*
banner

Ramsay puts fire in the blood at Drogheda

Allan Ramsay leads the musical way at Drogheda Band's annual Summer Sounds week of new music making.

Allan Ramsay in action
 

The Drogheda Band recently held their annual ‘Summer Sounds’ week, where their Senior and Youth bands worked with well known conductors Allan Ramsay, Owen Garbutt, Jamie Smith and Dr Richard Rock.

Worked hard

Both bands worked on brand new music culminating in well received concert at the end of a hard, but highly enjoyable seven days of work.

Allan Ramsay led the senior Drogheda Band on works such as ‘Citius, Altius, Fortius’, whilst Owen, Jamie and Richard put the youth band through its paces.

Highlights

At the concert, the youth band showcased five pieces (three of them arranged by Owen) showing just how much they continue to improve.

Highlights included ‘Georgia on my Mind’ featuring Jamie Smith on cornet and ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King’.

The senior band also produced excellent performances of ‘You've Been Warne'd’ and ‘My Sister Kate’ before closing the evening with a fine performance of Paul Lovatt-Cooper’s ‘Fire in the Blood’.

This has been one of the best weeks we have had in many years. Allan did fantastic work with the Senior Band and our Youth Band team have just been unbelievableStephen Murray

Fantastic work

Drogheda’s Stephen Murray told 4BR: "This has been one of the best weeks we have had in many years. Allan did fantastic work with the Senior Band and our Youth Band team have just been unbelievable.

The progress that both bands have made throughout the week is phenomenal and we are already making plans for next year."

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    


4BR review

4BR Review — Episode 15

February 1 • Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look back at a memorable RNCM International Brass Band Festival, as well as look forward to the Norwegian Championships and more...


Grimethorpe

Grimethorpe to support a Day to Remember

February 1 • Grimethorpe Colliery Band will add their musical sparkle to a concert that aims to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society


UniBrass Championships

UniBrass Championships countdown now on

February 1 • There are now just a couple of weeks to go before the student banding world heads to Newport — so why not go along and enjoy the action.


North of England

Judges confirmed for North of England Regional Championships

February 1 • The adjudication teams for the North of England Regional Championships have been announced.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


West Wycombe Brass Band

February 1 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for Flugel and Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call, or email.


Croy Silver Band

February 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Tintwistle Band

January 29 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet player, ideally able to join us long-term, but we are also looking to fill this position to compete in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We enjoy all year round concerts, contests,and social events


Martin Heartfield

GGSM, ARCM, PGCE
Conductor, Adjudicator, Educationalist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd