North of Ireland Bands Association
Welcome to Dreambook, a nifty new free service from:
New Dream Network, Dreamhost, and Dreamservers!If you have a minute, please sign my Dreambook too!
| Name: | Stu |
| E-mail address: | staffordshirecorpsofdrums@hotmail.co.uk |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.staffordrblcorpsofdrums.co.nr |
| Comments: | Greetings NIBA from England. We have just set up a Corps of Drums in Stafford and would be interested in any bands selling thei previous uniforms. If you can help, it would be much appreciated |
| Name: | Michael Stoune |
| E-mail address: | michael.stoune@ttu.edu |
| Comments: | It was my great pleasure to be present at the 80th Championship event in Armagh! I was quite impressed at the quality of the bands and the spirit and dedication of the musicians. I am hard at work on a paper that will appear in the Flutist Quarterly (of the National Flute Association in the US) that will recount some history and current status of the flute band movement in Northern Ireland. The opportunity to see many band members that I met in 2005, and to meet many more in 2007 was a great experience. I wish the very best to all the bands, and continued health and music making.
I would enjoy hearing from anyone in the flute band world ant the email address given above. |
| Name: | GLEN HOUSTON |
| Comments: | By the way good to see Micahel Stoune (not stone )there, only sorry we didn't get to chat, too busy celebrating LOL.
Just wondering did he get into the city hall over the weekend!!! |
| Name: | Glen Houston |
| E-mail address: | flutersfancy@aol.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.ghentertainment.co.uk |
| Comments: | Thought the faclities were great although a bit of a journey for us Northwest based bands. I do agree that the time has come however to move from the Ulster Hall which although acoustically sound and in a super location, the continued problem of finding your audience is always an issue. Not sure if Armagh is a good substitute though. I personally found the hall acoustically dry with little natural resonance particulary a problem for the flute sections. I think this hall is much better suited to the Theatrical stage and indeed is designed as thus. The lagan Center in Lisburn is a much better choice and centrally located for all. Acoustically it is super and would give all bands a more natural sound. I have played here with wind bands orchestras and flute ensembles and have found it to be a great venue. Ballymena has also recently opened it's new concert hall and would be worth looking at. In saying all the above I had a great day and would like to thank all the organisers involved. Hard to please everyone! |
| Name: | Richard Whiteside |
| E-mail address: | rjw@niba.fsnet.co.uk |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.poyntzpasssilverband.fsnet.co.uk |
| Comments: | Our members thought that The Market Place Theatre was a first Class venue and knocked spots off the Ulster Hall. Great facilities and plenty of atmosphere which kept the crowd on site all day. What did other bands think? |
| Name: | Michael Stoune |
| E-mail address: | michael.stoune@ttu.edu |
| Comments: | I have been a student of flute bands for many years, and had the great fun to be at the 88th championship event. Now, I am coming back for the 90th event in Armaugh, and look forward to seeing folk I met in 2005, and meeting many new faces in the flute band world. Flute Bands are not known very much in the US, but there are some with interest, and I am providing some articles and information to help out. I am most interested in the concert bands, but the "blood and thunder" bands are fascinating as well.
On my last trip I visited Kellswater, Ballymena YC, Ballyclare Victoria, William King, and Churchill Flute. It was a grand experience. I hope to be able to visit some other bands south of Belfast this trip. My best to all in the Flute Band world. You have a special and unique contribution to the culture of Northern Ireland. May you continue to flourish. I would really like to hear from anyone having todo with flute bands. |
| Name: | D.LUNDY |
| E-mail address: | solominf@yahoo.co.uk |
| Comments: | today i found an old picture of a band, that dates back to the 1930`s, the bands name is LILLIVIEW FLUTE BAND, i was just wondering if you would like to have the picture as a piece of history, or would maybe know someone that was in that band and is maybe still alive |
| Name: | Kristin Hayes Van Slyke |
| E-mail address: | kevanslyke@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | I am interested in finding results of championships prior to 1938. I have a sterling silver medal that belonged to my grandfather, James Hayes, which he won in a competition in 1921. Inscribed on the back is the name of his band - the "A.A.F.B." So I know it was a flute band. Shortly after that he emigrated to North America. I would like to find the name of his band, if possible. Is there a reason why the records only go back as far as 1938? I can send photos of the medal, if you like. Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thank you. |
| Name: | Ian Moore |
| E-mail address: | scobiemoore@btinternet.com |
| Comments: | Surely now is the time for reinvention within our closeted world of banding, especially within the flute band fraternity. Our collective lights have been hid under the proverbial bushel for far too long. With Northern Ireland being regarded as a "cool" and "must see" destination, there is massive touristic potential that can be exploited and developed. Tourism is wholly sustainable and economically it is the only show in town as far as continued economic development is concerned. Our bands here need to promote themselves better. It is always easy to criticise, so I will attempt to add a little bit of meat to the bone!
Firstly, the championship for senior flute bands, or as we proudly claim it to be World Championship, needs a complete makeover. Our flute bands arguably are in a class of their own as amateur musicians, and it has to be said there are some very talented individuals playing in many of these bands. The NIBA needs to realise that the flute band format is very much an intrinsic and cultural part of life here in this corner of Ireland. Down through the years our championship flute bands have excelled themselves in their musical pursuits. But the alarm bells should be ringing because the annual championship needs major sponsorship and much more media attention. It would also be a major improvement if enteries could be attracted from other climes, especially Europe and North America. There are many flute choirs out there which, should be encouraged to compete. With major sponsorship this can happen. Such adventure and advancement is not rocket science, hard work and endeavour with a little bit of entrepeural risk taking is what is required. There are good people within our ranks and if our musical culture is to thrive or even survive, then we need to get our act together. One more thing I wish to say is this, and I dare say it will be perceived as a little radical. Why not add a proper rhythm section within the configuration of the flute band when performing in concert, what I mean is adding bass guitar or double bass, keyboards and a full kit of drums including congas and full range of percussion. This would work, of that I am wholly convinced and would bring a new dimension to the flute band sound. As an example, can you imagine a Beatles compilation arranged and performed with the added dimension of a strong and vibrant rhythm section underpining the colour and artistry of the flutes? It is only a matter of time before radical changes occur within banding as a whole. The bands of the future will I am sure not disappoint, but the future begins at any moment in time and I believe THIS IS THE MOMENT. Ian Moore. |
| Name: | gdao |
| E-mail address: | dummncl@aol.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.gdao.co.uk |
| Comments: | 'George Dummigan Accordion Orchestra are delighted to announce the launch of their online Music Store at www.gdao.co.uk Visitors can purchase CD's and books from the hundreds on offer at incredibly low prices. The range feartures musicians from all over the world, as well as music books for all ages, abilities and tastes. There is truely something for everyone.' |
| Name: | Glen Houston |
| E-mail address: | info@ghentertainment.co.uk |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.ghentertainment.co.uk |
| Comments: | May I take the time to congratulate Richard Douglas and his commitee for yet another terrficly run FBL contest held at what is the best venue used for some time 'The Lagan Centre'. In particular my I thank the efforts of one man namely Alaister Mcdonald for compiling single handed a compilation of varied music from a wide selection of FBL Flute Ensembles. This will undoubtedly help boost the FBL funds while at the same time giving all bands OF VARIOUS standards the chance to perform on CD. Afterall it is important to note that every band including ALL of our championship bands worked their way upwards from the lower ranks and that these bands give no less dedication to their bands than those at senior level. I have enjoyed listening to the CD on many occassions and see it as a definitive way of moving forward. I look forward to Compilation 2!!
ANY BODY REQUIRING WEDDING/FUNCTION BANDS OR ALTERNATIVE ACTS PLEASE CHECK OUT MY WEBSITE. |
| Name: | Jim |
| E-mail address: | dead_air2002@yahoo.co.uk |
| Comments: | A response to John who criticises the recently released CD by the NIBA.
Perhaps John would like to elaborate on his view that the CD is “just so poor?” The musicians involved in this CD put A LOT of time and effort into their respective bands and I’m sure they would make no apology for not reaching a standard that YOU find acceptable. These people are simply doing their best, and in my opinion all of the bands should take pride in the standard that they have achieved. On the whole we are not talking about professional musicians here. We are talking about people who play music for the love of music - to me that is something to be very proud of! Maybe you could pay a visit to each of the bands who you believe are ‘so poor’ and pass on your opinions and expertise on how they could improve enough to reach a standard that you find acceptable. Or maybe you could just see the CD for what it is - a fine collaborative effort that represents all types of flute bands and the wonderful variation in the repertoire from one band to another. |
| Name: | John. |
| E-mail address: | bailieg@aol.com |
| Comments: | the cd just released by the FBL IS JUST SO POOR in so many ways.the only thing going for it is the two pieces by Ballywalter |
| Name: | Speed |
| E-mail address: | prideofballinran@yahoo.co.uk |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.geocities.com/prideofballinran |
| Comments: | Full results of the Flute Band League's Own Choice Contest have now been added to the above webpage.
The Pride of Ballinran have also recorded a new C.D Royal Salute which can be purchased by visting the website. |
| Name: | Alan Hunter |
| E-mail address: | alanswinds@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | I am currently compiling a list of all NIBA Brass Section Test Pieces but need help. I am missing quite a few so if anyone can help with the following years please get in touch. 1991,1990,1984-1977,1975,1974,1972,1971+ all pre 1970. Thanks to anyone who can help. Full list will be passed on to the NIBA on completion. |
| Name: | Sally | ||
| E-mail address: | sallyf@infinito.it | ||
| Homepage URL: | http://books.dreambook.com/valepal/clarinet.html | ||
| Comments: | PLEASE SIGN MY CLARINET AND SAX PENPAL PAGE...IT DOESN'T MATTER IF CLARINET IS NOT YOUR MAIN INSTRUMENT..PLEASE MENTION ALL INSTRUMENTS YOU PLAY!
|
| Name: | Alan |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.ulster-scots.co.uk |
| Comments: | Great site. Very informative. Keep her lit. |
| Name: | Alistair Mc Donald |
| E-mail address: | bandmaster@kellswaterfluteband.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.kellswaterfluteband.com |
| Comments: | Hi Richard
Used the site on many occasions, great work, we now have our own site, launched on 1/7/03, could we have it highlighted and linked to niba site, thanks for your help , Alistair Mc Donald |
| Name: | james hill |
| E-mail address: | fagan@powerup.com.au |
| Comments: | hi i am calling from brisbane australia enjoyed the site immensely i was a proud member of chains from larne i first played in the ulster hall in the early 50s hadmy first win under artie flemming in1955 and my last win in 63 allso with artie test piece was set by davey grant it included abass flute solo sodificult every other band played it on e flats but not flemming he took me from first flute to bass flute i nearly had to rest it on sombodys sholder the other bass soloist was sammy marcus and we nailed it spot on on the night we got a special mention from adjudicccator |
| Name: | Jason Lafferty |
| E-mail address: | jason.lafferty@btinternet.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.ldpb.org.uk |
| Comments: | Looking to sell to pipe or flute band :-
A Complete set of HTS Premier Drums. Currently in their 3rd season, played by Linlithgow & District Pipe Band - www.ldpb.org.uk winners of the Drumming at the British Championships 2003. Consists of :- 6 Black HTS 700 Premier Snare Drums 3 Black HTS 200 Premier Snare Drums 4 Black Premier Tenor Drums 2 Black Premier Bass Drums All drums have been refurbished with new snare mechanism's, new bottom snares and new Gold Andante Core-Tec Skins. Will sell all HTS 700's together or all HTS 200's together or all Snare Drums together. Feel free to match entire set of HTS 700 or HTS 200 with Tenors and Bass to suit your needs Email us if interested in purchasing. |
| Name: | derek hodge |
| E-mail address: | anaximander40@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | drawn here during my websearch for all the other derek hodges of the world |
| Name: | graham |
| Comments: | very impressed with your site.keep upthe good work. |
[ Sign my Dreambook | Back to North of Ireland Bands Association ]