The banding movement will be offering its congratulations to Michael Alcorn, after it was announced that the Professor of Music and Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Sustainability and Strategic Projects, Queen's University Belfast, has become a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year's Honours list.

The honour is for services to Music, to Higher Education and to the Creative Industries.

Respected

Hugely respected in both academic and music spheres, Prof Alcorn has undertaken research on the history of brass bands in Ireland from 1850 onwards, as well as being an active brass band arranger, conductor and adjudicator, throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, as well throughout the UK and Europe.

He has worked alongside artists such as David Childs on the use of ground-breaking technologies to extend the capabilities of the euphonium, and on developing new works with interactive electronics.

Prof Alcorn has combined his academic work with being the successful conductor of Downshire Brass for many years, leading them to numerous titles and in representing Northern Ireland at the European Championships, most recently in Stavanger this year.

A member of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators, he judged at the Yorkshire Regional Championships in 2025.

Fantastic

In offering their congratulations, Downshire Brass Chairperson Robert Mercer, said: "It is fantastic to see Michael's talent, experience, commitment, and leadership in both education and music recognised through this prestigious award."

Everyone at Downshire Brass offers their warmest congratulations to Michael on this richly deserved honour."