Welcome

Welcome to the St. James’s Brass and Reed Band website – the oldest band in Ireland and possibly Europe. Officially established in 1800 but early records trace back to as far as 1737.

St. James’s Band has participated in numerous events of historic importance, which included playing at the meetings of Daniel O’Connell and Charles Stewart Parnell. The band was invited to play at Parnell’s home in Avondale and later led his funeral to Glasnevin Cemetery. You can read more about the band on our history page.

St. James’s Band boasts a vast musical repertoire that ranges from overtures, selections, marches, and some of the most current popular tunes. View our upcoming performances.

If you are interested in learning an instrument or would like to join the band explore our JD Academy Band and New Members pages for more details. If you would like to hire the band get in touch.

Our conductor Kevin Corcoran is an acclaimed ensemble and solo percussionist with experience in classical, band and stage performances. In recent years he has begun the transition to conducting. Read more about Kevin here.

band members outside

Next performances

Here are our next performances. Get in touch if you would like to hire us for your event.

  • We are looking forward to returning to Farmleigh the end of August but this time our performance will feature special guests, our JD Academy band. This will be the first official public performance for the JD Academy - not to ...

    August 25th, 2024 | 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
  • Our Senior band will return this year to compete in the Southern Ireland Band Championship which will take place in Clonakilty on the 6th July. Keep an eye out for us on the streets of Clonakilty as we will be ...

    July 6th, 2024 | 10:00 am
  • The band are delighted to be back at Richmond Barracks to perform at the community festival on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons in late May. Pop in to see us perform if you are local!

    May 25th, 2024 | 3:00 pm - May 26th, 2024 | 4:30 pm

Social updates

If you have any questions you can connect with us on our social networks.

22 hours ago

Saint James's Brass & Reed Band
#thistimeyesterday ... See MoreSee Less
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Today we commemorated the members of the 1916 Rising in Arbour Hill!What a gorgeous day for a mass and march 🌞 ... See MoreSee Less
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The last of our videos of the Academy Band at the National Championships features Arabian Dances which won 'Best Choice Piece' in our category! This piece features the fabulous Daria on solo Soprano Sax! 🎷If you play an instrument up to Grade 4 standard and would like to join the Academy Band - please don't hesitate to get in touch! Enjoy the video and feel free to dance and clap along!! 👏🎼📸 by Ion Racu! ... See MoreSee Less
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Here is Loch Lomond by the St. James's JD Academy Band at the National Championships featuring a video of photos taken throughout the day! Enjoy 🎶 ... See MoreSee Less
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Over the next few days, we'll be showcasing the pieces the wonderful Academy Band played at the National Championships last weekend.Here is the Lone Eagle March by the St. James's JD Academy Band!📸 by the wonderful Ion Racu! ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

Saint James's Brass & Reed Band
This time yesterday 🏆 Thank you very much everyone for your kind messages and comments! We're absolutely delighted with the results from yesterday.Thank you to the Irish Association of Brass and Concert Bands - IABCB for another successful year of the Nationals! See you next year 🎶📸 by the wonderful Marguerite! ... See MoreSee Less
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