An Cosantóir

in focus | 11 Vox Pops Meet the latest Defence Forces Bandsmen and women. Bdmn John O'Duffy, Band of the 1st Bde, Collins Bks Becoming a musician in the Defence Forces is not something that comes to mind when you think of music. I wanted the challenge. The training was tough but I enjoyed it. I was award- ed Best Recruit. I play the clarinet and the saxophone and hold a Bachelor of Music Degree from Cork Institute of Technology. Prior to Enlistment I worked as a Music teacher and an orchestral player. My musical highlights include having my own compositions performed by the LSM project Orchestra and also having an EP reviewed by the Irish Times. Bdmn David Swanson, Band of the 2nd Bde, Custume Bks I always wanted to join the Army. The past six weeks were great. The people I have met are the best I've met in my life. I was awarded Esprit de Corps. Apparently I make everyone laugh. I play the piano, bagpipes, clarinet and the euphonium. I have a Grade 8 on piano and the clarinet. Prior to joining up I worked with The Royal Marine Band of The British Armed Forces and I also volunteered with The NEELB School youth Orchestra. My musical high- lights include numerous Coleraine Festival awards. Bdmn Conor Dolan, Band of the 2nd Bde, Custume Bks I wanted the opportunity to serve and play music. I really enjoyed the recruit training. Prior to joining up I was still in school in Ard Scoil Ris in Dublin and I was a member of the Artane Band. I am a Grade 7 Percussionist. My musical highlights include playing for her Majesty the Queen during her state visit, playing at the Oxygen Music festival and playing at nu- merous All Ireland finals. Bdwn Shauna McCullough, Band of the 1st Bde, Collins Bks The opportunity came up to have a performance career so I took it. Playing in the De- fence Forces is something I've always aspired to. The Band of the 1 S Bde came to our school one day where I was teaching and that's when I decided to enlist. The last six weeks was an experience. I play the trumpet and cornet. I have a Bachelors Degree in Music and Performance from Cork Institute of Technology. Prior to enlisting I worked as a music teacher in Togher Music School in Cork. Bdmn Seán Maher, Defence Forces No. 1 Band, Cathal Brugha Bks My dad, Mick, was in the Army. He served in the 5 Inf Bn and later the Chief Piper in the DFSM. He thought me how to play. Music is my main passion. I got the chance to play full time and serve. I play the bagpipes and clarinet. I hold a level 7 Degree in Bio Science from Dublin Institute of Technology. My musical highlights include becoming a World Champion piper in 2009 during the Piping World Championships. Bdwn Lynda Norris, Defence Forces No. 1 Band, Cathal Brugha Bks I really wanted to play music as a career. When the opportunity came up I went for it. Recruit training was tough, but it was great. I play the clarinet, saxophone and the piano at Degree and Instructor level. I hold a Bachelor of Music Degree from DIT Conservatory of Music. Prior to enlisting I worked as a music teacher with Churchtown School of Music, Rathfarnham Concert band and Columba's School. My musical highlights include Feis Ceoil Senior Clarinet winner, Leader of the IYWE, receiving the Anne Leahy Medal dissertation, playing in the National Concert Hall and appearing at the Electric Picnic Music Festival. www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE

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