North of Ireland Bands Association Championship of Ireland Melody Winners: 1990, 2008.
North of Ireland Bands Association Championship of Ireland Melody Plus (Grade 4) Winners: 2010.
Flute Band Association of NI Own Choice Melody Winners: 1976, 1984, 1990, 1994, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011.
Flute Band Association of NI Own Choice Melody Plus (Grade 4) Winners: 1998, 2008, 2010.
Flute Band Association of NI Band Of the Year Championship Winners: 2006, Joint winners 2007 & 2010.
North of Ireland Bands Association Championship of Ireland Melody Plus (Grade 4) Winners: 2010.
Flute Band Association of NI Own Choice Melody Winners: 1976, 1984, 1990, 1994, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011.
Flute Band Association of NI Own Choice Melody Plus (Grade 4) Winners: 1998, 2008, 2010.
Flute Band Association of NI Band Of the Year Championship Winners: 2006, Joint winners 2007 & 2010.
Ballycoan Flute Band was formed by a number of local lads who had previously been members of various bands in areas some distance away from Ballycoan. On the evening of the last Saturday in August 1950 as these locals returned home from the Belfast county demonstration they had to walk about 2 miles from the nearest bus stop to Ballycoan village. On the way they started to play their flutes and drums etc. This prompted the observation from one of their number that if a band were formed in Ballycoan, a great deal of time and effort expended in travelling to practices would be saved.
His suggestion was taken up, beginning a process that eventually led to the formation of the band in 1951. The first engagement undertaken was with the hope of Ulster junior LOL 33 Sandy Row on Easter Tuesday 1952.
Over the years the band has fulfilled engagements throughout Northern Ireland, as well as England and Scotland. Besides the traditional parades of the loyal orders, we also take part in many parades for church youth groups i.e. Scouts, BB, GB, Guides etc. We also play at concerts run by churches and other groups and take part in mayors parades in various towns.
Some years ago the band took the decision to join the North of Ireland Bands Association and the Flute Band Association of Northern Ireland in order to involve itself at the highest standard of musical competition. This has proved very rewarding and in 1989 we were honoured when Brian Houston consented to become conductor and under his tuition we won both the N.I.B.A and Flute Band Association championships.
In 1987 the band purchased the grounds on which to build its own hall and one of the best highlights in the bands 60 year history was moving into our new hall in 1990.
In 2011 the band celebrated it's 60th anniversary. However, the year was to end on a disappointing note, as our conductor Brian Houston decided to step down after 22 years. The band was sorry to see him go, but we felt privileged to have benefited from his experience and guidance since his arrival in 1989. During his 22-year spell as conductor, the band won 3 NIBA Championships (2 Melody & 1 Melody Plus), 9 Flute Band Association Championships (6 Melody & 3 Melody Plus), as well as being named Flute Band Association Band Of The Year on three occasions.
His suggestion was taken up, beginning a process that eventually led to the formation of the band in 1951. The first engagement undertaken was with the hope of Ulster junior LOL 33 Sandy Row on Easter Tuesday 1952.
Over the years the band has fulfilled engagements throughout Northern Ireland, as well as England and Scotland. Besides the traditional parades of the loyal orders, we also take part in many parades for church youth groups i.e. Scouts, BB, GB, Guides etc. We also play at concerts run by churches and other groups and take part in mayors parades in various towns.
Some years ago the band took the decision to join the North of Ireland Bands Association and the Flute Band Association of Northern Ireland in order to involve itself at the highest standard of musical competition. This has proved very rewarding and in 1989 we were honoured when Brian Houston consented to become conductor and under his tuition we won both the N.I.B.A and Flute Band Association championships.
In 1987 the band purchased the grounds on which to build its own hall and one of the best highlights in the bands 60 year history was moving into our new hall in 1990.
In 2011 the band celebrated it's 60th anniversary. However, the year was to end on a disappointing note, as our conductor Brian Houston decided to step down after 22 years. The band was sorry to see him go, but we felt privileged to have benefited from his experience and guidance since his arrival in 1989. During his 22-year spell as conductor, the band won 3 NIBA Championships (2 Melody & 1 Melody Plus), 9 Flute Band Association Championships (6 Melody & 3 Melody Plus), as well as being named Flute Band Association Band Of The Year on three occasions.
History
Achievements
History of the band