Arklow Shipping Silver Band has entered its fortieth year.

The band was founded in 1968, and under the auspices of Michael Byrne and John Bonner, began the long journey towards being one of the best brass bands in Ireland, culminating with an unprecedented winning streak of seven national titles in a row between 2000 and 2006.

Upgrade

This year sees the continuation and upgrading of measures which will help to ensure the band continues long into the future.

These changes and innovations include the appointment of James MacCafferty as resident conductor, regular guest tutors and master classes, entering national and international competitions and a concerted recruitment drive.

We are deeply honoured to have Derek associated with the Band and look forward to many more master classes over the coming yearsArklow Band

Learners

Their learners class, which is on a summer break, still has spaces, and it is hoped to expand the class to start a junior band in September.

Broadbent honour

So far this year, the band has returned to the competition trail, whilst another major step has been the appointment of Derek Broadbent, who has had a long association with the band, as Honorary President.

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "We are deeply honoured to have Derek associated with the Band and look forward to many more master classes over the coming years."