2011 IMBA Championships Report

On Saturday 10th September 2011, eight bands from across Ireland ascended on Tallaght Municipal Stadium in Dublin for the 2011 IMBA Championships. Following a season of three well attended successful IMBA shows, this years finals was set to be a great event.

A report by Oisin Molloy

The show commenced at 5pm with the Junior Class Competition. Ireland's newest marching group Athlone Town Youth Marching Band got proceeding underway as they opened the evening's entertainment with their very entertaining performance which featured a selection of Irish Folk songs and Ballads. This group have done very well this year, fielding a sizeable band in their first few months.

Next up the Tallaght Youth Band Cadets gave a superb display with their show 'Mary Poppins'. This young group have made huge improvements through the 2011 season and show great prospects for the future. A very well designed show for the junior class and performed extremely well, much to the audiences delight.

The final slot in the Junior Class belonged to the Ravens Marching Showband from Athlone. As reigning Champions, the Ravens knew they had to deliver a great performance to retain their title. And a great performance it was, performing their 2011 show 'We Will Rock You', the Ravens took the audience back in time to the fantastic rock era of Queen. A very well executed show by this young group who have grown from strength to strength. The season does not end here for Ravens as they will be participating at the DCE Championships in Kerkrade later this month.

The Premier Class opened at 5.50pm with Inbhear Mór Marchers taking to the field with their 2011 show entitled 'Childsplay'. Some inventive playground scenes and the final hit of Over the Rainbow were among the highlights of this show. The Arklow group gave a strong performance in their 1st year using Drum Corps instrumentation.

Tallaght Festival Band were second to the field in the Premier Class. This year's show which opened with the whole band lying on the field told the story of a childs Dream sequence. A beautiful rendition of the Edward Scissorhands theme was one of many strong features in this show. TFB also acted as co hosts to this event.

Tallaght Youth Band were next to the field for a superb performance of their show 'Miss Saigon'. A very strong musical & visual performance excited the home crowd at Tallaght Stadium. The war scene at the end of the show had brilliant effect and received a standing ovation from the crowd. The Tallaght Youth Band were also co hosts of this event.

Clondalkin Youth Band were next to the field with their show 'Cirque du Soleil'. CYB are one of Irelands largest marching units with over 100 members. This years show featured some brilliant musical numbers from the Cirque show complimented by lots of colour and acrobatic style visuals. A very exciting show to watch and it was clear at this point that the competition would be close among the top three.

The final performance of the evening was from the reigning Irish Champions �?? Clonmel BlueHawks. As usual every one now expects a fantastic performance from the Co.Tipperary based band. And in true Bluehawks style they delivered a very confident performance of their production 'Out of the Blue'. With some impressive visual effects from the guard and costume changes by the whole band throughout the show, this years Bluehawks performance was both intriguing and exciting to watch.

Following very strong performances throughout the evening, there were no foregone conclusions in the stadium and the question remained 'Who will be this years Irish Champions?' All eight bands returned to the field for the awards ceremony. There was expectation, excitement, tension and yet a fun atmosphere on the field as almost 500 of Irelands talented young performers assembled together for the awards ceremony. The results can be found at www.irishmarchingbands.org.

Congratulations to the 2011 Champions in both divisions and a huge thanks to all bands who worked so hard to make the 2011 season a big success. The IMBA would also like to express thanks to the hosts of Beat 24 for a job well done. Extended thanks to all hosts throughout the season and again a huge thanks to all of our members for your continued support of the activity in Ireland.
Here's to 2012!

Oisin