A new initiative will be launched in Derry tomorrow aimed at changing the perception of marching bands.
Aimed at young people from 10 to 15 years of age, the Bands Forum will cover topics such as reactions to seeing marching bands, associations with them, instruments, history and information on parades and debates around different views on parades.
The initiative was set up in 2012 as a project of St.Columb’s Park House and will bring together members of bands from across the city to talk about and make progress on issues that interest them.
Co-ordinator Derek Moore said the Forum, set up in association with Derry City Council, said the initiative would help change perceptions about band culture.
He said: “Many people see a stereotype rather than the bigger picture when they think about marching bands.”
Mr Moore was speaking following the newly published “Marching Bands Activity Sheet, jointly developed by the Forum and the Community Relations Team at the City Council.
He said the Bands Forum was “happy” to work with everyone to help them understand the culture better.
He added: “Developments such as the musical performances by local marching bands in the All Ireland Fleadh are beginning to change perceptions – but there is need for further educational work.”
Sue Divin, Community Relations Officer with Derry City Council said people were “often unaware” the tradition of marching bands spanned across the “traditional divide.”
Derek Moore, Bands Forum co-ordinator.
She added: “In the Irish tradition the Catholic temperance movement historically supported the development of marching bands culture.
“Many people may be unaware of the charity, community and cross-community work done by bands, or the regular effort of young people put in to attending music practices and developing instrumental skills.
“It comes as a surprise to some that you don’t have to be in a loyal order to be in a band or to hear that bands are actually hired in to play at parades.”
She concluded: “Whilst Frenchman Napoleon Bonaparte first developed fife and drum bands, locally Ireland’s oldest flute band comes from Drumahoe.”
The initiative has been welcomed by the Mayor of Derry, Cllr Martin Reilly, who said it would educate and inform young people on topics that previously they might have not engaged with.
He added: “It is a chance to continue the ground work cross community groups currently do in the city, and promote their importance to us all. “
The launch, which takes place at 12.30pm tomorrow at the Diverse City Community Partnership, 8-14 Bishop Street, and is open to all (light lunch included).
If possible, you are asked register in advance to confirm your attendance with Marjorie by telephoning (028) 7126 1941.
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