Banna Chluain Meala nurtures musical talent among young people in the Clonmel area.
Providing music and entertainment since 1971, Banna Chluain Meala is a brass and reed band based in Clonmel, County Tipperary, with approximately one hundred members.
Many joined when they were in national school, like Meave Johnson who plays the flute. Practising twice a week, they perform at concerts, events and competitions, at home and abroad,
We get to travel around Europe.
Banna Chluain Meala contains a wide variety of instruments. Liam O'Brien is a fan of the animated series 'The Simpsons’, which influenced his decision to take up the saxophone. Alan McCormack plays the euphonium and Niamh Mullen plays the French horn. At the tender age of twelve, Dean Morrissey chose the tuba, and as he tells RTÉ News,
I had to grow into it.
The Colour Guard add movement and colour to performances, and with four to five practices per week when competition preparation is required, this all adds up to a lot of work, but to Banna Chluain Meala it’s worth it. This is the most enjoyable way to learn music, says Meave,
You get to join orchestras, concerts and bands, it’s more fun.
An News2Day report broadcast on 9 January 2006. The reporter is Laura Fletcher.
