The Hounds of Ulster are a flute music group based in Whiteabbey, County Antrim, playing a
mixture of traditional Irish, Scottish and Ulster-Scots tunes on both the Concert and wooden Bb
and F flutes. The Hounds of Ulster seek to open traditional music from the United Kingdom and
Ireland to all people. Participation is open to all musicians of any background. Many of its
members have played in other orchestras, accordion, flute and pipe bands, throughout Northern
Ireland and beyond, and have decided the next logical step in their musical development is
through an Ulster-Scots interpretation of traditional Irish music.
As a symbolic representation of musical potential and development, progress and change, The
Hounds of Ulster group demonstrate how music from the United Kingdom and Ireland is open to
diversity, whilst maintaining the unique qualities that are inherent in the various styles. These
musicians show how anybody from any background, can listen to, perform and enjoy the
Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland’s music without fear of political or divisive
connotations. With the percussion line using both high and low tension snare drums, bodhrán,
bongos, congas, Djembe, rope drums, tenor drums, bass drums and various ‘pit percussion’
instruments to accompany the melody and harmony section, the percussionists that comprise the
line are some of the foremost drummers in Ireland, both north and south The melody and
harmony section, comprised of the most experienced flautists in Northern Ireland, pushes the
limits of flute music in the North of Ireland to boundaries never before imagined.
The leading musicians of the group have worked with bands in Northern Ireland for over 25
years. Together the work of the melody and harmony section and the percussion line aims to
raise the standard amongst music groups in Northern Ireland, to encourage participants to enjoy
the music for its aesthetic and inclusive qualities, and eradicate the potential for political and
antagonistic features to develop within the framework of musical performance. The ethos of
inclusive participation is maintained unanimously across the group’s membership, with the
standard line “music unites”. The music performed by The Hounds of Ulster is never aimed for
one particular group of people, but for all persons to enjoy regardless of national, religious,
social, class or ethnic identity
Raymond Patrick Casserly
September 2010
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