Ten young people get tuition from William King Band

The William King Memorial King Band have recently completed a very successful 20 week flute and drum tuition class for 10 young people from the Londonderry area.

The project was jointly funded by the band’s senior members and the Ulster Scots Agency.

Band chairman John Rankin said: “This is the second time the band has run this course over the past five years and six participants of the last course have now made the transition in to the ranks of the William King band and three more are now in other local flute bands.”

The grant aid received from the Ulster Scot’s agency was put towards tutors and rental costs making this course a great success.

The William King band is hoping for a similar outcome from this year’s class as previous successful years.

The current conductor of the band, Derek Moore, said: “The Ulster Scot’s agency is one of the only funding bodies available who understand the needs of bands who are carrying on the teaching of traditional instruments and techniques to the young people of the city and the importance of helping out where they can.”

Some of this year’s class have already been fortunate enough to perform with the band at the recent Queen’s Jubilee celebrations and were introduced to then-mayor Maurice Devenney.

The students and future recruits also had the chance to perform during this year’s Maiden City Festival at a concert to celebrate the life of Mr Drew Porter, who conducted the William King Memorial Flute Band for 30 years, which was help in the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall on Wednesday 8th August.

Related topics: