The Youth Band has been in existence for some time in the division although it wasn’t until 1983, when Billy Hastings (Belfast Temple) introduced monthly rehearsals and started to accept regular engagements for the group that it really took off. The highlight of Billy’s reign was undoubtedly the visit to London, during which the band had the privilege of playing during the half time interval at Highbury (Arsenal) football stadium.
In the mid eighties, Jack Burch (Belfast Temple) took leadership of the band for a short time until David Catherwood (Belfast Temple) commenced his tenure with the band in 1989. David resigned his position after a very successful period for the band, which included a thrilling weekend in Southport and finished playing in front of a packed Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow at the Scottish Congress.
In 1993, Keith Hillier (Bangor) took on responsibility of the band. This was the first real transitional period for the band as the membership had been constant until this time, although towards the end of Keith’s time as bandleader, the band visited Port Glasgow corps for a weekend.
Alan Corry (Belfast Temple) was appointed leader in 1996, continuing the work that has been started by Keith. This proved to be a highly successful time for the band, culminating in a very rewarding 8 day tour of the Norway West Division in August 1999.
Ian McIlwrath (Belfast Sydenham) was appointed leader in early 2000 at a somewhat difficult time of transition for the band, a position he would hold for 6 years. Many changes in personnel took place over this period and an entire new leadership team was put in place to help build a stable band for the years to come. During this time, the band would conduct a successful trip to Ayr, Scotland and was very active within the Ireland division, taking in part at many divisional events.
In October 2006, the current leader John Murdock (Belfast Temple) took responsibility for the band and this has led to the band growing in stature and quality over a relatively short period of time. The band have already received plaudits in this period and in particular, relating to the band’s contribution during the production of the Ireland Divisional Youth Chorus production of “The Case for Christ”. In January of this year the band lead worship over a weekend at Edinburgh City Corps.