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Kara mixing it with the wonderful André Rieu on stage!!

This right here! 🙌

Kara has been a bit of a regular in the spotlight, which is so richly deserved. Although we missed her for our gig at the Raphoe Ulster-Scot Heritage Day, we very much LOVED that she was mixing it with the wonderful André Rieu on stage in Glasgow and performing in front of 18,000 people across both nights!

Kara shared the below video after the Friday Night performance and was delighted to be able to showcase her talent as André asked for a mini display to see the current 2022 Senior World Champion in action.

Look at this, this is how displays are done on the World stage! WOW! 🎶🤩

Paula, Director of The Force said she was extremely proud of Kara and how she has embraced all these fantastic opportunities. 👏👏

#AndreRieu#Concert

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Photos from the Raphoe Ulster-Scots Heritage Day!!

Great pictures taken at Raphoe Ulster Scots Heritage Day.
Team on the day was:
Paula Braiden (Senior Drum Major)
Abigail Wenlock (Drum Major)
Kathy Hunter (Drum Major)
Lydia Todd (Drum Major)
Louise Smiton (Drum Major)
Alan McBride (Singer)
Oliver McIlwaine (Tenor Drummer)
Hannah Todd (Tenor Drummer)

Special Mention to Mervyn Catterson 📸

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Raphoe Ulster-Scots Heritage Day!!

What a wonderful day The Force had at the Raphoe Ulster-Scots Agency Heritage Festival. It’s always a pleasure to be invited to participate in events like this whereby we can celebrate our talents and bring on and inspire our youth. 🎶🤩

Today we were asked to showcase the display which we did recently at the Ballymoney Tattoo, whereby Alan McBride sang ‘Never Enough’ from The Greatest Showman and the Drum Majors did a contemporary display alongside our other routines to the Lincoln Hilton sets.

Paula, Kathy, Louise and Alan gave time to teach at the workshop, whereby youngsters from the audience came for a lesson on how to be a Drum Major. Both teachers and participants done a superb job 🤩🥰

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Raphoe Ulster-Scots Heritage Day Prep Work!!

Prep work is done and a few new faces to the team for this event. Welcome Louise Smiton, Drum Major, Hannah Todd, Tenor Drummer and welcome back Oliver Mcilwaine, Tenor Drummer.

We are looking forward to participating at the Raphoe Ulster-Scots Heritage Day Saturday 27th May 23. Looking forward to meeting up with a few of our Pipe Band friends also. 🎶🤩👌

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The Washington Tattoo Podcast!!

Exciting Announcement! Join our very own Paula Monahan (Nee Braiden) this Thursday on The Washington Tattoo’s YouTube Channel for an extraordinary episode of their podcast! https://bit.ly/TWT_Podcast

Get an insight into Paula’s success over her 25-year career prior to her natural progression on becoming an RSPBA Drum Major Adjudicator.

Mark your calendars, set your reminders, and make sure you’re subscribed to The Washington Tattoo’s YouTube Channel. You definitely don’t want to miss this episode

#TheWashingtonTattoo#Podcast#SpecialGuestAlert#DrumMajorExcellence#MusicalInspiration#TalentSpotlight#DanielleGuzmanVibes#JoinUs#MusicLovers#SubscribeNow#WeThePeople

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The Force Represented at The Victoria Highland Games!!

The Force are super proud!! 🎶🤩

One of the elite members went to Victoria Highland Games and enjoyed her experience with her fellow competitors.

Kara Gilmour is currently on her way home after a fun filled, and successful trip! Here is what she had to say:

“I was invited to compete at the 160th Victoria Highland Games in Canada. It was an amazing weekend with great company! The Highland Games took place on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st of May, where I placed first on both days and won the aggregate drum major winner. It was a fantastic experience and I hope to be back again soon!”

Our congratulations to our very modest team member Kara, well done!! 👏👏

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The Washington Tattoo Podcast!!

Exciting Announcement!!

Join us Thursday the 25th of May on The Washington Tattoo’s YouTube Channel for an extraordinary episode! We are thrilled to have our very own Paula Monahan (Nee Braiden) as their special guest, so tune in! https://www.youtube.com/@thewashingtontattoo1574

In this exclusive podcast episode, Paula will share her experiences, insights and valuable knowledge about the art of Drum Majoring. She will delve into her journey, recounting the challenges she faced and the triumphs she celebrated along the way. Prepare to be inspired by her dedication, passion and unwavering pursuit of excellence!

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from one of the finest Drum Majors in history. Mark your calendars for Thursday 25th May and set a reminder to tune in to The Washington Tattoo’s YouTube Channel. Get ready for an engaging discussion and a chance to hear first hand from a living legend in the World of Drum Majoring!

Stay tuned for more updates and behind-the-scenes snippets as we build up to this amazing podcast episode with The Force’s very own Paula Monahan (Nee Braiden). Make sure to spread the word and share this announcement with your fellow music enthusiasts!

#TheWashingtonTattooPodcast#DrumMajoring#PaulaBraiden/PaulaMonahan#MusicLegends#Inspiration#TuneInThursday#MustWatch#WeThePeople

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The Washington Tattoo Podcast!!
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King Charles III Coronation 👑

Both The Force teams at Magherafelt and Tobermore venues thoroughly enjoyed performing to celebrate King Charles III Coronation. We stayed local and have been very grateful for the feedback, compliments and recognition we have received. 🤩

We would like to thank Tobermore Community Projects for their hospitality today in Tobermore for a fantastic day from start to finish. The Force put on their full show in “Flash Mob” style with Alan McBride singing Amazing Grace accompanied by Kathy Hunter on Flute.

Followed then was the Display Team of Champion Drum Majors (Abigail Wenlock, Lydia Todd, Kathy Hunter and Paula Braiden) showing off their specially choreographed pieces, the Coronation Anthem and Vow Thee My Country Remix, with the addition of our appointed Tenor Drummer for the occasion Oliver McIlwaine. The set was finished off with Craig Monahan finishing the entire set on pipes.

At this event we had the privilege to perform alongside Queen Elizabeth Pipe Band and meet other wonderful acts, Sollus Highland Dancers (Magherafelt) and Kilcronaghan Line Dancers.

Above is a few snaps from the dayand videos to follow.
Enjoy 👑🎵🎶🎵🤩