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Don't STOP the Music!
BY WESLEY BOURKE PHOTOS ARMN NEVILLE COUGHLAN
T
and international occasions, playing music that inspires, boosts morale and lights the patriotic flame. The School of Music was established in 1922
he bands of the Defence Forces are an integral part of our organisation, provid- ing ceremonial honours at military, state
cians of the 4th Instrumentalist Rec Pln from the Defence Forces School of Music (DFSM) in Cathal Brugha Bks. In attendance were Brig Gen Michael Finn (GOC 2 E Bde) and Lt Col Mark Arm- strong (Director DFSM). Brig Gen Finn congratu- lated the recruits on their training and told them that the Defence Forces' bands "are one of the main contributors to a positive public image." He also said that this is recognised in the fact that the Defence Forces will retain three bands under the current re-organisation. As part of their passing out ceremony the
after Chief of Staff Gen Richard Mulcahy re- marked, "I want to have bands that will dispense music and musical understanding in the highest terms to the people." Since then the bands of the Defence Forces have played and recited for hundreds of thousands, becoming internation- ally renowned in the process. September saw the passing-out of 22 musi-
recruits conducted a silent drill display before forming up with the Defence Forces No 1 Band, taking up their instruments and playing a melody of marches including St Patrick's Day, Garryowen, and The Kinnegad Slashers. To the applause of family and friends they marched off the square to the air of Voice of the Guns. In addition to the three military bands each of
the seven infantry battalions and the Air Corps will retain a pipe band as part of their establish- ment. Next year the DFSM will be running a pipe and drummers course, so keep an eye out in routine orders. Read more about these two articles in our on- line issue www.dfmagazine.ie
An Cosantóir November 2012 www.dfmagazine.ie
