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| You are in: about us > news: July to December 2005 | ||||||||||||||||||
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31st December 2005 Charity Concert in aid of the "Anthony Nolan Trust"Players from Fodens brass band joined an all star band consisting of star players from YBS, Brighouse and Rastrick, British Telecom, Faireys and Glossop for a charity concert in aid of the "Anthony Nolan Trust" which was held at the Glossop band club on the 30th December 2005. The concert featured soloists Mark Wilkinson (cornet), Helen Fox (flugel horn), Glyn Williams (euphonium) and George Thackray (horn) from Fodens and Nigel Fielding (soprano) from Brighouse and Rastrick. The concert was conducted by Gary Cutt. 18th December 2005 2005 In Review
30th November 2005 Foxy's Swiss PostcardFodens Band flew from Liverpool John Lennon Airport at mid-day on Friday 11th of November in to Basel, Switzerland for a three concert tour. Once in Switzerland we had a four-hour coach journey which took us into the Valais Region and to our Hotel in Conthey. After a quick shower and a change into uniforms we moved to Sion, only 10 minutes by coach away, for the first concert. It had been a long day travelling already, but the concert wasn't due to start until 8:45pm! Despite the fatigue, the band gave the concert everything and was rewarded with a standing ovation-well after midnight. I couldn't help smiling at the thought that if this concert had been in the U.K, half the audience would of got up to leave at about 10pm! After the concert we were invited back to a local band room in Conthey for a meal and a few bears. The food was traditional Swiss Fayre- shall we say, not to everyone's taste! But the beer seamed to go down very well! Fortunately Saturday didn't see an early start- the hotel Bar had been open on our return on Friday night!- and the afternoon saw us back on the coach to move to the next Hotel in Lausanne. After a lovely meal of Wiener Schnitzel we changed into band uniform again and headed for our next concert in Pully. Again the concert wasn't due to start until 8:45pm and a local band were on first trying out a performance of a test piece they were due to use at a competition in a couple of weeks time. Despite the very late start the band gave probably the best concert of the tour. The Overture Carnival was exciting, Paganini Variations was excellent and Procession to the Minister was a fantastic finale. Special mention must however go to the Euphonium and Baritone section whose Ave Verum (performed close to midnight) was controlled and sublime. Well done Glyn, Natsumi, Helen and Mike! After the concert the band returned to Lausanne to find a local hostelry for a few post concert beers. It was a very late night! Sunday morning saw us move on to Bern and yet another hotel. We were fed handsomely before we changed into uniform and travelled to Rapperswil for a 5pm concert. The local band played before us- they also opted to try out their test piece for the upcoming contest. Our concert received a standing ovation- and we managed to get off stage by 9pm!!! Naturally after the concert we tried a few beers in Bern- and some of the band took to the Salsa dancing in the Cuba bar like Ducks to Water! Monday morning arrived all to quickly and it was time to head back to Basel Airport for our flight home. We had a most enjoyable tour of Switzerland conducted superbly by Musical Director Garry Cutt and featuring guest Soloist Steven Mead on Euphonium, we hope to return sometime in the near future. Helen Fox. 29th November 2005 Les Neish in IrelandTuba star Leslie Neish has been playing in Ireland with the Belfast Temple Salvation Army Band. Leslie Neish, principal tuba of the Foden's Richardson Band has just performed as guest soloist at Belfast Temple Salvation Army. Les was featured as part of their annual advent carol service organised by Songster Leader Keith Pyper. Tubalate star Les, played 5 solos throughout the evening which included, 'Glorious Ventures', 'Ding Dong Merrily on High', 'I wonder as I wander', 'Londonderry Air' and the tuba party piece 'Fnugg'. The evening included the Songsters singing many carols and carol arrangements and the band contributing a few items. This was a most welcomed return of Leslie to the SA in Belfast after his immense contribution to the Belfast Temple annual music school, where he worked alongside young SA musicians. 20th November 2005 George Thackray Returns On Solo HornFollowing
the departure of Martin Armstrong Fodens are pleased to announce
the appointment of George Thackray on Solo Horn. George joins Fodens from Ransomes where he has been the bands solo Horn and chairman since 2000. Speaking about
George's appointment Mark Wilkinson stated "Fodens have
been searching for a suitable replacement since Martin left the
band in May due to accepting a teaching position in Norway. The
band is extremely grateful to Robert Fulcher who came out of retirement
to help the band on a number of concerts and also at the British
Open. Fodens are extremely pleased to announce George as the bands
new Solo Horn player who brings a wealth of experience to the
band and has already made a huge impression on a number or recent
rehearsals and concerts." 3rd October 2005 Les Neish in Brno
48 tuba applicants from across the world applied and 31 were accepted into the competition. The first round was held over 2 days where the set pieces were "Hindemith Sonata" and "Elizabeth Rauns Sweet Dances" of which 11 were accepted to the next round. In the second stage Les performed "Rumanian Dance No 1" and the "Evzen Zamecnik Concertino". At the end of this round the numbers were reduced to 3. In the final Les performed the "Vaughan Williams Tuba Concerto", "Pendereckis Capriccio" and the "Gregson Tuba Concerto" accompanied by the Brno Brass Band conducted by Evzen Zamecnik. Les was awarded 2nd place and won a special prize (a concert model Amanti F Tuba) for the best interpretation of the Zamecnik concertino. Les was accompanied on the contest by Martyn Parkes from the Royal Northern College of Music and the trip was made possbile due to assistance from the Tillett Trust. 17th September 2005 British Open Championship 2005Congratulations to the Black Dyke Band and Dr. Nicholas Childs on their win. Full results: 1.
Black Dyke, Dr. Nicholas Childs Staney
Wainwright Memorial Trophy (Best Instrumentalist): Test
piece: The Night To Sing, Bramwell Tovey Venue - Symphony Hall, Birmingham. 9th September 2005 CD Special Offers!Foden's Richardson Band now have special offers on the following CD's:
5th September 2005 theMouthpiece.Com Award Fodens the Web Site of the Month for August 2005
theMouthpiece.com have awarded the Foden's Richardson Band "Web Site of the Month" for August 2005. The site was nominated by "Wilky", seconded by Dyl and received 32.5% of the votes. Many thanks to theMouthpiece.com and everyone who voted for this award. 9th August 2005 Fodens Motor Works Band Souvenir Programme from 1933Mr. Terry Williams from Plymouth has kindly sent a souvenir programme of a series of concerts by The Fodens Motor Works band in 1933 from The Promenade - Plymouth Hoe. Many thanks to Terry for this glimpse of pure nostalgia. Page 1, page 2-3, page 4-5, page 6-7, page 8-9 & page 10-11. 27th July 2005 Fodens announce Gala Concert Line UpBritish Open Champions announce their programme for the forthcoming Great Northern Arts Festival Concert. Foden's Richardson Band conducted by Garry Cutt are first off the blocks in announcing their programme for the Gala Concert of the Great Northern Brass Arts Festival which takes place at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester on Saturday 3rd September 2005. The excellent programme which is designed to excite the audience and suit all tastes is as follows:- The Champions
- Willcocks The Great Northern Brass Arts Festival is sponsored by Salvationist Publishing & Supplies Ltd, Yamaha-Kemble Music (UK) Ltd, Besson Musical Instruments Ltd and BBC GMR. Tickets are available now and can be purchased for as little as £10 by telephoning 0161 907 9000. It is anticipated that demand for tickets will be greater than availability. Festival Director
Philip Biggs said: "It is tremendous that all the featured
bands and soloists are able to perform in this major festival
of brass band music." Philip went on to say: "Manchester
is seen as the world centre of brass bands by so many people and
I am delighted that this festival is taking place in The Bridgewater
Hall." 21st July 2005 New Bass PlayersFollowing
the recent press release concerning the departure of basses Phil
Green and Toby Hobson, Fodens are delighted to announce the appointment
of Paul Hughes and Les Neish. 21st July 2005 New Percussion and Bass PlayersFodens are pleased to announce the signing of Liz Hagarth on percussion. Liz is a 2nd year student at the RNCM and Principal Percussionist with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. Liz joins from Leyland where she was Principal Percussionist and will replace Daniel Baldwin who is leaving Fodens after the forthcoming British Open when he will be moving to work in Leeds. Fodens also welcome Matthew Wade who joins on BBb Bass from Flowers. Matt has filled the BBb seat which has been vacant since January due to the departure of John Davies who left Fodens to concentrate on his conducting with Glossop. 19th July 2005 Fodens Richardson Band announce the departure of their EEb basses Phil Green and Toby Hobson
Speaking about the departures Mark Wilkinson said "Both players informed the band last September that due to changes in circumstances they would be looking at leaving Fodens as soon as suitable replacements could be found. Both players were presented with crystal decanters at the bands rehearsal prior to the International Masters Contest in May and thanked for their services. Phil and Toby have been fantastic servants for the band and the organisation is very sad to loose them both." Fodens new bass signings will be announced shortly. 15th July 2005 Fodens add English Championships to scheduleThe British Open Champions will be a very busy contesting band next year as they confirm their participation at the English Championships. The current British Open Champions, Foden's Richardson has confirmed that in addition to taking part in the 2006 All England Masters International Championships they will also be heading for Manchester later in the Summer to take part in the inaugural English Championships. This is good news for the organisers, as Fodens will surely be seen as one of the draw cards for the event. They did not automatically qualify as winners of one of the six English regional Championships in 2005, but as one of the highest ranked bands in the World of Brass/4BR/Bandsman rankings. Alan Wycherley said “It will be a very busy year for the band as they are committed to the RNCM Festival, Area contest, Cambridge International Contest and now the English Contest in Manchester along with Whit Friday and many concert engagements as well as several CD recordings and possible tours of Canada, Ireland and Sweden. We are looking forward to them all in what should be a very high profile year for the band.” 9th July 2005 5th Northern Ireland Armagh Summer SchoolThe 5th Northern Ireland Armagh Summer School run by Ivor Stephenson from the Armagh Old Boys Band takes place between the 8th and 13th August and is open to all brass musicians from Ireland irrespective of age or ability. Tutors for the course are Mark Wilkinson, Alan Wycherley, Richard Poole, Gareth Westwood, Helen Tyler, Toby Hobson, Mark Landon and Martin Armstrong all from the Foden's Richardson Band who will be holding full and sectional rehearsals, private lessons and various master classes throughout the week. Over 80 musicians attended the course last year which proved to be a huge success. Anyone who requires more information on the course is asked to contact Ivor at jastevenson@hotmail.com. 6th July 2005 Fodens confirm entry to 2006 All England Masters InternationalFoden's Richardson Band have confirmed their entry to the 2006 All England Masters International Championship which takes place at the Corn Exchange, Cambridge on Sunday 28th May 2006. The organisers are delighted with this news. Fodens who have been ever present at the Championship since 1990 have the most impressive record of all bands at Cambridge, having won the Championship five times, been runners-up twice and prize winners on seven other occasions. It is expected that news of more high profile bands entering next years All England Masters International will be forthcoming in the near future. 4th July 2005 Foden's Richardson Brass Band has had a very busy few weeksOn Friday 20th May 2005, the Band competed at the famous Whit Friday march contests held in and around the villages of Tameside and Saddleworth. Despite the threat of rain it turned out to be a fine evening, if a little cold later on, and Fodens managed to compete at 13 contests, gaining 8 first prizes, one third prize and also winning a deportment prize. The Band won the overall prize for the Tameside area and was the most successful band on the Whit Friday circuit beating bands such as Black Dyke and Brighouse & Rastrick. The following Sunday (22nd May) Fodens Band travelled to Birmingham Symphony Hall to give a high profile concert under the musical directorship of their professional conductor Garry Cutt. The All England Masters International Brass band Championship was held in Cambridge just one week later on 27th May. Fodens were awarded 3rd prize - the highest placed English Band and then went on to give the 2nd half performance of a Gala Concert in the evening lead again by Garry Cutt. The Band have taken a few days rest but are now rehearsing for 2 CD recordings - one of which features their multi-talented euphonium player Glyn Williams - which will be released later this year. Check out the Band's web site www.fodensband.co.uk for up to date news on the Band and also a list of forthcoming concerts. Helen Fox |
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The
famous Fodens Brass Band held its annual Christmas Concert on
Saturday 17th December at Winsford Civic Hall with their special
guests the Sandbach Community Choir and the Grove Singers. The
concert was part of the bands aim to build on community links
and further events are to be planned. The band will be appearing
in concert on the 18th February 2006 at Winsford Civic Hall in
a 'Night at the Movies' concert featuring pieces from various
film blockbusters.
Fodens
new Solo EEb Bass player Les Neish has recently returned from
the prestigious "10th International Performers Competition"
in Brno.
Phil
Green joined the band in 1993 and during this time has proved
himself as one of the leading bass players in the country.
Due to a change in work circumstances Phil is now travelling
between Birmingham and London as well as working irregular
hours. 
Toby
Hobson joined the band in 1993 but due to increased work and
conducting commitments has resigned his position.|
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