*
banner

1st Old Boys join massed ranks for festive treats

The 1st Old Boys Band round off a memorable year by joining forces with the Belfast Operatic Society for plenty of festive entertainment.

First Old Boys
  The 1st Old Boys Band joined forces for some of the items in the Ulster Hall concert

1st Old Boys Band under MD, Dr Jonathan Corry, recently completed a successful 2022 as the guests of Belfast Operatic Company for a concert at a packed Ulster Hall in Belfast.

The recently crowned NIBA and BBN1 Festival of Brass champion joined the renowned choir, led by Musical Director Adam Darcy, and a host of outstanding soloists for an evening of festive celebration and entertainment.

Christmas Fantasy

Their contributions included renditions of 'Christmas Festival Overture' (Anderson) and Peter Graham's arrangement of 'Away in a Manger', as well as joining together with the choir in Gordon Langford's 'Christmas Fantasy'.

The grand finale saw the massed ranks join the Mulholland organ played by Richard Campbell in 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing'.

Memorable year

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "2022 has really developed into a memorable year with the two major championship wins and qualification for the 2024 European Championships.

Add to some great projects, workshops and a recording for BBC Radio Ulster, as well as lots of individual recognition for players and we can't wait for 2023."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Nord

Report & Results: 2026 Aalborg Music Festival

May 11 • Nordvestjysk Brass Band claims the 14th Aalborg title with section wins for Aalborg Post Orkester, Hjorring Brass Band and Kimbrer Garden


Paul Holland

Mayor's Medal honour for Holland

May 11 • Flowers Band MD Paul Holland has been presented with The Mayor's Medal as an expression of the thanks and gratitude of the Citizens of Gloucester following the band's recent European title success.


Tonga

New commission celebrates Tongan history

May 11 • A new test-piece work by Andrew Wainwright will receive its premiere at the Tonga Secondary School Brass Band Festival.


Tameside Whit Friday

Venues ready for Tameside Whit Friday visitors

May 11 • 11 venues will welcome performers and listeners alike later this month.


Harlow Brass Band - SPRING CONCERT - AN ANIMATION SENSATION

Saturday 16 May • St Andrew's Methodist Church. The Stow. Harlow. CM20 3AF


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 17 May • Dorchester- Park Bandstand DT1 1RG


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Chinnor Silver

May 11 • We are looking for PERCUSSIONISTS to join us as we head into an exciting period for the band.Good and varied diary ahead.. We rehearse on Wednesdays in our own bandroom (so none of that tedious setting up and down)


Hathern Band

May 10 • Due to University placement we require a Bb Bass player- we are a First Section band based at our own band room in the village of Hathern LE12 5LJ Leicestershire (between M1 Jcts 23 & 24) and close to Lougborough and Nottingham Universities


Newstead Brass

May 10 • Newstead Brass are on the lookout for a talented 2nd BARITONE player to join our ambitious and hardworking Nottinghamshire-based Championship Section band.. A rare chance to become part of an ambitious brass band striving for even greater success together.


Nigel Seaman

ARMCM ARNCM
Conductor, band trainer, teacher and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd