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.

We'd like to say a huge thank you to the Regan Family who donated Joe's Euphonium to the Band.He would love that it is still being played and it will be very much treasured ❤️🎶 ... See MoreSee Less
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Today, we remembered all members of the Band who have passed away, especially Tom Tyrrell and Joe Regan, who sadly died in the last 12 months. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha ❤️Thank you to everyone who joined us this morning. ... See MoreSee Less
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Join us on Sunday to remember the deceased members of the St. James's Brass and Reed Band.Mass is at 10am in the St. James's Church and all are welcome 🕯🎼 ... See MoreSee Less
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We're looking for brass, wind and percussion players to join our band! If you or someone you know play to a Grade 5 standard, please get in touch! 🎼🎵Please share our poster! ... See MoreSee Less
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The Annual Mass for deceased members of the St. James's Brass and Reed Band will be taking place on Sunday, 10th November, at 10am in St. James's Church. All are welcome 🕯 ... See MoreSee Less
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The Band participated in the commemoration of Wolfe Tone in Bodenstown Cementary this morning!What a happy bunch! ... See MoreSee Less
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