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15th September 2007 Results from the 2007 British OpenFull results of the 2007 British Open Championships from the Symphony Hall, Birmingham. 1. Cory Band,
Robert Childs, 16 Best soprano - Peter Roberts, Black Dyke Best instrumentalist - Richard Marshall, Black Dyke Test Piece:
Visions of Gerontius – Kenneth Downie 12th September 2007 Fodens Return from the Summer BreakFodens Brass Band have just returned from their summer break to find out that they have now moved up to No2 in the world 'Brass Band Rankings'. The rankings are lead by Grimethorpe followed by Fodens, Black Dyke then Cory Band. This follows an extremely successful start to the year with wins at the 'North West Area Brass Band Contest,' 'International Masters Contest,' 'Whit Friday Contest' and a very respectable 4th place at the 'European Championships' During the summer break Cia Isfryn (a cornet player with Fodens) was appointed Principal Cornet Player with the National Youth Brass Band of Wales during their summer tour of Canada. Fodens will be appearing in concert at Winsford Civic Hall on Thursday 4th October 7.30pm as a fund raising concert for the bands forth coming contest appearance at the Royal Albert Hall in London on the 20th October. Tickets can only be purchased on the night at the venue. 30th July 2007 Press Release - Changes To PersonnelFodens Richardson Band are pleased to announce that the bands 2nd Euphonium player Natsumi Inaba will move on to Solo Baritone to occupy the seat temporarily vacated by Helen Tyler due to working in America. Joining the band on 2nd Euphonium until the end of the year and playing at the British Open, London Nationals and Brass in Concert will be the star Euphonium player Billy Miller. Billy brings a wealth of experience to the band after previously being Solo Euphonium with Leyland and Grimethorpe for a number of years. 18th July 2007 Press Release - Helen Tyler Off To AmericaFodens Baritone player Helen Tyler will be jetting off to America at the end of August where she will be based until December. Whilst in America Helen will be doing a 'Cross Cultural Study of Brass and Music Education', teaching in elementary and high schools as well as appearing as guest soloists and holding masterclasses with various brass bands/organisations . As well as teaching, Helen will join the 'Fountain City Brass Band' and help in the setting up of a youth project. Fodens wish Helen good luck in her venture and look forward to her return in Decemeber. 2nd July 2007 Results From The 2007 English Nationals1. Grimethorpe
Colliery, (Allan Withington) Best Soloist: Rob Westacott, Principal Cornet Hepworth (Lanson Homes) Test Piece: On Alderley Edge, Peter Graham Adjudicators: William Relton, Alan Fernie, John Berryman 15th June 2007 Letter From The Bands PresidentBelow is a letter sent to Mark Wilkinson from the bands President Peter Fletcher who has been a supporter of Fodens for 64 years! Dear Mark, I feel I must write and congratulate Garry and the band for the splendid result at Cambridge. Little did I think as I listened to my beloved band way back in 1943 that sixty four years later I would walk across that stage to receive all those trophies. It was a lovely sunny day when the band came to play at the village fete in Alsager. A local tradesman had constructed an open air bandstand. With the band playing and people enjoying themselves it was hard to believe the country was at war. In true bandsman fashion, one of them enquired where was the bar? Some one said 'there isn't one', the bandsman replied 'I'm not bloody coming here again!'. When the bandsmen weren't playing they were helping to build military vehicles. Parts for the Mulberry harbour which played an important role in the D day landings were made at Fodens. Fodens are lucky to have me! I was rescued from drowning, Easter Sunday aged 7 years. Ten years old I was nearly killed by a bus whilst helping my father and another man to drive some cattle. One animal was killed and the other had to be put down. As I grew older my enthusiasm for Fodens Band grew stronger. I had to be content with listening to their music whilst you work broadcasts. When I was fifteen I twisted my fathers arm and he bought me a Raleigh Lenton Sports Cycle. That not only helped me to avoid detentions at Sandbach School but also helped me to renew my acquaintance with Fodens Band. Sandbach Town Hall and Crewe Park were favorite venues. Teddy Gray playing 'Silver Threads', Alan Brotherston 'Zelda', Colin Cranson 'La Belle American'. I can remember going to Sandbach Town Hall after the band had won the Nationals, it was packed!, I was stranded halfway up the balcony steps, couldn't move! I have recently learned that my Uncle Bill was a Foden Fan. He was a dry old stick, like me. He never married, like me. He was a butcher and he used to tell his customers that he wanted Fodens to play at his funeral. Fate or possible god fortune saw his wish granted. As he was being lowered in his grave Fodens were playing the other side of the Church yard wall at Alsagers Village Fete. Uncle Bill died 20th June 1944. Finally a word about the Fodens family. When my mother was in hospital the person next to her was the window of one of the Statham Brothers. She spoke very highly of the Fodens family stating that when the band were on tour (for six weeks in South Africa 1936) the bandsmen's wages were always paid on time and should any of the families have any problems, they, the Fodens would do all they could to help! Anyway, back to the garden. Thanks for the memory! Peter Fletcher 4th June 2007 Fodens are the Whit Friday Champions (See Fodens At Delph)Fodens have been declared the Tameside Whit Friday champions for a record 6 consecutive year winning a total of £4700 in prize money. The band competed in a total of 9 contests on the 1st June around the Tameside area and won 2 contests, 4 seconds and 3 thirds which gave them the most overall marks, placing them in first place followed by Faireys in second, and Pennine and Rothwell in joint 3rd. The band were conducted by Garry Cutt and played the Famous march 'The President'. The latest victory comes on top of Wins on the 27th May at the International Masters Contest in Cambridge and the North West Area Contest in March which mean that Fodens will be representing the North West Area at the National Finals to be held at the Royal Albert Hall London in October. 27th May 2007 Fodens Take The 2007 All England Masters InternationalResults from the 2007 All England Masters International - Corn Exchange, Cambridge. Test Piece: In Memoriam RK, Elgar Howarth 1. Fodens
Richardson, Garry Cutt, 15 Adjudicators: David Read, Alan Morrison & John Miller Mark Wilkinson (Cornet) received the Robert Howard Memorial Trophy as principal cornet of the winning band. Les Neish (Tuba) won the 4BarsRest Best Instrumentalist Award and £250. For more see 4barsrest.com. 5th May 2007 2007 European ChampionshipsResults from the 2007 European Championships - Symphony Hall, Birmingham . Set work: Elgar Variations, Martin Ellerby
Adjudicators Set work: Thomas Doss, Jan de Haan, Philip Sparke Adjudicators Own choice: James Gourlay, Alan Morrison, Oliver Waespi 30th April 2007 European ChampionshipsWith only a few days to go to the European Championship to be held at the Symphony Hall Birmingham, Fodens Richardson Band are busy putting the finishing touches to their test pieces. Fresh off their hugely successful Night at the Movies Spectacular, the band are on fine form and in high spirits. The current English National and North West Area Champions are looking forward to representing their country as the only English band to qualify for the Europeans this year, following their stunning performance of Philip Sparkes, Dances and Alleluias at the English National Championships. The last time the band won at the prestigious European Brass Band Championships was in 1992, where they turned in a performance of Year of the Dragon that many still talk about today. Fodens are looking for a repeat of their famous performance at this years' contest in Birmingham, not only to confirm their place as one of the finest brass bands in Europe but because of their close ties with Richardson Developments which are based in the area. Band spokesperson Alan Wycherley comments that,
Fodens are carrying the flag for the host country and so far have received many words and letters of support.
13th April 2007 Fodens Training Day With Stockport Schools' Brass BandOn Saturday 31st March members from Fodens Band once again spent the day with Stockport Schools' Brass Band and Intermediate Band coaching them in preparation for the Boosey & Hawkes National Youth Contest to be held at the RNCM on Sunday 29th April 2007. While one band was having Sectionals the other band was having a rehearsal. Fodens have helped out for the last few years with this training day and as ever the final rehearsal for both bands showed a great improvement. Some of the younger members of the band were not sure what to expect from the day and one Bass player in the Intermediate Band was worried how he could have a sectional being the only player present. By the end of the day everyone was very tired but all agreed all the hard work had been worthwhile. Let's hope they are saying that in a few weeks time! SSBB would like to thank Mark Wilkinson for arranging the day and also taking part in the training along with Mark Landon, Gareth Westwood, Robert Fleming, Les Neish and Natsumi Inaba. Jane Simpson 4th April 2007 Night At The Movies Success Now Going To The Muni At ColneAfter the huge success of the first 'Night at the Movies' show by the Foden's Richardson Band which received phenomenal local and national reviews, superb audience feedback, including a great review from 4 Bars rest (please read the review from Feb 18th 2006 at Winsford Civic Hall) the show is to be taken on the road as promised and the first venue will be at the Colne Municipal Hall with other venues to be announced shortly
This is not the usual format Brass Band Concert, it is a full length musical show in 2 acts. On this occasion Fodens will be joined by their guests The Pendle Youth Choir conducted by Julie Townson, to give the evening that extra touch of magic from the Silver Screen .
The entire show has been written, choreographed and produced by Mike Cotter who will once again direct the performance.
Mike Cotter stated "it is time to move on and take bands into the 21st century. Our beloved Brass Band Movement is very special and close to all our hearts, being a very special and talented medium, which I believe needs to be modernised and streamlined in order to pursue the audiences of this 21st Century. The competition for audiences is extremely fierce, competing against the Internet, TV, Theatre, Cinema and other attractive modern day activities. We therefore need to move on and attract a wider audience and educate people into the wonderful world of our medium... but more important, we have to entertain them and KEEP THEM!!!!" Audiences of today need much more than just a Brass Band Concert. We are still producing the same style of Concert as 50 years ago and need to move on playing what people want to hear; show them what they want to see; give them something very special (and yes we are extremely capable of this) turn the Brass Band Concert into a full length Musical Show using all the modern technology which is now available, give the audience a special Evening to Remember and yes!!!! they will be back for sure.
This is why I have spent much time and passion in writing and producing these shows, incidentally with the entire Movement in mind, and feel very privileged that the Fodens Richardson Band willbe instrumental in taking A Night at the Movies to many venues around the UK. I believe this is a major step in helping secure the future of the Brass Band Movement."
Speaking about the forthcoming project Mark Wilkinson said "Fodens enjoyed the first Night at the Movies Concert last year and is was good to see new young faces in the audience. The band are looking forward to a number of further 'themed concerts' which will hopefully encourage new audiences and raise the general out dated profile of brass band."
A brand new show is under construction as we speak ready for late 2007!!!!! Watch this space!!!!!!!!!!!
Tickets for the show can be obtained from the Muni Box Office 01282 661234. 20th March 2007 North West Area ChampionshipFodens Richardson Band would like to thank the large number of supporters and well wishers who have congratulated the band on their recent victory at the 'North West Area' which has made them the most successful band in the history of this contest. Following on from this victory the band have announced the signings of Dave Morton and Chris Bastock. Dave joins the band on solo cornet after previously playing with Sellers, Grimethorpe and more recently Faireys and replaces Andrew Lofthouse who has left Fodens due to increased professional playing commitments. Chris makes a welcome return to the band after a number of years away whilst being a member of the hugely popular 'Backbeat' percussion group. Chris replaces Dave Wycherley who is moving to Cambridge. 16th March 2007 North West Area ChampionshipThe Fodens
Richardson Band were crowned the 'North West Area Champions' on
Sunday 11th March after fighting off stiff opposition from the
other North West's leading Bands. 11th March 2007 Fodens Retain The North West Area ChampionshipResults: 1. Foden’s
Richardson, G. Cutt, 5, 194 Test Piece: Isaiah 40 - Robert Redhead Adjudicator: James Scott Foden's Richardson Band - Patrons Concert 13th February 2007Fodens Richardson Band gave their annual Patrons Concert to a packed house of over 450 patrons on Tuesday 13th February at Sandbach School. The audience were entertained by a traditional Brass Band Programme (many items being requests from the Patrons themselves) conducted by Derek Broadbent. The soloists for the evening were Helen Fox, George Thackray, Glyn Williams and Mark Landon who brought the house down with his rendition of Robbin Harry. Peter Fletcher has been a life long supporter of the Fodens Band and in recent months has been generous enough to make a number of financial donations to the band. In recognition of his support the Band commissioned Elgar Howarth to write a March dedicated to Peter which was premiered and recorded at the All England Masters Gala Concert in May 2006. Principal Cornet, Mark Wilkinson thanked Peter for his support of the band and presented him with a CD of the recording of "The Golden Arrow" signed by all the band members and announced to the Patrons that Peter had agreed to become the President of the Foden's Richardson Band. Foden's annual awards (as voted for by the Band members) were also made during the concert Bandsman of the Year was named as Natsumi Inaba and Player of the Year was named as Les Neish. Helen Fox 13th February 2007 Foden's Richardson Band - Armagh February 2007Armagh Old Boys band played host to a series of concerts by the Foden's Richardson Band for the seventh consecutive year in the first weekend of February 2007. Directed by Derek Broadbent the Band gave two concerts at the Market Place Theatre, one on the Friday and one on Saturday to capacity audiences. The crowd were treated to traditional brass band concerts that included old favourites such as overtures to The Arcadians and Light Cavalry, and over the two nights, all Fodens soloists were on show. Mark Wilkinson (Green Hornett) Alan Wycherley (Deep Bond) Helen Fox (Georgia on my mind) George Thackray (Damelza) John Barber (Autumn Leaves) Glyn Williams (The Holy Well) Les Neish (Carnival for Bass) and Mark Landon (Robin Harry) On Saturday evening the Band gave a performance of a new march entitled 'The Old Boys of Armagh' that was composed by second trombonist Gareth Westwood after inspiration gained whilst acting as tutor on the Armagh Brass Band Summer School. The march was dedicated to Ivor and Heather Stevenson who continue to work tirelessly to organise the Fodens concerts and the Summer School each year. Gareth presented Ivor with a score and parts to the march and also took the baton to conduct it himself. During the weekend the band tutored and accompanied local youngsters at a workshop at the Armstrong School on the Friday morning and in a matinee concert at the Market Place Theatre where 20 aspiring young soloists were accompanied by the Band. As ever the hospitality received by the Band was second to none……..Fodens would like to thank Ivor, Heather and their team for another super visit to Armagh. Helen Fox 8th February 2007 Change of scene for FodensEnglish National Champs set to help school with a new march in their honour. The All Saints RC School, Mansfield Nottinghamshire are holding a concert with the Fodens Richardson Band on Saturday 17th February 2007 in an event organised by the specialist Performing Arts College who thought having a world famous brass band in school would be a big change from plays and other productions! More... 7th February 2007 Bolton head for the hillsBolton Youth Band will be heading to the Lake District this weekend for some hard work and plenty of play - of the musical kind! This weekend, 51 players and staff from Bolton Youth Band will head to Patterdale Hall in the Lake District for a weekend residential course. Musical Director,
Helen Minshall will start the busy weekend schedule with a full
rehearsal on Friday evening and on the Saturday 6 tutors from
Foden's Richardson Band will travel to Patterdale to work with
the youngsters. More... 23rd January 2007 Patrons ConcertFoden's Richardson Band will be holding their annual Patrons concert at Sandbach Boys school on Tuesday the 13th February commencing at 7.30pm. Patrons of the band will shortly receive the latest edition of the bands magazine "Fodens Fanfare" which will include tickets for the forthcoming concert. The concert is also open to non patrons, tickets for non patrons can be purchased on the door for £8 and £7. 4th January 2007 Arranger In Residence
Speaking about his appointment Chris commented "In addition to my teaching and playing cornet for Foden's, a lot of my spare time is taken up with my passion for writing and arranging music. I was completely bowled over when I was invited by the band to become Arranger in Residence following the performance of my arrangement of Bobby Shaftoe at Brass in Concert at The Sage, Gateshead in November. It's a real honour to have my work played by a "great" band, and I very much look forward to working with the band on some exciting projects". Chris North began to learn the cornet at the age of 12 in his home town of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. On leaving school Chris chose a career in Army music and studied at Kneller Hall, where he was privileged to receive tuition from the great Jack Macintosh and later John Wilbraham. After playing cornet in the REME Staff Band, Chris eventually went on to become the Bandmaster of The Duke of Wellington's Regiment before leaving the Army in 1993 to become a school teacher. Chris now works for Northamptonshire Music & Performing Arts Service as an Instrumental Teacher. As an arranger and composer he has a number of works published by a number of publishers, including Bernaerts, Wright & Round, and Perfect Pitch Publications. On Remembrance Sunday 14 November 2004 his Normandy Veterans Association March was played at the Cenotaph in London and was listened to by millions all over the world on BBC TV and Radio. Chris formed Danetre Music in October 2002, with the aim of producing quality arrangements and compositions for brass band, as well as fun music for training and beginners groups. His website can be found at www.danetremusic.co.uk 1st January 2007 New Signings At FodensFodens are
pleased to announce a number of new signings ahead of the current
contest season. Speaking about the new signings Mark Wilkinson stated "Fodens are extremely pleased to announce these new signings. Both Andrew and Cai are excellent players who show an enormous amount of potential and have a proven track record with their previous bands. We are extremely pleased to welcome back Toby who brings a wealth of experience to the band". |
Fodens
are pleased to announce the appointment of Chris North as the
bands arranger in residence. Speaking about the appointment Mark
Wilkinson stated "Fodens are in the process of commissioning
a number of new arrangements from Chris which will play an integeral
part in some exciting concert plans, CDs and DVDs that the band
are in the process of planning".|
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