Maghey Band enjoyed great success at the Churchill Entertainment Contest in Derry recently, marking their first melody competition in Northern Ireland.
Following the success of their Easter performance at Dungloe’s Easter Sunday competition which went viral, the band received invitations from around the world to perform in parades and competitions.
One such invite came from the Churchill Flute Band Entertainment Contest which coincided with Derry Tattoo on Saturday 17th Nov.
Maghery Band are currently 4 times All Ireland Champions, 2 times Dungloe Easter Champions & 3 times International champions.
At the Churchill Contest in Derry, the Maghery musicians competed in the Melody section against 5 other talented bands and were honoured to win first place in their section as well as best percussion in the Melody section too.
The Adjudicator, a composer for the BBC, gave praise to all the bands and highlighted Maghery’s entertainment factor.
The band concluded their competition program with a standing ovation from the audience.
This is the first time that Maghery Band have competed in a Northern Ireland melody and entertainment contest and expecting to take part and enjoy the evening of bands were honoured to win and take back their awards to Donegal.
The band are breaking many moulds in the competition and performance scene and this was a great achievement for them on their first time visit to Churchill Flute Bands Competition. The first of many!
The band are currently preparing and fundraising for their East Coast USA Tour as their band also develops into an Academy for youth and adults in training in music and marching performance.
On the academy, Annemarie O’Donnell, Chairperson and Drill Instructor, said: ‘the benefits to an education in the arts increases academic development helping young people develop cultural literacy and personal skills as well as cognitive development.
“It also helps young people develop cultural literacy and personal skills from collaboration through to perseverance which are critical to the modern workplace. Your contribution to today’s band student ensures a stronger economy for the future.”
