20th June 2005

Cathedral Set To Explode In Evening Of Brassy Fireworks

On Wednesday 13 July, the roof of Lichfield Cathedral is set to be raised by a Bollywood Brass Extravaganza as part of the Lichfield Festival. British and Indian musical cultures come together when the hot horn section and funky drummers of the astounding Bollywood Brass Band get a full brass backing from current British Open champions Foden's Richard Band, one of England's best-known brass bands more...

29th May 2005

All England Masters International Championship 2005

Results:

1. Scottish Co-op, Nicholas Childs, 15
2. Buy As You View, Robert Childs, 3
3. Foden's Richardson, Garry Cutt, 13
4. Kirkintilloch, Steve Bastable, 8
5. Sellers International, Phillip McCann, 6
6. Reg Vardy, Ray Farr, 11
7. Rothwell Temperance, David Roberts, 2
8. Hepworth (Persimmon Homes), Mark Bentham, 1
9. Brass Band Willebroek, Frans Violet, 4
10. Redbridge Brass, Melvyn White, 12
11. Aveley & Newham, Nigel Taken, 10
12. Flowers, Philip Harper, 18
13. SWT Woodfalls, Frank Renton, 14
14. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery, Brian Grant, 16
15. Tredegar Town, Michael Fowles, 7
16. BTM, John Berryman, 9
17. Travelsphere Holidays, David Stowell, 5
18. 1st Old Boys Association Silver, Stephen Cairns, 17
Ransome, Russell Gray, withdrawn

Test Piece: Cloudcatcher Fells, John McCabe

Adjudicators: John Miller, David Read, William Relton

22nd May 2005

Whit Friday 2005 Results

Fodens take the Tameside overall title with six wins and also run up two wins in Saddleworth at this years Whit Friday March Contests.

More detailed information can be found at 4barsrest & whitfriday.brassbands.saddleworth.org

13th March 2005

North West Area 2005 - Results

Foden's Richardson were placed 3rd at this years North West Area Contest. Congratulations go to Leyland and Fairey (FP) Music who will be representing the North West Area at the National Finals in October later this year.

Test Piece: Overture to Rienzi - Wagner

1. Leyland - R. Gray, 6, 195
2. Fairey (FP) Music - Major P. Parkes, 9, 194
3. Foden's Richardson - G. Cutt, 2, 193
4. Wingates - P. McCann, 3, 191
5. BT - M. Fowles, 8, 189
6. Dobcross Silver - D. Hadfield, 7, 188
7. Pemberton Old Wigan JJB - M. Peacock, 11, 186
8. Longridge - S. Booth, 12, 185
9. Besses o' th' Barn - J. Cant, 1, 184
9. United Co-op (Crewe) - J. Sparkes, 4, 184
11. Haydock - L. Nicholson, 10, 182
12. Mossley - M. Evans, 5, 181

Adjudicator: Geoffrey Whitham

11th March 2005

Training Day with Stockport Schools' Brass Band

Two weeks ago seven members of the Foden's Richardson Band conducted a Coaching Day for Stockport Schools' Intermediate and Senior Brass Band. Coaches and band members worked extremely hard from 09:30 to 16:00. The Intermediate Band and Senior Band alternated between sectionals with Fodens and full band rehearsals. Stockport Schools' Brass Band had a very informative but enjoyable day and everyone involved learnt a lot. At the final rehearsal of the day the results of the day were obvious. The approach of Fodens band members was well received by all at Stockport Schools Band and they all felt they had greatly benefited from the day.

The coaches for the day were Bass – Toby Hobson; Euphoniums and Baritones – Glyn Williams; Horns – Martin Armstrong; Trombones – John Barber; Cornets – Mark Wilkinson; Flugels – Helen Fox.

Jane Simpson
Administrator
Stockport Schools' Brass Band

22nd February 2005

Patrons Concert February 2005

This years Patrons Concert was held in February as usual at Sandbach School and was conducted by Derek Broadbent, who has been working with the Band recently on the series of concerts with The Opera Babes.

During a programme of light entertaining music that featured some of the band's fine soloists, the annual awards to players were made.

Player of the Year was awarded to Principal Cornet Mark Wilkinson for his consistency throughout the contesting year and for his outstanding contribution to Fodens historic win at the 2004 British Open Championships.

Bandsman of the Year was a closely run contest between solo EEb Bass player Phil Green who regularly travels hundreds of miles to be at rehearsals and concerts with the band, and the eventual winner, Mark Wilkinson, who inputs hours of time and effort to ensure the smooth running of the band.

Fodens Band would like to thank the Patrons for their continued support.

22nd February 2005

Fodens in Armagh - 4th to 6th February 2005

Fodens Band have returned from yet another successful trip to Armagh, Northern Ireland.

It was a very busy weekend for the band, starting early on Friday morning when a small group of players flew out to Belfast International Airport on the 7am flight from Liverpool to fit in a workshop/presentation to local primary school children at The Armstrong School in Armagh. The group played some ensemble pieces, demonstrated
instruments and answered questions from the children. Some of the children had brought instruments with them and joined in the final march with the Fodens players.

Friday evening was the first full concert of the weekend given at The Market Place theatre and it was Fodens chance to introduce their guest conductor for the weekend, Richard Evans. The music for the weekend was well received and included march The Champions (naturally!), The Corsair, Shine as the Light, Kingdom Triumphant, Blue Rondo a la Turk, music from Harry Potter plus solos from Mark Wilkinson, Alan Wycherley, Helen Fox, Martin Armstrong, John Barber, Glyn Williams and Mark Landon.

Saturday too was a full day. In the morning the annual workshop was held for local bands people of all ages, who had the opportunity to sit alongside Fodens players for a rehearsal.

After a civic reception by the Mayor of Armagh for the British Open Champions, Fodens Band gave a matinee concert featuring ten of the talented young brass musicians from Northern Ireland. Each young person had the chance to play a solo accompanied by Fodens Band - and they were fantastic! What a super idea from concert organiser Ivor Stephenson. The soloists were thrilled to be playing with Fodens, and in turn, Fodens were impressed with their playing. WELL DONE!

Saturday evening's concert was again to a packed house and was followed by an opportunity to meet and mix with the audience back at Armagh 1st Old Boys Bandroom.

A rather bleary-eyed Band returned home on Sunday morning after a busy but rewarding weekend of music making (& socialising!)

Fodens thanks go once again to Ivor and his team for their outstanding hospitality.

Helen Fox