The Sacred Heart University Band will travel to Ireland from January 9-16 for its first-ever international tour. The group will perform five different concerts, along with various local ensembles, in Dingle and Dublin. Dingle is home to the campus of Sacred Heart University's Center for Irish Cultural Studies.
A group of 55 students and three professional staff will kick off the tour on Wednesday, January 11 at the Dingle Skellig Hotel in Dingle. On the 12th, SHU’s Brass Ensemble, along with Band Director Keith Johnston on trombone and Music Instructor Galen Tate on organ, will present a concert in the Díseart Chapel, also in Dingle. “I am excited about the opportunity to take the band overseas – it’s a country with a rich culture, and I am pleased to be able to share our music-making with the people of Ireland,” said Johnston.
The SHU Band will head to Dublin where they will perform with the Mullingar Town Band on Saturday, January 14. The following day, they will perform two concerts: the first with the Clondalkin Youth Band and the second, Brass Ensemble only, during Mass at St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, the Cathedral Church of the Archdiocese of Dublin.
Senior biology major Brian Beatty (trumpet) said in anticipation of the trip, “I was in Ireland six years ago with my high school band, and I’m excited to go back and relive some of those moments while making new memories with this amazing group of people.” Also excited is sophomore physical therapy major Mike Nigro (French horn) who said, “I’ve never been to Ireland, and I think it’s great that we are going to go and share our music. I’m looking forward to this new experience.”
Busy concert schedule aside, the SHU Band will have plenty of time for sight-seeing and experiencing Irish culture. The group’s itinerary includes a trip to see the Cliffs of Mohrer and a chance to kiss the Blarney Stone.
