Overdue: 462 days
Public benefits
As our constitution states Ballyreagh Silver Band has been established to advance the education of the public in brass band music and in the playing of brass band instruments by giving performances for the benefit of the general public and by the provision of training and education. Throughout the year we meet this requirement by providing a
professional tutor on a weekly basis for individuals of all ages to come and to learn how to play brass band instruments and to read or follow music. These lessons are provided free of charge to young people and their families, along with young people we also provide an opportunity for older individuals to learn how to play or renew a talent or hobby that they had years before. There are many benefits for individuals to learn and play a brass instrument; the more obvious may be the talent and understanding of playing and reading music. Other benefits that people can gain from the opportunity that we are providing is a social aspect, meeting new people from different backgrounds as we all come together for the same outcome of playing music. Furthermore we receive comments from many parents on how their children have had a boost of confidence which has helped in other aspects of their life as they are learning to perform in front of many people. Along with the benefit to all of those who are part of our band there is also a benefit for the public in our local area and also further afield. This is as we perform on many different occasions throughout the year showing how much effort that has been put in at our rehearsals many of these performances we do not receive any payment. We also feel that it is important that we use music to continue building relationships with all sides of our community. As our members are predominantly from the Protestant community we work continuously with our neighbouring band St Marys Tempo which has members predominantly from the Roman Catholic community. Throughout the year we come together for practises along with performance in the local area at many cross – community events, one for example is the turning on of the Christmas lights in the local villages. The benefit is demonstrated through large attendances by the general public at all engagements we are involved in, and it is clear that our performances are appreciated with a high percentage of requests to return. This results in encouragement to all band members involved which not only increases our attendance levels at practises but also encourages other individuals to join the band and begin to learn an instrument. There is no harm caused towards any individual through our activities. The tutor receives a private benefit of payment and also the experience of tutoring our members. This is necessary to achieve our purposes and is therefore incidental.
... [more] [less]What your organisation does
As a band who works hard to provide the chance for many individuals to learn about brass instruments, how to play brass instruments and also how to follow music we meet on a weekly basis in our band hall. Each week we have a starter practise which provides a chance for all those who are beginning to learn to have a tuition session with the
professional tutor which we have hired. We do not charge for these lessons as we as a group fundraise to cover the cost of the tutor. Along with starter lessons we also have a group band practise on a weekly basis learning new music to perform. Along with the weekly rehearsals we have many performances throughout the year and in many parts of the community, these performances are all very different and we supply music to fit the occasion. As members of the band we do not receive any private financial benefit, many of the performances are free and if we do receive a donation from those who are hiring us we put it back into the band paying for the use of the hall and also the tutor. We also complete fundraisers throughout the year to support the band, the cost of uniforms, instruments and music. Our hall is also available to be hired by groups in the area for their different activities, along with the local council who can use the facility to provide information evenings and training classes. This year a group of 12 young people completed a starting up your own business course in the hall.
... [more] [less]The charity’s classifications
- The advancement of education
- The advancement of citizenship or community development
- The advancement of the arts, culture, heritage or science
Who the charity helps
- Children (5-13 year olds)
- General public
- Interface communities
- Men
- Older people
- Parents
- Voluntary and community sector
- Women
- Youth (14-25 year olds)
How the charity works
- Arts
- Community development
- Cross-border/cross-community
- Cultural
- Education/training
- General charitable purposes
- Religious activities
- Rural development
- Youth development
