.png)
The History Behind C.W.A. Brass
Carrickfergus Amatuer Flute Band was formed in the early 1900's, quickly rising to fame and winning the Bass Drum and Mace Pole in competitions around 1906. By early 1960 the flute band changed to a military band but this did not last too long before changing again to a brass band in 1962. The Band then became known as Carrickfergus Amatuer Band in 1985 and were then known as the Carrick Whitehouse Silver Band (C.W.S.) The Band was in the 2nd section and won numerous contests including the NIBA and Brass Band League contests and various other entertainment contests throughout Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Agnes Street Silver Band which was formed in 1935, then amalgamated with C.W.S. Band in 1994 and became known as C.W.A. Brass. It was around this time that the band moved up into the Senior section.
Ashgrove Brass Band was founded in Ashgrove Primary School in 1979. It started life as a primary school band comprised of students and close family. From humble beginnings it quickly grew from strength to strength and began to compete in the unaffiliated section of local competitions. Blood, sweat, tears and shear determination pushed the band up through the various ranks to the highlight of their career so far when they entered the senior championship section and were beaten by only one point playing Year of the Dragon.
Amalgamation of bands has been quite common over the last few years and Ashgrove is just one in a long list of many. Oldpark Silver Band and Ashgrove Brass Band amalgamated in 2000 and became known as Ashgrove Brass Band (incorporating Oldpark Silver Band). Oldpark Silver Band was originally a Senior Flute Band formed in the 1920's. It changed to Brass in 1952 after a heated meeting in the band room in Avoca Street (off Clifton park avenue). The changeover went ahead as it was believed players would gain a better knowledge of music playing brass instruments.
