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.

Tomorrow - all welcome!Our Annual Mass for deceased members takes place next Sunday 9th November at 10am in St. James's Church, Dublin 8.All are welcome. ... See MoreSee Less
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Our Annual Mass for deceased members takes place next Sunday 9th November at 10am in St. James's Church, Dublin 8.All are welcome. ... See MoreSee Less
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✨Save the date✨ Our Lady of the Assumption Church Walkinstown Presents ✨Winter Concert Spectacular✨ with Mary Byrne, Saint James's Brass & Reed Band and St. Michael’s Reunion Choir!Come down for what should be a great evening of music! ... See MoreSee Less
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Congratulations Sandyford Youth Band and our St. James’s JD Academy Band for a fantastic joint performance last Sunday at Stepaside ETSS. We are so proud. We played some fantastic pieces that we have been working on, stay tuned for a snippet of these! 🎶🎷🎺🥁 ... See MoreSee Less
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Tomorrow, Sunday 7th September, our wonderful St James’s JD Academy band will be playing in Dún Laoghaire East Pier Bandstand from 2-3pm! Come down to hear some wonderful music, we can’t wait! 🎶🎺🥁 #BrassBand #dunlaoghairetown ... See MoreSee Less
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Fantastic day playing on the bandstand in Bray at the The Martello Summer Sounds. Thank you for having us! #brassband #summersounds ... See MoreSee Less
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