The Templeogue College Wind Band programme was established in 1972 by the headmaster, the Rev. Michael McCarthy CSSp. The band’s first ever performance was in January 1974 in Colaiste Mhuire in Dublin’s city centre. The small ensemble comprised of four students. At present the Wind Ensemble programme has over 140 members from first to sixth year. They all receive weekly instrumental tuition on their instrument and perform in different ensembles based on age and standard.
The Beginner band is primarily made up of first and second year students who are in their first year of studying an instrument. The band meets after school on a Friday in the Music room and aims to develop a passion for playing in a musical ensemble in a relaxed and social atmosphere. The Junior Band is made up of second and third year students who have been playing an instrument for one or two years. Here the students develop their musical skills even further and move on to playing more challenging repertoire mixing rock, pop, and classical music.
The Senior Band consists of the most advanced members of the Wind Ensemble programme. The students in the senior band see their musical skills honed and are trained in performing on their instrument to the highest level. Some of the students also take part in a separate Jazz ensemble where they play a mixture of traditional jazz pieces and modern arrangements.
The band has a long history of touring with successful tours taking place across the globe, including the USA, Canada, Finland, The Netherlands and Spain. The band is recognised as an integral part of the College fabric. Many Templeogue College students who have taken part in the programme during its long history have gone on to perform in ensembles such as the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble and the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland.