Welcome to St. Rynagh's N.S. Banagher, Co. Offaly

Army Band's Dazzling Performance
at St. Rynagh's Primary School

A wet and dreary first week of November was brilliantly illuminated by the arrival in our school of the Army band of the Fourth Western Brigade which is based in Custume Barracks in Athlone. Under the eloquent stewardship of Captain Declan Whitson the band's recital got off to a flying start with a lively rendition of 'Blaze Away', which had the hearts, and feet of the audience hopping.

As the performance proceeded Captain Whitson conducted an illustrated guide to the instruments of the brass, woodwind and percussion sections of the band. The full variety of instruments was highlighted in short pieces capably rendered by band members.

For the majority of younger pupils the highlight of the show was a medley of recognizable cartoon signature tunes culminating in a full-throated chorus of 'Bob The Builder - Can he fix it? - Bob the Builder - yes he can!' Other "cartunes" alluded to The Simpsons, The Flintstones, Looney Tune, The Pink Panther and the less familiar signature of the Jetsons.

Right throughout the performance the audience of 300 pupils and staff were fully enthralled, bopping and hopping, clapping and stomping for many numbers.

The presentation concluded with an impressive delivery of 'Instant Concert' a medley of almost 40 iconic pieces from brass and military band repertoires. The proceedings finished with a word of thanks from Mr. Fergal McMahon, Principal and a presentation to Captain Whitson by Ms. Lisa Gardiner of an iced cake appropriately decorated with musical instruments. Long after the band had departed their tunes were ringing in our ears and a feel good factor lingered in our hearts. Míle Buíochas don banna ceoil as Dún Custaim, Átha Luain.

The Army Band

Last Thursday, the 4th Nov. 2010, an army band came to our school. They were great. They played lots of tunes and they told us that the band was made up of three sections: the woodwind, the percussion and (my favourite one) the brass. The band played cartoon tunes as well. Mr. Scully calls them 'Cartunes' because they are cartoon tunes. They played excellently. They must have practiced a lot because they were very good. I hope they will come again next year. Sara Porwit