The RSPBANI Branch School has recently established a formal link with the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland (CBOI). This connection will provide the CBOI with pipers, drummers and drum majors to enhance their Peace Prom concerts.
The CBOI was established in 1995 as a means of bringing young people together from different backgrounds and communities, through the powerful medium of music. The orchestra is currently made up of 130 young people aged 12-24 years from as far apart at North Antrim to Co.Cork.
The CBOI Peace Proms is an education programme in which 7000 children from 250 schools throughout Ireland participate annually.
The project gives the children the opportunity to perform in some of Ireland’s premier venues, and to perform music of many genres, including specially commissioned works which celebrate the fusion of cultures on the island of Ireland.
The RSPBANI Branch School saw enrolment peak in 2012 when 241 pupils enrolled for tuition in piping, snare drumming, bass and tenor drumming and drum majoring. The classes are held in 5 main centres across Northern Ireland – Co.Antrim, Mid-Ulster, Co.Fermanagh, Co.Down and the North West.
Pipers and drummers are not something new to the CBOI, as for years members of the RSPBANI have been involved. These young people have had the opportunity to not only perform in Ireland’s premier venues but in venues across America, Rome and China.
This formal link between the CBOI and the RSPBANI Branch School will now maintain this relationship and show Ireland, and the world what we have to offer on the island of Ireland both musically and culturally.
Fourteen concerts have been organised across Ireland over the coming months and rehearsals have already commenced. Concerts will be held in the following venues and dates-
University of Limerick- Sunday 27th January
NUI Galway – 9th and 10th February
City Hall, Cork – 23rd and 24th February
Kilkenny – 2nd March
Waterfront Hall, Belfast – 3rd March.
