they can see for themselves the standards which can be achieved through practice and dedication.

“The Arts Council is pleased to support this year’s summer school through our small grants National Lottery programme and wish all the students the best of luck with this week’s performances.”