Busy times ahead for two of Mayo's Music West ensembles

Two of Music West's ensembles - Castlebar Concert Band and Mayo Youth Orchestra - are facing busy schedules over the coming days.

Members of the concert band travel to Clonakilty, Co. Cork, later today (Friday) to take part in the South of Ireland Band Championships for the first time.

Under the musical direction of Debbie Clarke, the band will compete in the intermediate section on Saturday morning at the local community college.

The event was won last year by St. Mary's Brass and Reed Band, Kingscourt, Co. Cavan.

Apart from the main competition, there are a number of special categories, including best brass section, best percussion, best woodwind, best musical arrangements and the adjudicators' award.

Dr. Brett M. Keating is the adjudicator of the intermediate section.

Following the competition, the band will hold a recital in the town centre.

Foxford Brass and Reed Band is also participating in this year's event.

Then, on Tuesday next, July 8, members of Mayo Youth Orchestra travel to North Macedonia to take part in an international festival in the southern city of Ohrid.

Under the baton of Dr. Anne Moriarty, they will be on stage on Thursday in what is regarded as a very prestigious competition.

A number of other activities have been lined up for the orchestra, including a sightseeing tour of Ohrid, a visit to St. Maum Monastery and a cruise on Lake Ohrid.

It is an established tradition of Mayo Youth Orchestra to take part in an international festival every two years and members are indebted to all those who supported their fundraising initiatives.