history
The Beginning circa 1897…
Around 1897 would seem to be an appropriate date to begin. The late Richard Irwin (Dick) was a founder member of the Old Boys’ Band. His fond memories and photographic evidence would tend to support this date.
In these days the band, a melody flute band was very much part of the Boys Brigade in Armagh with First Armagh Presbyterian and Abbey Street Methodist Church being the parent churches.
By 1908 the band changed its identity becoming a Brass and Reed Band. This step was influenced greatly by Dick Irwin and the close proximity of Gough Barracks home of the Royal Irish Fusiliers. Pinky Warrilow the bands early Musical Director passed through the gates of Gough Barracks.
Contesting in the 1920’s was an important aspect of the life for the First Company Armagh Boys Brigade Band with the band winning the military section of NIBA contests in 1925. This success however brought some difficulties – the band was including past members of the Brigade which was frowned upon in certain circles.
By the 1930’s the Boys’ Brigade and the band parted company with the band becoming an independent organisation with its own trustees. This parting was amicable with the band still performing many public functions for the Boys’ Brigade and the parent churches.
1939-45 the band did not function during WWI and the instruments were stored under the pulpits of various local churches.
1946 the band was redeemed as a brass band and reed instruments were dropped – a disappointment for some.
1952 saw the arrival of the first wonderful scarlet uniforms and silver instruments – hence the name "Armagh Old Boys' Silver Band". This uniform kept some of the emblems of the Boys' Brigade – the B.B. and anchor image. Also included was the buttons formerly used in the tunics of the Irish Guards.
Mr. Richard Irwin (Dick) by this time had been with the band over 50 years and his love and commitment to the organisation meant that his role included conducting, playing, teaching, finding new recruits and much more. He used to listen to various radio programmes and ordered lots of musical arrangements including well over 100 fine marches. At this stage he also conducted other local bands including Hamiltonsbawn, Tassagh, Tullyvallen, Clarke Memorial Flute and Breaghey Silver. His aim was to help raise the standard and in return he was able to draw help from enthusiastic members to help the Old Boys'.
1958 After over 60 years service to banding Dick retired and handed the Baton to Mr. Robert (Bob) Stevenson, himself a member for over 40 years. For a further 12 years Bob directed musical affairs with the band partaking of a number of contests in the Moy, Newry, Monaghan and the Ulster Hall Belfast. Second place was very often the result.
1971 Bob was forced to retire due to ill health and with the pillar gone the band came very close to extinction.
1972 Mr. Harry Prentice was persuaded to give the band a trial for three months and stayed for 26 years! During this spell of great stability the band built up a wonderful library of music, now numbering well over 1000 items.
1981 The Old Boys' Music Centre was completed with debts of around £25,000. This was gradually reversed by forming a Social Club with associate members and a drink license. The acquisition of a drink license was probably one of the most difficult decisions the band ever made, considering its origins and the make-up of the band. However, with responsible administration, this facility allowed the band to clear is debts and develop many aspects of both the Music Centre and band including instruments, library, percussion and uniforms.
1999 Harry Prentice retired and the baton was passed to Mr. Derek Orr who spent 4 very productive years with the band. After this the band had a brief spell with no official conductor but thankfully various people took the baton to help, including Mr. Ivor Stevenson.
2007 The band is currently under the baton of Mr. Wesley Thompson, a long time member of First Old Boys' Belfast.