The band is conducted by Darren Canmore. Both groups are based in Portadown, County Armagh . They are the senior groups of the S.E.L.B.’s Music Service and draw their membership from its most advanced pupils.
The present orchestra has 90 members and the band has 70. In summer 2003, 73 orchestra and 56 band members will be travelling to Georgia with 13 adults, a grand total of 143! Players range in age from 14 to 21 years. They meet every Saturday morning for rehearsals and members travel to rehearsals from throughout the S.E.L.B. area, a radius of 50 miles. These weekly rehearsals centre on the twin goals of achieving challenging musical standards while providing an opportunity for young people to enjoy playing a wide repertoire of music. There is also some time for them to meet new people and make new friends; this is particularly true when they go on tour together.
Touring has always been an important part of the musical experience provided by the S.E.L.B. Previous destinations for concert tours undertaken by the orchestra and band include The Lake District, Vienna , Scotland , Switzerland , Belgium , Holland , Paris and Georgia .
The South Ulster Youth Orchestra and Band are noted for their wide musical repertoire, encompassing everything from classical pieces to film themes, pop hits, show songs and Irish Jigs! It’s a proven formula that captures the enthusiasm of players and audience alike and ensures that tickets for their annual programme of concerts are in big demand.
In 1999, thanks to the support of the Sister City International Committee and Father Leo Herbert, the band made its way to LaGrange and Newnan where the warmth and hospitality of our hosts ensured that a lifelong friendship was forged. The memories of that trip will enrich all our lives forever. Four years later only a handful of the original band members and staff will be returning. Inspired by past band members who visited LaGrange and Newnan, all have worked tirelessly and with terrific enthusiasm to ensure that all the necessary funds are in place for this return trip. Over the last 2 years, members have been busking, performing at functions, organising quizzes, running marathons and bag-packing as well as selling advertising and seeking sponsorship. They certainly have been busy! Meanwhile a special programme of music representing both sides of the Atlantic has been put together for the occasion.
Earlier this year in Craigavon, some of our members were lucky enough to attend a fabulous concert given by staff and students from LaGrange College . This wonderful evening was an inspiration to us all and has encouraged everyone to work extra hard to aspire to the standard of excellence reached on that memorable occasion.
The Youth Band are particularly honoured to be invited to play at the softball tournament, which will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of a fantastic trip and the Youth Orchestra are equally excited about their concerts in Alpharetta and Woodstock. The concert tour to Georgia presents exciting challenge to members, staff and parents. It will be a wonderful opportunity for us to extend our horizons and to experience new culture and activities. We have had an exciting time preparing for the tour and we are looking forward to playing our hearts out for you all and developing the warm association that has grown steadily since 1999.
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