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.

  • Our JD Academy will play in The Square Shopping Centre on the 20th December at 7pm. All welcome.

    December 20th, 2024 | 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  • The band are delighted to perform at this year's St. Michael's Church Christmas Concert. Not to be missed. The evening promises to be packed full of talented local performers. All welcome.

    December 15th, 2024 | 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
  • Join the band as we perform our Christmas programme in Newbridge Shopping Centre from 11am on the 8th December. All welcome!

    December 8th, 2024 | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Social updates

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

6 days ago

Saint James's Brass & Reed Band
Looking forward to our next gig in St. Michael's Church, Inchicore.The fundraising concert features special guest Niamh Kavanagh and there will also be performances from St. Michael's Reunion Choir and Scoil Rince Ni Mhaolain.Tickets now on sale!#inchicore #stmichaels ... See MoreSee Less
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Happy 89th birthday to Bobby Whearity, a beloved member of St. James's Band 💙 ... See MoreSee Less
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🎵So so delighted for both our Senior band and our JD Academy band. What a day in Ardee taking part in the Irish Association of Brass and Concert Bands - IABCB National Band Championships!🎵We are so over the moon to get first place Concert band 2 in the Senior Band 🏆and 🎵JD Academy band got third place and most promising band! 🏆🎵Coming home with 3 trophy’s after months of hard work feels great! Thank you to our conductors in both bands, Kevin and Eva/Tina, and to all the organisers. A great day! ... See MoreSee Less
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A beautiful sunny day in Arbour Hill for the annual 1916 Commemoration. 🇮🇪#1916easterrising #stjameabrassandreedband ... See MoreSee Less
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We had a great time today at sectional rehearsals with some amazing tutors 🤩 Thank you to our wonderful conductor, Kevin, for organising. What a success! 🎶🎺🥁🎷 ... See MoreSee Less
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