THE STORY OF THE N.I.B.A.
PUBLISHED IN THE ULSTER BANDSMAN - JULY 1946
The main purpose of this chronicle is to enlighten bandsmen of the younger generation regarding the birth, early struggles and subsequent progress of the North of Ireland Bands Association. It may also help to revive some half-forgetten memories of their elder brethern. By revealing to both young and old the progress achieved since those early days, they may acquire the necessary incentive to work for the upward and onward march of the Band Movement the writer will be well rewarded.
Prior to the year 1907 band contests were organised by one or two Brass and Brass and Reed Bands who also made themselve responsible for the organisation of Flute Band Contests; this though laudable in itself and unquestionably useful in results, was nevertheless bound to be regarded in time as work of supererogation.
The enevitable happened, for, on the 7th March 1907, a meeting, convened by Mr John Murdie, then, as now, one of Ulster's leading conductors, was held in the Mandeville bandroom, the outcome of which was the formation of an organisation styling itself the - "North of Ireland Flute Bands Assocation."
The first office-bearers appointed were: Chairman - Mr Robert Symington (Dundonald), Treas - Mr Wm Cunningham (Ulster Amateurs), Secy - Mr John Murdie (Argyle), Executive Committee - Messrs, James Boyle (Mandeville), George Whitley (Ulster Amateurs), J. Cunningham (St. Mary's), Thomas McMillen (Argyle), G. Simpson (Ravenhill), T. Sloan (Kitchener's Apprentice Boys) and J. Patton (14th Old Boys').
It was decided at the meeting to appoint a deputation to wait on Sir Charles Brett, then identified with the Belfast Philharmonic Soicety, who had been acclaimed by the new Association as the one person who possessed all the attributes which the President of a body such as had been formed should possess.
Sir Charles viewed the proposal with his usual characteristic prudence and expressed the desire to hear the bands perform before giving his decision. A rehearsal was arranged by Mandeville and St. Mary's bands who, at the time were the leading flute bands in Ulster. This took place in the Wellington Hall, secured for the occasion through the good offices of Mr Robert Symington. At the conclusion, Sir Charles was asked for his decision and he replied that he would be delighted to become President of the new Association.
The first important task to be undertaken by the Committee was to devise ways and means for persuading as many bands as possible to join the Association and after much hard work, a total of thirteen bands was registered, these being: Mandeville, St. Mary's, Ulster Amateurs, Argyle, Ravenhill Temperance, 14th Old Boys', Dundonald, St. Michael's, Wellington, St. Saviours, Kitchener's Apprentice Boys, Carrickfergus Amateurs and Victoria Temperance.
Not at all a bad start, but the Committee were not content to let the figure remain at thirteen, and other ideas for increasing the number of bands were soon forthcoming. Realising the power of publicity, they arranged a parade of all the band through the principal streets of Belfast for the 29th June 1907. This parade brought the Association into prominence with the public and created quite a favourable impression. On the 5th September 1907, the Association transferred their headquarters to more central premises in Crown Chambers, Royal Avenue, Belfast. It was about this time that Mr J. Cummingham (St. Mary's), the Treasurer resigned and Mr N. Cush was appointed as his successor.
The first contest under the auspices of the Association took place on the 27th March 1908, the adjudicator being Mr W. Rafter of Dublin. The test-pieces were: Senior Flute Bands - Section 1 - Selection "Madame Favart" (Offenbach). Section 2 - Selection "Popular Operas". Section 3 - March "Bellarado".
At the annual meeting of that year, Mr Robert Symington resigned the chairmanship of the Assocaiton, but, at the request of the delegates, accepted the duties of Hon. Secretary. Mr R White (Wellington) being appointed Chairman. Owing to the enforced absence of the chairman during 1908, the chair was occupied in turn by Messrs W. Gracey, Geo. Simpson, Rob Leggett, Geo. Whitley, Thomas McMillen, J. Laverty and Wm. Cunningham.