Hero Award: RCBS is recognised for involving youth with music

The Rathfarnham Concert Band Society was honoured to receive the Hero Award for Community Contribution on June 9, which recognises their significant contribution to involving youth with music and to bettering their community, reports Steven Reid.

Mayor Emma Murphy of SDCC was present at the ceremony to bestow this award upon the Rathfarnham group, which occurred at the County Chambers in Tallaght.

South Dublin County Councillor Lynn McCrave was responsible for nominating the society for the award, and said: “There is no better opportunity for children in our community to play in a large group of up to ninety musicians, ranging from 12-80 years and to develop their musical skills.

“Some of these local young musicians who started with the Rathfarnham Concert Band have gone on to be professional musicians located all around the world,” she added.

The Rathfarnham Concert Band Society was established in 1980, after St. Mary’s Boys National School decided to start the program.

Since then the society: “Has brought thousands of hours of happiness to all who perform and attend their popular concerts” according to Maeve Governey, the Managing Director of the group.

“Children start their journey with RCBS from age seven learning the recorder as a base instrument. They then progress to their instrument of choice – a wind, bass, or percussion instrument – and start playing as a group with the Tyro Band.

“As they become more accomplished musicians they move to Junior Band, Intermediate Band, and then onto the Senior Band.”

In addition to playing numerous local concerts throughout the year, RCBS performs once each year at the National Concert Hall with over 150 children from five local primary schools. This event is consistently sold out, and considered the highlight of their musical year as well as their primary fundraiser.

Speaking on the award, Musical Director Vincent Kennedy said: “This award is very much appreciated and the recognition is so valuable to a musical society like ours.

“Music is always there to uplift, distract, colour and comfort, it brings people and communities together and enriches lives. Thank you to South Dublin County Council for recognising and acknowledging this.”

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