The first in the European series of the Indoor Music Games and SoundSport took place in Alexandra College, Dublin on Saturday February 27th. The Irish Winterguard Championships took place on the same day.
An opening ceremony took place with Irish Marching Bands Association (IMBA) chairperson Oisin Molloy welcoming everyone and reading a message from DCI Executive Director Daniel Acheson who had sent a note to the participants and organizers. Drum Corps Europe’s IMG and SoundSport coordinator Andy Hewlett officially opened the games along with two of the youngest performing members on the day.
There were eleven units in total taking part over the three competitions. The SoundSport category brought fantastic variety to the day. Celtic Crusaders Drumline opened with a Daft Punk themed performance, followed by Sheilaghs Ukelele School band and The Flukey Ukes who performed for the first time at an IMBA event. Tallaght Youth Band performed an indoor marching routine, while Knights Academy Brass performed a more loose big band style show, including Jessie J’s “Bang Bang” which received a great reception from the audience at the packed sports and theatre facility in Alexandra College.
Vikings Drum Corps, Inbhear Mor Performance ensemble and Blue Barons took part in the IMG Premier Class, while the Winterguard Championships saw performances from Celtic Crusaders Colourguard, Infinity and Winter Festival.
The IMBA council members also surprised the audience with a performance of Abba music. In their introduction it was noted that the performance was to mark the ethos of SoundSport and its open nature which allows for all skill levels and ensemble types.
Results:
SoundSport
Celtic Crusaders Drumline: Bronze
Sheilaghs Ukelele School Band: Silver
The Flukey Ukes: Bronze
Tallaght Youth Band: Silver
Knights Academy Brass: Silver
SoundSport Best of Show: Knights Academy Brass
Irish Winterguard Championships
1. Winter Festival (67.21)
2. Celtic Crusaders (46.01)
3. Infinity (45.58)
Indoor Music Games Premier Class
1. Blue Barons (70.05)
2. Inbhear Mor Performance Ensemble (61.45)
3. Vikings Drum Corps (57.55)