Alumni Testimonials

Niall O’Sullivan | Recording Artist International Performing Artist, performs exclusively on Schilke Trumpets, Chicago

Joining the Artane Band at the age of 8 was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It gave me an incredible foundation in trumpet playing and also in the music industry. It was the beginning of my now full time career that sees me perform all over the world in many different situations. Whether it is orchestral trumpet playing, solo concerts, recording or performing with some of the biggest names in the industry, the skills learned at Artane have stayed with me and I apply them everyday.

As well as the education the band provided, it was an incredibly fun time. I have many happy memories and lifelong friends from my time at Artane.

Niall Harvey | Irish Defence Forces Band/Conductor

Niall began his musical career in the Artane School of Music in the summer of 1996, playing Trumpet under the tutelage of Liam Palmer. At the age of 10 he began his studies in Trombone under Sean Fleming of the RTE National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland. The next 8 years of Niall’s life were spent performing at engagements both at home and abroad. The school of music opened many doors to Niall and this allowed him to gain the invaluable skills and confidence required to pursue a career in music.

At present Niall plays 1st Trombone in the Army No. 1 band, a position which he has held for the last seven years. Niall is also entering his final year of the BMus course at the Dublin Institute of Technology. Niall has also been awarded the opportunity to perform with some internationally famed musicians such as Andrea Bocielli, Tom Jones, The Pogues, Gilbert O’ Sullivan and Michael Bublé to name but a few. Niall also leads an active freelance career, most recently performing the world premier of Neill Martin’s “Sweeney” with the RTE Concert Orchestra.

Niall is also currently embarking upon a career as a conductor. He began this by returning to the Artane School of Music to seek mentoring from Ronan O’ Reilly. In the Summer of 2017, Niall was named Conductor of the Knocklyon Concert Band.

Hollywood Director Gary Shore

Gary Shore | Hollywood Director

My formative years in the Artane School of Music was the greatest creative endeavor of my life, and all before I turned 16! Music as a storytelling tool makes up 50% of what I do on a daily basis and I can’t imagine where I’d be had I not those years to learn about craft, dedication and commitment from a handful of masters. I am forever indebted to the school for making me the filmmaker I am today, and hopefully will be tomorrow.

See Gary on IMDB

Liam Day | Captain, Irish and Australian Defence Forces Bands

Captain Liam Day

This Band, The Artane Band, I would listen to as a child, as their magical sounds wafted across our housing estate as they rehearsed for Croke Park. I want to join This Band I said to Frank Duff as we played football on the street. We did join This Band. This Band gave more than could ever have been imagined. This Band gave me a wonderful musical education. This Band gave me more opportunities to travel, play and meet so many people across Ireland and abroad. This Band nurtured a great sense of pride for the community of Artane. This Band gave me long life friends. This Band gave me a love of music that was the foundation of my musical career conducting both Irish and Australian Army Bands and countless community bands across this land. I want to thank This Band, and all involved in it past and present for presenting me an amazing musical journey that I still travel today. Thank you Artane.

Rónán Ó’Braonáin | Senior Engineer of Future Projects at Apple

A few words cannot do justice to what “The Band” did for my personal development as a young teenager. The memories, the experiences, the education, and the lifelong friendships: all of these shaped who I am today and will remain with me for life. What an incredible organisation. Thank you, Artane.

Sergeant Niall Phelan |An Garda Siochana

I am proud to have been a member of the Artane Boys Band 1986-1997, an association I continued into adulthood as a member of the Artane Senior Band and a former member of the Board of Management of the Artane School of Music.

My childhood in Artane was a happy one, I share many positive stories, memories and was blessed to have been afforded many great opportunities through my membership of the Band. I made many life long friends who I count among my closest and most trusted confidants.

Artane gave me tremendous grounding in life and instilled within me a strong sense of character, discipline, comradeship and leadership, as well as a deep appreciation and love of music and musicianship.

I owe Artane and people like the late, great, Mr. Joe Lynch, a strong debt of gratitude for helping to build the foundation for the person I am today.

Thank you Artane.