New Musical Director takes baton at Laois Offaly town band
The Portarlington Concert Band is delighted to welcome Dara Pender aboard.
On Wednesday, October 4, she began her role as the new Music Director and will be teaching our Brass section and conducting our Beginner Band, Junior Band, Adult Beginner Band and Senior Band.
Dara has a wealth of experience in musical production. She is currently a Conductor and Tutor in Artane School of Music and is an Assistant conductor of Dublin Orchestral Players.
Dara holds a Bachelor in Music Education from Trinity College Dublin and a Bachelor of Arts (Music) from the DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama and is an experienced French Horn player.
In attendance were Pat Donegan, Band Director, and three members from the Lions Club, Noel Brennan Chairman and Willie Murphy, also present were parents and band members.
Willie Murphy from The Lions Club extended a warm welcome to Dara on behalf of the band.
The entire band community would like to wish Dara every success in her new role.
Gerry helped establish since it was founded by Pat Donegan some five years ago. Since it was formed Gerry put his heart, soul and love of music into fostering the young and adult musical talent in the Laois Offaly town.
Gerry was a weekly visitor to the town where he gave classes. He helped with rehearsals and gave lessons. Apart from being conductor, he was the brass instrument teacher.
The deceased, a Carlow native, made the trips to Port from his home in Roscommon to help out with all four bands that operate under the Portarlington Concert Band umbrella which now has 90 members.
Since it was established hundreds of children and adults have received tuition or performed with the bands.
Most of the members are from the age seven upwards.
The repertoire ranges from big band tunes, some contemporary compositions to some classical works.
Speaking previously about the band, Pat Donegan, who dedicates a huge amount of time to the project, said he believes the children get 'absolute satisfaction' from learning to play music.
He also believes that the parents are delighted that their children have something to do especially during the summer.
Anyone who wants to get involved with the band can contact Pat Donegan at 083 851 0428 or [email protected] and see more on social media.