1st July 2006

Fodens Win The English National Brass Band Championships

We are pleased to report that the Foden's Richardson Band have won the 2006 English National Brass Band Championship. As a result of this Fodens will also be invited to compete in the European Championships in Birmingham next year.

Results:

1. Foden's Richardson, Garry Cutt, 10
2. Brighouse & Rastrick, Ian McElligott, 6
3. Leyland, Russell Gray, 5
4. The Fairey Band, Simon Stonehouse, 14
5. Sellers International, Phillip McCann, 9
6. Reg Vardy, Ray Farr, 4
7. Hepworth (Lanson Homes), Mark Bentham, 7
8. PolySteel, Philip Harper, 11
9. YBS Band, David King, 1
10. Redbridge, Melvin White, 8
11. Mount Charles, Nigel Weeks, 12
12. Bournemouth Concert, Nigel Taken, 13
13. Ransome, Peter Parkes, 3
14. Wooley Pritchard Sovereign Brass, Stephen Roberts, 2

Test piece: Dances and Alleluias, Phillip Sparke

Adjudicators: Derek Broadbent, William Relton & Chris Wormald

Best instrumentalist: Euphonium, Brenden Wheeler, Leyland

22nd June 2006

Fodens New "Concert Classics" CD

Concert Classics is the latest CD from the Foden's Richardson Band which includes Carnival Overture, Antonin Dvorak; Rule Britannia, John Hartmann, Glyn Williams (Euphonium); Born on the Fourth of July, John Williams; Elegy, Gilbert Vinter; Toccata from Organ Symphony No. 5, Charles-Marie Widor arr. Sparke and many more.....

To order your copy go here.

12th June 2006

Fodens continue their winning ways

Fodens Brass Band have once again been declared the 2006 Tameside Whit Friday Champions for a record 5th consecutive year.

The Whit Friday marches are an annual event which attracts in excess of 100 bands competing at various contests in villages across the Tameside and Saddleworth district.

In order to qualify for the overall 'main title' bands have to compete at a minimum of 6 contests in either Tameside or Saddleworth. Fodens competed in 10 contests in the Tameside area and received 5 first places, one second place and two thirds as well as competing in 2 contest in the Saddleworth area where the band received a first place and a third place.

Fodens walked away with the 'Tameside' title and prize of £2500 as well as a further £3500 in prize money for winning the various village contests. The bands soloists also received a number of individual awards.

8th June 2006

tMP Web Site of the Month for August 2005 - Interview with the Webmaster

Read the tMP interview at www.theMouthpiece.com posted here.

29th May 2006

2006 International Masters - Results

Results from the 2006 All England Masters International Championship, Cambridge.

1. Rothwell Temperance, David Roberts, 9
2. PolySteel, Philip Harper, 17
3. Brass Band Willebroek, Frans Violet, 15
4. Scottish Co-op, Nicholas Childs, 4
5. Brass Band Treize Etoiles, Geo Pierre Moren, 16
6. Hepworth (Persimmon Homes), Mark Bentham, 21
7. Fodens Richardson, Garry Cutt , 11
8. Kirkintilloch, Steve Bastable, 7
9. Reg Vardy, Ray Farr, 20
10. Brisbane Excelsior, Howard Taylor, 8
11. Sellers International, Phillip McCann, 19
12. Bedwas Trethomas and Machen (BTM), Jason Katsikaris, 12
13. Desford Colliery, Ian McElligott, 18
14, Brassband Rijnmond, Erik Janssen, 2
15. 1st Old Boys Association Silver, Stephen Cairns, 3
16. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery ,Russell Gray, 6
17. SWT Woodfalls, Dave Barringer, 10
18. Whitburn, Andrew Duncan, 1
19. Aveley and Newham, Nigel Taken, 5
20. GUS. David Stowell, 13
21. Redbridge, Melvin White, 14

The test piece was "Paganini Variations" by Philip Wilby

Adjudicating were John Berryman, David Read and Geoffrey Whitham

Best soloist award went to Rothwell Temperance, Euphonium

17th May 2006

World Premiere

Foden's Richardson Band will perform a world premiere march at their forth coming gala concert at the International Masters Contest in Cambridge on the 28th May.

The March entitled 'Golden Arrow' has been composed especially for the band by Elgar Howarth and will be dedicated to an ardent supporter of the band for over 60 years Peter Fletcher.

Peter Fletcher will be a guest of Fodens for the Cambridge weekend and will be present to hear the first performance of 'Golden Arrow.'

Speaking about the composition Mark Wilkinson stated "We are extremely grateful to Mr. Howarth for writing this fantastic March and also to Peter Fletcher for his continued support of the band"'

27th April 2006

Foden's Motor Works Band Coach (1951)

Do you want to be a part of a unique Brass Band occasion? If so…..

The Foden's Richardson Band will be performing at the Subscription Rooms in Stroud on Saturday 13th May 2006, and at quarter to seven you are welcome to congregate on the forecourt of the venue to welcome the Band who will be reunited with their original coach which was manufactured in 1951.

The vehicle has been carefully restored by owner Nick Helliker over the past 10 years in Stroud and its owner has kindly agreed to take the Band on a short journey in this historic vehicle prior to the evening concert.

OLG 855 was last in Stroud with the Band in November 1974…perhaps you were present?

You are welcome to bring your cameras to record this fantastic achievement and enjoy an unusual Brass Band treat.

To help with the nostalgia, the band will be playing the march Three D.G's by Brophy, as performed by them back in November 1974 at the Subscription Rooms conducted by Rex Mortimer.

For further information please ring 01453 882495

26th April 2006

Alan Wycherley in Japan misses out on Whit Friday Contests

For the first time in 25 years Alan Wycherley will be unable to take part in this years Whit Friday Contests. This is due to commitments he has in Japan. Read more here...

26th April 2006

Stars out for Eagley

Mark Wilkinson and a host of stars are out to help the Eagley Band. More...

13th April 2006

Foden's Richardson Band
Bandsman and Player of the Year Awards

At their annual Patrons concert held at Sandbach School in February, Foden's Richardson Band were pleased to introduce their professional conductor Garry Cutt to an appreciative audience.

Garry lead the band through a programme of mainly requested items with soloists Mark Wilkinson ("She"), Helen Fox ("The Very Thought of You"), George Thackray ("Somewhere over the Rainbow") and Glyn Williams who delighted the patrons with a rendition of his "Courtois Showcase" in which he displays his fantastic talent on all the instruments in the band.

Annual awards (as voted for by band members) were also made. Bandsman of the year was named as Mike Warriner who acts as the Band's Transport Manager and player of the year was a tie between Glyn Williams and Mark Landon. Having been a previous recipient of the award, Glyn graciously handed the trophy over to Mark!

1st April 2006

New CD "GHOST TRAIN" Foden's Richardson Band,
Conducted by Garry Cutt

The latest CD release by the Foden's Richardson Band, conducted by Garry Cutt is now available.

01, A New Age, Armin Kofler, 5.29
02, Morning has Broken, Trad arr. David Gray, 4.20
03, The Third Man , Anton Karas arr. Mike Sutherland, 3.07
04, Baker Street, Gerry Rafferty arr. Mike Sutherland, 4.24
05, Desperado, Henley/Frey arr. Jock McKenzie, Glyn Williams (Euphonium) 3.39
06, Andulka March, Frantisek Kmoch arr. William Brighton, 2.59
07, Song and Dance, Darrol Barry, 4.45
08, Che Soave Zeffiretto (from The Marriage of Figaro), Mozart arr. Tom McAllen,
Alan Wycherley (Soprano Cornet) 4.11
09, Ghost Train, Darrol Barry, 3.30
10, Celtic Fire, Darrol Barry, 3.26
11, A La P.P., Arturo Sandoval arr. Jock McKenzie, 3.04
12, Sirba Floricaca, Trad arr. Simon Kerwin, Mark Wilkinson (Cornet) 3.33
13, Tibie Paiom, Dmytro Brotniansky arr. Wesley Brown, 3.19
14, It's All Over Now, Womack and Womack arr. Jock McKenzie, 4.34
15, Spooky, Darrol Barry, Phil Green (Tuba) 3.16
16, Hernando's Hideaway, Adler and Ross arr. Darrol Barry, 3.04
17, My Favourite Things, Richard Rodgers arr. Nigel Wears, 2.34

See order form page for more details.

18th March 2006

Fodens Training Day

Last Saturday 7 members of Fodens Brass Band visited the Dialstone Centre in Stockport to carry out a Training Day for Stockport Schools’ Brass Band. The day was in preparation for the Boosey & Hawkes National Youth Championship on Sunday 9th April. Our tutors were Mark Wilkinson, George Thackray, Gareth Westwood, Paul Hughes, L Smith, Mark Landon and Natsumi Inaba. The day started with a rehearsal so that the tutors could familiarise themselves with the music and the way we had rehearsed it so far. Everyone then split into sections followed by another run through before lunch. Sectionals commenced again after lunch and then after a break a final rehearsal.

Everyone worked hard but found it a very enjoyable day and every member of the band gained a great deal from the day. Even with my untrained ear I could tell the difference between the first and last rehearsal.

I would like to thank members of Fodens Band on behalf of everyone at Stockport Schools’ Brass Band.

Regards
Jane Simpson
Administrator
Stockport Schools’ Brass Band

12th March 2006

Fodens Win The North West Area

Results:

1. Foden's Richardson, Garry Cutt, 10, 196
2. Fairey, Simon Stonehouse, 12, 195
3. Leyland, Russell Gray, 11, 193
4. Wingates, Dr. Roy Newsome, 7, 192
5. Dobcross Silver, Dennis Hadfield, 13, 191
6. British Telecom, Mike Fowles, 5, 190
7. Freckleton, Paul Dalton, 3, 189
8. Pemberton Old Wigan, Mark Peacock, 2, 187
9. Haydock, Ed Kennedy, 1, 186
10.Longridge, Gareth Pritchard, 9, 185
10.United Norwest Co-op Milnrow, Andrew White, 4, 185
12.Blackburn and Darwen, Nick Sheppard, 8, 184
13.Besses o' th' Barn, Jim Cant, 6, 183

Adjudicator: John Berryman
Test Piece: Journey to the Centre of the Earth – Peter Graham

24th February 2006

Fodens "Night at the Movies" from Winsford Civic Hall

A review of the band's recent concert can be found here.

22nd February 2006

Fodens cornet player wins solo prize at 2006 Norwegian Nationals

Congratulations to Fodens cornet player Anita Dale for winning the solo prize at the 2006 Norwegian Nationals with Haukaas Musikklag conducted by Thor Arne Pedersen in the 1st section for her performance in Tallis Variations by Philip Sparke.

Although this year the band were unfortunately unsuccessful in the contest, having come only 7th, the judges, however were really impressed with Anita's playing.

This is the second occasion Anita has won this award. In 2005, the band won the contest in the second section, on this occasion Anita was awarded the solo prize for her performance in Connotations by Edward Gregson.

Anita moved to England in 2003 to study at Salford University under the guidance of Professor David King where she has successfully gained a BA in Band Musicianship. She is currently studying towards an MA in Performance.

Prior to joining Fodens in 2004 Anita was a member of the Fraena and Molde Brass before joining Manger Musikklag.

Fodens are extremely proud of the achievements by one of their cornet players.

20th February 2006

Les Neish wins the 'Royal Overseas League Wind and Brass Competition'

Fodens star Bass player Les Neish has won the prestigious 'Royal Overseas League Wind and Brass Competition' last week in London. With three grueling rounds of competition over 5 days Les earns himself £2000 and both the 'Worshipful Company of Dyers award for wind and brass' and the 'Philip Jones Memorial Prize' for an outstanding Bass player. Les beat tough competition from 46 wind and brass players from across the country up to 28 years of age.

Les is the first bass player ever to have won this award and follows on from his 2nd prize in the 'Brno International Tuba Contest' last September.

16th February 2006

Top Brass Tutor Macclesfield's New Youth Band

A team of top flight musicians from the world famous Foden's Richardson Band put 30 members of the Macclesfield Youth Brass Band through their paces last weekend at a training event held at the Tattenhall Centre near Chester.

The band, which was formed in September 2005, is preparing to participate in the National Youth Brass Band Championships to be held at the Royal Northern College of Music on 9th April.

The team of tutors was supplied by Glyn Williams of Fred Rhodes Ltd in Delph, who has sourced a range of new and second-hand instruments for the youth band. Glyn, who is principal euphonium for the Foden's Richardson band, kindly offered to run the training event with his colleagues to boost the band before their inaugural contest appearance.

Nicholas Taylor from Henbury High School who plays principal cornet for the Macclesfield band said "It was a great experience for us to play alongside these musicians. Everyone worked hard and the band really improved by the time we gave a full performance at the end. We know how busy the players from the Foden's Richardson Band are with rehearsals, concerts and contests both in England and abroad, so we are grateful that they took the time to come and work with us".

The Foden's Richardson band is based in Sandbach and has a world class reputation. They have a 100 year pedigree of contest successes and were the British Open Champions in 2004. The tutors were Mark Wilkinson, (principal cornet), Richard Poole (cornet), Glyn Williams, (principal euphonium), Helen Fox (flugel horn), Gareth Westwood (trombone), Les Neish (Bass) and David Wycherley (percussion).

If you want more information about the Macclesfield Youth Brass Band please call 01625 617613 or visit www.mybb.org.uk.

9th February 2006

Foden's Richardson Band - Armagh, Northern Ireland 2006

The first weekend of February 2006 saw Fodens Richardson Band return for their 6th visit to Armagh, Northern Ireland.

Friday morning was an early start for six band members who flew out to Ireland from Liverpool at 7am. By 10am Alan Wycherley, Helen Fox, Julie Backhouse, Glyn Williams, Paul Hughes and David Wycherley were entertaining a hall full of primary school children performing classics such as the Birdie Dance and Hootenanny and answering the children's questions.

The majority of the Band arrived in time for a roast beef dinner at just after 5pm at Armagh Old Boys Band Room, but the final six members of the band who were due to fly at 5pm were delayed due to the terrible fog in Belfast and the surrounding area.

Fortunately the evening concert was able to have the start time put back half an hour, and the band had a full line up by 8.30pm!

Despite fatigue etc. a fabulous concert was given and the audience enjoyed solos from Mark Wilkinson, George Thackray, Les Neish and the amazing Glyn Williams who performed his Courtois Showcase……..demonstrating his talents on all the band instruments.

At 11.30am on Saturday morning the band met for rehearsal in the Market Place Concert Hall with the young people who had the fantastic opportunity to appear that afternoon with Fodens as soloists.

After a civic reception with the mayor of Armagh, the matinee concert was given featuring 17 youngsters from Ireland who all played superbly.

Saturday evening's concert was a sell out; the audience was treated to a different programme of music which included Alan Wycherley's Solitaire, John Barber, Mark Landon, and Helen Fox and, back by popular demand, Glyn Williams with the Showcase once more.

The Band enjoyed another super weekend of music making conducted by Derek Broadbent and hosted by Ivor Stephenson and his team from the Old Boys Band.

Thanks again Ivor!

Helen Fox
Foden's Richardson Band

28th January 2006

RNCM Festival of Brass: Fodens (Richardson) Band - Conducted by Garry Cutt

Over the past couple of years at this event, Fodens have been in imperious form under Bramwell Tovey and produced some of the most memorable moments in the Festival's history.

Once again Fodens under the baton of Garry Cutt produced some outstanding moments, the most memorable of which came from guest soloist, Ian Bousfield. The band itself was in decent form on the night, but it was the trombone maestro, who really stole the limelight.

Ian's contribution to the night was one of the major highlights of the whole weekend and you sensed that many of the audience could have listened to him all night, as his command of his instrument made for invigorating listening.

His reputation of course is second to none, and he demonstrated why during his two contrasting performances; the first, Buxton Orr's 'Trombone Concerto' and the second, 'La Petite Suzanne'.

The Orr Concerto was originally composed for Denis Wick and it has a lyrical feel about it, which the instrumentalist made sound so easy, coping with the technical challenges of the piece with the same consummate ease.

'La Petite Suzanne' gave the soloist an opportunity to perform a rarely heard Arthur Pryor work that has been arranged by Bram Gay. Here, the band had plenty to do in accompanying the soloist but they never overshadowed him at all. Ian's superlative performance brought a wonderful ovation at the end and hopefully he will return as a guest soloist at this event, very soon.

Foden's had opened up the concert with what was arguably their finest bit of playing, courtesy of Mozart's overture to 'The Magic Flute'. The sound of the band was reminiscent of an orchestra; so clean, tight and precise in its delivery and it also benefited from intelligent direction from the MD, who kept a tight rein on the balance of the dynamics.

After the Orr Concerto, Fodens performed Michael Ball's ‘Whitsun Wakes', first performed by Black Dyke in May 1997. This performance certainly had its moments of real quality (the elegy section that pays homage to Belle Vue in particular) and it served as a reminder that the Grand Shield contenders in May will need all of their soloists to be on the top of their game to produce a performance of real stature.

Sir Richard Rodney Bennett's ‘The Flowers of the Forest' was performed in a new version for the first time after some adaptations by Paul Hindmarsh. The series of variations on a Scottish folk-song lament is a lovely work, and the band gave a fine interpretation led by Principal Cornet, Mark Wilkinson, whose solo playing was so engaging to listen too throughout Fodens entire performance on the day.

Sir Arthur Bliss's ‘Kenilworth' was the band's final major contribution of the night and as with Hansel and Gretel and Moorside Suite (both heard during the weekend) it was a reminder that these older works that have served as test pieces, still can be a test to play today.

Fodens gave an authorative reading throughout that had a real touch of panache in the concluding march section and it brought their contribution to a commanding end.

It was another march that brought the night to its conclusion with the familiar signature tune ‘The Cossack' which had a lovely swagger and fair bit of poise too. It summed up Foden's contribution to the Festival in fact.

Malcolm Wood

18th January 2006

Concerts in February

Fodens will be holding their annual Patrons Concert on Tuesday 21st February at Sandbach School. The concert is due to start at 7.30pm and will feature the bands varied concert programme, fantastic soloists and band members awards ceremony. This event will be conducted by the bands professional conductor Garry Cutt.

Fodens are in the process of sending out their annual Fodens Fanfare magazine which gives news on the bands successes, player profiles, news items, latest Cd releases, concert lists etc. The magazine is sent to band patrons and will also include tickets for the patrons concert.

Entry to the concert is by ticket, for band patrons and 1 guest per patron (as in previous years), however, this year the band are advertising and inviting non patrons to the concert but will be asking them for a donation of £5 payable on the door.

On the 18th February Fodens will be promoting a concert at Winsford Civic Hall entitled 'A Night at the Movies'. This concert will feature all the best well known themes from all the major blockbuster films including dialogue and lighting effects. If you are interested in attending a band concert with a difference tickets can be obtained direct from Winsford Civic Hall box office on 01606 867555.

If anybody would like details how to become a band patron please contact Mark Wilkinson at marklwilky@hotmail.com or visit the bands website www.fodensband.co.uk.

9th January 2006

Solo CD of the year

Glyn Williams solo CD "Virtuoso" accompanied by Fodens has been awarded "Solo CD of the year" by the Mouthpiece.com (http://www.themouthpiece.com). Also, Glyn is "Personality of the Year" in the Brass Herald Magazine.