HISTORY
The First Old Boys Association Silver Band was formed in Belfast
in 1946. As its name suggests, the band was created from amongst the former members
of the 1st Old Boys Brigade Company. The 1st had been the first Company in Ireland,
dating from 1886, and was formed at St Mary Magdalene Church (Col), Donegall Pass
Belfast. A few ex-members of the company are still associated with the band as
players/vice- presidents. The band on its creation assumed instruments and music
from a previous band, known as the IOR (Independent Order of Raccobites) Band.
During its existence the band has regularly competed in contests both at home
and in England. The band have won the senior brass section on ten occasions.
Other notable successes include a second place in the UK Grand Shield competition
(Manchester Belle Vue, 1965), and numerous NI Brass Band League, entertainment
contest and solo and quartet victories.
The band draws its members from all sections of the community
in Northern Ireland. Many members live and work in Belfast, while some make
a round trip of over 100 miles to attend rehearsals two nights a week. Everyone
gives of their time freely, as the band is a 'subscription' band, i.e. members
pay weekly dues. Other expenses are raised through concerts and miscellaneous
fund-raising activities.
In recent years, the band has enjoyed working with a number of
visiting professional conductors including Richard Evans, Geoffrey Brand, Graham
O'Connor and John Berryman, who led the band to victory in the 2002 NIBA
Championships. Stephen Cairns is the bands new professional conductor who led
the band to victory in the 2003 NIBA Championships.