Downshire Brass, one of Northern Ireland ’s premier brass bands based in south Belfast, has appointed Professor Michael Alcorn as its new Musical Director.

Experience

Professor Alcorn is currently Head of the School of Music and Sonic Arts at the Queen’s University, Belfast and is a former solo cornet player with Agnes Street Band, as well as more recently sharing duties as principal cornet and conductor with Comber Silver Band.

Following doctoral studies in England, Michael was appointed Composer-in-Residence at Queen’s University in 1989. In 2004 he established the Sonic Arts Research Centre at Queen’s and he is now Head of School and Professor of Composition at the University.

I am very excited to take up this position. They are a very enthusiastic and committed band and I look forward to helping them reach new heights in the futureMichael Alcorn

Excited

Speaking of his appointment, Michael told 4BR: "I am very excited to take up this position. They are a very enthusiastic and committed band and I look forward to helping them reach new heights in the future."

Active youth

In the next few months, Downshire will be actively recruiting new players as well as continuing to train their next generation of young brass players. Last Saturday, one of the Youth Band members, Anna McFarlane, was placed 3rd out of 50 competitors in the Brass Band League under 12 solo competitions.

Benefit

Downshire Brass Chairman, Gary Dodsworth told 4BR: "I am confident that Band members young and old will benefit from the experience and expertise of our new Musical Director."