Fodens Band has appointed Andy Scott as its first Composer-in-Residence. Sandbach-based Composer & Saxophonist Andy is a well established and respected figure in the UK music scene, becoming increasingly well-known for his individual compositional style, which has recently been recognised with a prestigious British Composer Award.

Andy is a self-taught composer, learning his trade via his vast and varied performing experience. His musical versatility, understanding and appreciation of different styles of music has resulted in a busy schedule of upcoming commissions from soloists and ensembles.

Of his appointment at Fodens, Andy said “It is a great honour to be offered the position of Composer-in-Residence with the world famous Fodens Band. It is a pleasure working with Bramwell Tovey, Gary Cutt & all the wonderful musicians that are Fodens. I’d like to thank the band for making me feel so welcome, and I look forward to writing more works for the band!”

In January 2008 Les Neish & Fodens Band, conducted by Gary Cutt, gave the World Premiere performance of Andys first composition for Fodens, ‘Salt of the Earth’, a 15-minute Concerto for Tuba & Band, at the Royal Northern College of Music Festival of Brass. Les commissioned Andy to write this piece with financial support from the Worshipful Company of Musicians & BBC Fame Academy. Les had previously been involved in commissioning Andy (with tuba quartet Tubalate) to write ‘Bite the Bullet’ & had also played his Solo Tuba work ‘Going Down’ (commissioned by James Gourlay). Bramwell Tovey recently programmed and conducted ‘Salt of the Earth’ in the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Summer Concerts 2008, with Les as soloist.

‘Salt of the Earth’, ‘Bite the Bullet’ & ‘Going Down’ will feature on a collaborative Tuba recording in 2009 featuring the compositions of Andy Scott  & Barbara Thompson, and the playing of Les Neish & James Gourlay, Fodens Band and Tubalate.

Click here to listen to 3 samples from 'Salt of the Earth'
(opens in new window)

Since March 2008 discussions have been on going between Andy & Fodens Band, planning and structuring a timetable of commissions. The next 15-minute Band work will be premiered at the RNCM Festival of Brass in January 2009.

Andy Scott said, “In addition to more substantial Band works, a number of shorter pieces will be composed, featuring Fodens Principal players. A fine music arranger and friend of mine, Jim Fieldhouse (Solo Euphonium of Hepworth Band), will also be arranging a number of my compositions specifically for Brass Band”. All this means that a debut CD of works from Fodens Band’s Composer-in-Residence is planned for March 2010.

Glyn Williams, Principal Euphonium, Fodens Band said "We are looking forward to working alongside Andy and are really excited at the prospect of playing some new music and pushing the boundaries of what the band can offer to our listeners. Andy is an excellent musician and members of the band will benefit immensely from what will be a magnificent partnership"

Special composing/arranging projects are running in tandem with Andy’s official role as Composer-in-Residence. The first project is entitled ‘The Wonder of Fodens’ and features Andy’s arrangements of works by the legendary singer/songwriter Stevie Wonder. In September Fodens recorded a demo CD, being joined by vocalists and a fine rhythm section.

Listen to excerpts from ‘Another Star’ (featuring Paul Bentley & Johnny Heyes with Fodens) and ‘All in Love is Fair’ (featuring John Barber).

Click here to listen to 2 samples from 'The Wonder of Fodens'
(opens in new window)

Biography
Click here to view Andy Scott's Biography.