Made to Parade

Season 5 of the podcast isn't far away - this preview bonus episode provides an update on what bands will be featured on the podcast as well as a catch up with Pride of the Myle, Glasgow, who made their comeback after 30 years away from the scene.

The final episode of season 4 is a bonus episode and we are in conversation wit author Gareth Mulvenna about his book, Tartan Gangs and paramilitaries - The Loyalist Backlash.

The final episode of Season 4 finds us in conversation with three members of Portadown Defenders Flute Band. The band are celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year.

Episode 9 finds us in conversation with Basel based drummer - Florian Hediger who for a number of years was a member of the world famous performance drum line, Top Secret Drum Corps. We delve into how Florian got interested in drumming and the unique experience that is in Basel, leading up to Florian becoming a member of Top Secret.

Episode 8 finds us in conversation with 2 members of Middlesex County Volunteers, a fife and drum corps from the USA. Bonnie and Andrea have been with MCV for over 30 years and have a wealth of experience to share. It was great to connect with members of this band, as I have admired them so much over the years.

Episode 7 finds us in conversation with Ian Marshall from Govan Protestant Boys FB, Glasgow. A great conversation with a dedicated bandsman of 40 years. Ian shares about his early experiences with the band and how things have changed over time. Another great conversation highlighting the positive benefits of being a member of a marching band. Made to Parade is sponsored by British Drum Co.

Episode 6 finds us in conversation with Graham Kernohan from Canadian flute band, Cambridge Crown Defenders. It was great to chat with Graham and hear all about his story and get an insight into the band scene in Canada.

Episode 5 finds us in conversation with members of the Cowan Memorial Flute band from Sion Mills, celebrating their 125th Anniversary this year we get the low down on their history and current set up. A great conversation with great bandsmen.

The first bonus episode of the Season was recorded live at a cultural event on the Shankill Road on the day of the Whiterock Parade. This episode features a range of instrumentalist from across the band scene, we have fifers, lambeg drummers, accordion players, a piper and even a singer/songwriter sharing their stories and their talents with us, I hope you enjoy this episode.

Episode 4 finds us in conversation with Jim Clark and members of the Connecticut Valley Field Music Fife and Drum Corps from the USA. CVFM are an amazing outfit playing outstanding arrangements, this conversation takes you deep into their core and what makes them tick. There is something for everyone on this episode. Made to Parade is sponsored by the British Drum Co.

Episode 3 finds us in conversation with Billy from Cloughfern Young Conquerors Flute Band, Sharing more positive stories that come from marching band membership in Northern Ireland. This episode also share a bit about another project Made to Parade was involved in called "Marching Metal" - Made to Parade is sponsored by the British Drum Co.

Episode 2 of our new season finds us in conversation with Peter Dempster from the Gertrude Star. Peter play bass drum but has a long history of playing flute and drum as well with 2 other bands. Another great story from a bands man who is most definitely made to parade. Made to Parade is sponsored by the British Drum Co.

Welcome to a brand new season of Made to Parade - the podcast that brings you positive stories from the marching band scene in the UK and the rest of the world. Season 4 kicks off with John Carmichael from Bridgeton Loyalist Flute Band. John is an experienced bandsman with a story or two to tell! This new season is sponsored by the British Drum Company.

The Whole Shebang is were we talk about everything and anything that is of interest to the panel and also to discuss some of the hot subjects of the time - we are joined on the episode by our co-host Mo Brown, Brian Higginson, Wullie Urban & Tony Taylor. The chat hits amongst other things, bands, poppies, Brexit and the NI Protocol.

Episode 9 finds us in conversation with Diana Culbertson from Dunloy accordion band, sharing about how she got involved with the band scene, what it means to her and the positive experiences she has had.

Episode 8 finds us in conversation with a founder member of Ballyhalbert Followers of Rangers FB, Jackie Thompson. Jackie has a long history with the band scene and is currently a member of Donaghadee Fife and Drum Club, If you like hearing about history, then you need to check this episode out.

Episode 7 finds us in conversation with Kenny & Amanda Porter + David Montgomery from Omagh Protestant Boys FB, looking at their history and how the band has sought to promote the positives of band culture.

This weeks episode see's us returning to the US to catch up with another member of the famous US Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. Sgt Major Billy White is an extraordinary fifer and has been a part of the fife and drum scene for well over 30 years. He shares his Made to Parade story with us.

Our first bonus episode of the season is a very important one, focussing on the issue of mental health, and how important it is that we look after it and know where to get help when we need it. We talk to Samantha Evans from Emerge Counselling Services about her role as a counsellor and how we can help ourselves and others look after their mental health.

Episode 5 finds us in conversation with Nigel Edgar, conductor for Pride of Ballinran FB based in Kilkeel. Nigel talks about his made to parade story and how he got involved in bands and the role they play in his life today.

Episode 4 finds us in conversation with Steven Walsh who was behind the formation of the Six Counties Protestant Boys Flute Band. We also feature John Gamble in a new podcast segment called "Shelf Life" reviewing books of interest to the scene.

Episode 3 finds us in conversation with Keith Anderson, a drummer with South Fermanagh Loyalists FB. Keith has a very interesting story and has been a great support of the Made to Parade book and podcast, we are very happy to share Keith's Made to Parade story with you.

Episode 2 finds us in conversation with Frank Portinari from the British Ulster Alliance Flute Band based in England, Frank shares the rationale behind forming the band and the work they do to keep the band going.

Our brand new season gets underway with Laurie Johnston sharing his Made to Parade story. Laurie is a well known figure in the band scene, from composing, arranging, conducting and recording bands all across the UK and beyond.

The final episode of Season 2 and what a great conversation to end on, a real insight into how being a member of a band can influence life choices and decisions. Stu share his story and how bands have played their part in his life.