Armagh Old Boys Silver Band where delighted to see the return of their ‘Brass Band Summer School’ between the 11th and 16th of August 2025 held in the City of Armagh High School with funding made available from the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavin Council.

The summer school provides an opportunity for young and young at heart to come together to form two bands based on players ability: The Sterling Band conducted by Mark Bousie and The Sovereign Band conducted by Michael Fowles. Attendees ranged from the age of six to seventy- four and represented many bands across the province, Ireland and Mainland UK. Participants were also treated to an outstanding performance by the Foden’s tutors.

Throughout the week delegates developed their music technicality through an exciting and challenging repertoire which included; Prismatic Light by Alan Fernie, Trailblaze by Geoff Richards, The Seal Lullaby by Eric Whitacre (arr Alan Fernie) Neverland by Christopher Bond, A musical tribute to Roald Dahl – The World’s Greatest Storyteller arranged by Philip Harper, and Shakira’s Waka-Waka arranged by Jonathan Bates.

The Summer School Spectacular Concert held in Armagh Old Boys Band music centre on the Saturday afternoon was a culmination of a great week of hard work and fun performed to a captivated audience.

Various awards were made -

Brasses Plaque (Best Attending Band) - Third Carrickfergus Band

Armagh Old Boys Cup (Best Youth) - Peter McCormick (St Marks Silver Band)

Dungannon Plaque (Best Adult) - Wesley Thompson (1st Old Boys)

Poyntzpass Trophy (Loyalty and Commitment to the Course) - Jacklin Bingham (Third Carrickfergus Band)

Foden's Band Cup (Best Overall) - Harry Loyld (1st Old Boys)

Course tutors - Mark Wilkinson, Mark Bousie, Richard Poole, Shaun Farrington, Gary Curtin, Jonathan Bates, Stewart Baglin, Michael Fowles and Anthony Mann.

Foden’s look forward to returning to Armagh on the 31st of January 2026 with Summer School dates for ‘26 being announced in due course.