The Gleneagle Concert Band is inviting new members of all ages to join the ensemble as it prepares for its new season starting this September.

Open to children, young people, and adults from Killarney and surrounding areas, the band offers specialist instrumental tuition starting from age nine. Beginners can take lessons in clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion, and drums before progressing into the main band.

No previous experience is required for adults or children. The band also welcomes adults who already play an instrument or wish to return to music after a break.

“What makes Gleneagle special is that our musicians don’t just rehearse in a room and play the occasional concert,” said Music Development Officer Vincent Condon. “They perform at major events, festivals and community occasions, take part in film productions, travel internationally and, importantly, have fun together as a band. The band is open to everyone. We welcome young people who want to learn an instrument, as well as adults who have previous musical experience and would like to return to playing.”

For information on registration and lessons, contact 087 222 9513 or visit the band’s social media pages.

Busy summer of events

The Gleneagle Concert Band has concluded a busy 12 months featuring public performances, festival appearances, and charity work.

Highlights included the annual summer street concerts in Killarney town, along with performances at Puck Fair, the Rose of Tralee, and the Summer in Killarney Festival. Band members were also involved in the filming of Jimmy, an upcoming Hollywood biographical drama based on actor Jimmy Stewart.

Community fundraising remained a focus over the past year, with the band supporting local causes including the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Sports Club and Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House alongside a sold-out Annual Concert.

Following a tour to Seville in 2025, the band has confirmed its next overseas trip to Bilbao and San Sebastián in northern Spain, scheduled for August 2027.

A new adult singing group, ‘SING Killarney’, is launching this month, offering locals a informal community singalong with no requirement to live in the town.

Founded by Tom and Breda O’Shea, the group has joined forces with local musician Ben Quinlan, who will lead the weekly sessions.

The group focuses on popular music across all genres in an informal setting.

“SING Killarney is not a choir, we are essentially a weekly community singalong where there is no pressure and no expectation to be perfect,” said founder Tom O’Shea. “Song sheets will be provided and can be used each week. Our focus is on connection, not perfection.”

The group meets every Wednesday evening at the Presentation Monastery School on New Road, Killarney.

The initial five-week term starts on August 26, with registration taking place from 7.45pm and singing from 8.00pm. The cost for the five-week term is €25.

Due to limited space and high demand, pre-registration is recommended.

Interested singers can find further details on the SING Killarney Facebook page or by contacting Tom O’Shea directly on 087 290 2147.