There has been a music tradition in Castlebar for over a hundred years from brass bands to pipe bands. Castlebar Concert Band has been in existence since the early 1900s under various names, when a number of other bands amalgamated.
Later the Castlebar Temperance band made a name for itself in the 1920-1930’s but fell on hard times with the emigration. During the 1950’s a number of school bands were in existence and these lead to the formation of the Brass band in the 1960’s (below photos taken from a thesis by Joanne McEvilly).
The band has continued to this day and remains one of the few working bands in the Connacht region. It is an integral part of the local community, and participates regularly at many local events, including parades, civic events, sports fixtures, local festivals, street carols, and church services.
Band members come from Castlebar and surrounding towns and we play a wide range of styles including classical, pop, jazz, and marching tunes under the baton of Musical Director Mary Curran.
We are a community band which is open to all and you are not required to audition. Rehearsals are between 7.30pm and 9pm Tuesday evenings.
