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Welcome to the Home page of the Irish Association of Brass and Concert Bands.

The IABCB is a voluntary association who represent and organise events for the many Concert and Brass Bands located throughout Ireland.

The IABCB was originally founded in 1965 to represent Brass and Military Bands and has developed and evolved through the years to account for the changes in both musical representation and performance.

The current Executive work towards promoting Irish Bands abroad, organising the National Band Championships, liasing with foreign bands and other events such as Masterclasses.

The Association itself is also divided into regions, and each has the chance to undertake it's own events such as regional solo and ensemble competitions.

IABCB membership includes players from all around the world, ranging in age from young beginner musicians to seasoned players who continue to play well into their retirement years, showing that music is indeed open to anyone of any age!

In previous years we have developed close ties with Bands across the world, and have also been privileged to welcome many well known composers and conductors such as Stephen McNeff, Fergus O'Carroll, Paul Lovatt Cooper, Vincent Kennedy and Fergal Carroll to our events. Previous adjudicators of our National Band Championships include Timothy Reynish, Mark Heron, Jacob de Haan, Adam Gorb, Michael Ball, Hughina Naylor, Denis Wilby and Michael Brand. We are delighted that this year we will be joined by Philip Sparke.

We maintain close links with the Northern Ireland Band Association and regularly attend events, competitions and functions held by the NIBA.

Latest News

53rd National Band Championships of Ireland!

The 53rd National Band Championships are to take place in the Solstice Theatre, Navan, County Meath on the 7th and 8th of April 2018. The adjudicator will be Howard Evans. The format for the National Championships is changed and is as follows;

Section 1 - Advanced/Senior Bands

Participating bands will be required to play a set test-piece and one piece of own choice (maximum duration of own choice piece = 15 minutes)

Section 2 - Intermediate Bands

Participating bands will be required to select a set test-piece from a list of 5 pieces, and one piece of own choice (maximum duration of own choice piece = 12 minutes)

Section 3 - Junior/Beginner Bands

Participating bands will be required to play a ten minute programme of their own choice. The programme must not exceed the time limit and must feature a March, a Slow Melody (e.g. a hymn tune), and one other piece of own choice.

 

Test pieces are as noted in the PDF (Music_Nationals_2018) attached below. Simply click to download.

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