One of Athlone’s newest clubs, the Ravens Marching Band, who welcomed President Mary McAleese to St Kierans last Saturday (September 27 ) recently returned from their first National Championships with two trophies and a cup.
The Ravens, who were formed only three and a half months ago, took the cup for Best Newcomers in Arklow on September 21 as well as trophies for Most Disciplined Newcomers and for Musical Effect from a field of 18 other bands.
According to their delighted Director of Music, Colm Bolger, the Ravens have only got musicians at the moment and are looking to expand their troupe with majorettes, flag twirlers and a colour guard and are looking for boys and girls from eight years of age upwards.
“There’s no upper age limit,” said Mr Bolger.
“In fact, I’m actually teaching three grandfathers the trombone at the moment”.
By way of experience, Bolger spent 12 years in the Tallaght Festival Marching Band and his father is an instructor in the No.1 Army Band.
The Ravens practise three times a week in the Community Centre in Monksland and would dearly love any new members who’d be interested in joining.
Bolger explained the eight years of age limit was only for the twirlers and majorettes and for any child who wanted to take up an instrument, the Ravens would accept applicants from six years of age.
Their next big date will be an appearance in Croke Park for the National Youth Day on Saturday, October 18.
Anyone wishing to pursue this pastime should contact Colm Bolger on (086 )0748833.
