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 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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Happy St Patrick’s Day from St James’s Brass and Reed band Lucan St Patricks Day Parade 🎺🎷🥁🍀🇮🇪 ... See MoreSee Less
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We are playing in Lucan before the parade at 2pm! Come down for some music to celebrate St Patrick’s Day! 🇮🇪🍀🎶 Music in the Village 🎶☘️ St. James Brass & Reed Band. One of the highlights of the Lucan St. Patrick’s Day Parade each year is the wonderful music from the Saint James’s Brass & Reed Band. 🎺🥁Established in the 1800s — over 200 years ago — the band has played at many significant moments in Irish history, including leading the funeral procession of Michael Collins to Glasnevin Cemetery and performing Amhrán na bhFiann live in the early years of the State. 🇮🇪They will be performing in Lucan Village from 2PM, helping to build the atmosphere ahead of the 3PM parade start. Always a fantastic part of the day and not to be missed! 🎵🇮🇪#LucanParade #StPatricksDay #LucanVillage #LucanConcertBand #Lucan @liffeychampion @echonewspaper @thisislucan @lovindublin @dublintown_ @visitdublin @stjamesbandirl SDCC ... See MoreSee Less
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See you this Sunday 14th Dec for our Christmas Carols Concert at St Michael’s Church, Inchicore. Four excellent, and very different choirs, a few tunes from us and an excellent raffle! Maybe even a special guest….🎅🏼……..🎟️🎤🎶🎺 🎄 ... See MoreSee Less
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