Fermanagh’s newest band, The Elastic Band, models itself on the youth academies attached to many successful sports teams. An offshoot of Fermanagh Concert Band, The Elastic Band is aimed at improvers who may need to build their confidence and experience before joining a fully-fledged concert band.
To set up the new band The Fermanagh Concert Band was awarded a grant from the Joan Trimble Awards Scheme, which is managed and administered by The Fermanagh Trust. The first event for the new band will be the holding of an open day in the Navar Room in the Lakeland Forum on Saturday, 26th November from 10am – 2pm. All are welcome to come along and find out more. The Elastic Band is aimed at improvers and people who may have swapped instruments, or who may have been a member of a band in the past.
Welcoming the initiative, Caroline Gant, Chair of Joan Trimble Advisory panel said: “The Awards were set up in memory of the composer and musician, Joan Trimble, and are aimed at supporting the creative arts. The idea of a feeder band which nurtures and encourages talent of all ages is an excellent one and will hopefully attract new members of all ages”.
David Baxter, Musical Director of Fermanagh Concert Band said: “The idea of a feeder band came to us when we were thinking about people who might be out there who would like to be part of a concert band, but are lacking in some of the skills and maybe confidence. As is appropriate given its name, The Elastic Band will be flexible enough to accommodate all ages, musical skills and tastes. We are really excited about this new initiative and we would like to thank the Joan Trimble Awards for their funding which is making this possible”.
