Lourdes Brass Band - Serving the Community Since 1959
Local man Mr. Jack Reilly and Fr. Kevin Connolly of the Lourdes Church formed the Lourdes Brass Band in 1959. Originally formed as part of the Boys Club, the Band was based in Yellowbatter. From these early beginnings the Band has since had many homes, Scarlet St, Carolan's Lane, and Donaghy's Mill. It was only in the late 70’s that Jack Reilly secured a permanent Clubhouse for the Band based in Bachelors Lane.
From it's formation in 1959 the Band has become a part of Drogheda Life. Over the years thousands of children had their first introduction to music through the services of the Band, and it was among the first Bands to accept girls as members.
Objectives
The Bands primary objective was, and indeed to this day still is, to make Music accessible to all.
The Lourdes Band accepts members from the age of seven upwards, and previous knowledge or experience of music is not required.
School of Music
The Band is run on an entirely voluntary basis. Members give up their time to teach the younger beginners and junior members.
In 1997 we set up a school of music affiliated to the Associated Boards, to enable our young musicians sit their Grade exams in Music. These Grades are recognised in over 120 countries and give many of our members a foundation for Leaving Cert., and College courses in music. Since their introduction several band members have pursued careers in music.
The Band
At present we have 35 member in our Senior Band, and a further 50 students in our classes. Ages range from 7 to mid sixtees with quiet a large proportion being in their teens to mid 20’s. The Band not only invites young people to learn music, but encourage anyone of any age to start, and has been very successful in this.
The Bandroom is open 4 evening a week for music lessons.
Membership fees are kept to a minimum to keep the organisation accessible to all. Quiet frequently we have several members of one family becoming involved.
The Band also provides our members with their uniform, music and instrument.
A Sense of Community
Quiet apart from the teaching and learning of Music the Band work very hard to instil a sense of community into it’s members. The Band is a hobby, and must be enjoyable. Members are encouraged to take part in all activities, from fundraising to taking care of the Bandhall, to performing some of the day to day tasks in running the Band. Members are encouraged to feel it is their Band, and as such many of our members, who joined aged 7, have remained with us to adulthood.
A Community Organisation
The Lourdes Brass Band is a familiar sight on the streets and in the Churches of Drogheda. The Band regularly marches in Parades, Festivals or Processions. We regularly visit the churches to perform at mass, St Mary’s Home, and various housing estates throughout the year.
The Band also performs in Concert in the Arts Centre (free admission).
The Band represents the town in competition in Belfast, Cork, and Dublin and are great ambassadors for the town.
An organisation, that exists solely to promote the learning and playing of music, and makes the gift of music so freely accessible to all members of the community and will have touched almost every family in the Community.