The Gleneagle Concert Band will march to the tune of dozens of new instruments after a successful year of fundraising.
Band members raised a staggering 20,000 euro through a series of fundraising events, donations and grants and the money will be used to purchase a selection of new brass, reed and percussion instruments.
“These funds will enable the band to replace long serving instruments some which date back to the formation of the band in 1981,” says band treasurer David Grady.
The instruments are an integral part of The Gleneagle Band’s Music Education Programme. Children who enrol in this programme are allocated an instrument on loan for free. While the instruments remain the property of the band, they are loaned out indefinitely, free of charge as long as the member is attending music lessons and band rehearsals.
“Our fundraising campaign has been a huge success, and the purchasing of new instruments means we can now make music education more accessible and affordable for a greater number of children,” says Band Conductor Vincent Condon. “Our instrument loan scheme significantly reduces the cost of learning an instrument, and this coupled with the classes on offer from our outstanding teaching staff means that kids from all over Kerry have the chance to learn a new instrument and be part of a band.”
Established in 1981 The Gleneagle Concert Band and School of Music is renowned for excellence. Its professionally qualified teachers of international standing provide a first class comprehensive music education programme including one to one instrumental lessons, theory classes and various ensemble groups. Children aged nine and upwards are invited to enrol and places are allocated on a first come first served basis. Classes will commence in September.
“We have had a very busy summer performing and fundraising,” says Band Manager Ciaran Lynch. “We are very grateful to our many patrons and the business community in Killarney who kindly donated funds and for the continued support of our sponsors The Gleneagle Hotel. We are all very excited as we will be shortly launching our new website and announcing details of a concert tour abroad.”
Children, adults with previous musical experience and former band members are welcome to join The Gleneagle Concert Band or enroll in instrumental lessons and theory classes at The Gleneagle School of Music.
For further information contact Vincent Condon on 087 2229513.
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