Down Academy

The story, so far…,

Initially the program was set up to allow young people to be fed into local bands, supporting those bodies to attend festivals, parades or competitions, but as the school tuition programme and numbers increased and with feedback and suggestions from the young people and their families the next logical step to ensure continuity was to bring the young people from all the schools together to form a cross-community pipe band aimed specifically at young people.

In September 2018 Barney and William invited parents of the young people to attend a meeting with the sole item on the agenda of forming a band. Following introductions the tutors explained their backgrounds, current and future goals and targets, explained the competition gradings and the ongoing teaching programme within the local schools which would fed this band. All parents were very supportive and office bearers, committee, a safeguarding policy and a Constitution all agreed. In conclusion several names of this band where suggested before agreeing on Down Academy Pipes and Drums. The band wears the County Down tartan.