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18th December 2007 BBC Young Musician of the YearWhilst most of us have hung up our instruments for Christmas (bar the odd bit or caroling), Bass Trombone star Simon Minshull still has one very important engagement to undertake before relaxing for the Christmas period. Simon is heading to the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama on the 19th of December to take part in the brass Semi-Finals of the 'BBC Young Musician of the year' competition. Simon will be perform a varied programme of repertoire to the judges which will include; Wood's 'Toccata'; 'Nocturne' by Gliere and Koesteir's 'Allegro Meastoso'. 'I'm so pleased to be part of this competition at this late stage. I'm being joined by some friends down in Cardiff who will be performing as well and whilst having to compete, we will be supporting one each too. I'd like to thank Fodens band for being there for me throughout this competition. The band has recognised by achievements and has given me a real lift at every stage of the contest'. Simon Minshull Fodens are delighted to have such a talented young man in its ranks and extend the best of luck to Simon who will, no doubt, do very well in the competition. Meanwhile Fodens are pleased to announce that Danny Baldwin has rejoined the band after a spell at North West rivals, Leyland. Danny has been a real asset to us in the past and we welcome him back to the Percussion Section with open arms where he will work with Liz Haygarth, Chris Bastock and principal percussionist, Mark Landon. Fodens hope this will enhance further Fodens superb record on the concert and contest stage. Lastly, having performed our final concert of 2007 last Sunday, the Fodens band would like to extend a very merry Christmas to all its supporters and followers. Gareth Westwood 1st December 2007 PRESS RELEASEFodens Brass Band are putting the finishing touches towards preperations for their annual Christmas Concert to be held on Sunday 16th December at Sandbach Boys School commencing at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £7 and £8 and can be purchased on the door. This is the first time that the band have held their Christmas concert at Sandbach which is expected to be a sell out. Fodens have been nominated for an award on the brass band internet site '4Barsrest' as 'Brass Band of the Year' due to its fantastic contest results and concert performances this year. Fodens conductor 'Garry Cutt' has also been nominated as 'Conductor of the Year.' If you would like to vote for Fodens, Garry or nominate any of the Fodens Star players for the prestigious award of 'Player of the Year' please visit www.4barsrest.com and click on 'voting form' 30th November 2007 Fodens Are The Winners Of The 4Barsrest Money ListThe Fodens
Richardson Band are delighted to have won the '4Barsrest Money
List' for the contesting year 2007. 26th November 2007 Fodens Do It AgainFodens have pipped top opposition yet again this year, this time at the recent 'Brass in Concert' championships held at the Sage, Gateshead. The contest, held of the 17th of November, required 12 of the worlds top brass bands to provide an entertaining, yet musically challenging 20 minute concert programme. Bands were marked both on entertainment value and more so, musical achievement. The Fodens Richardson band score highly in both categories and gained a fully merited 2nd place, beating such bands as Grimethorpe, YBS, Leyland and Fairey bands. The band didn't quite to enough to beat Yorkshire rivals Brighouse and Rastrick but 2nd place was enough to acclaim Fodens as the most consistant band on the contest stage this year. This accolade comes as a result of winning both the North West area championships along with the International Masters brass bands championships and the Whit Friday March contest (Tameside area). As well as these notable titles, the band came 3rd at the British Open contest, 4th at the European Championships, and 2nd at the National Championships of Great Britain as well the 2nd place gained in Gateshead. The band is now looking forward to another year of successful contesting where it is hoped even more 1st prizes will be won. However, the band still have a busy concert schedule up until the end of the year with the climax at Sandbach School for Boys on the 16th of December in the form of their Christmas Concert. This is an evening not to be missed when you can see this world famous band perform for the last time in 2007. Gareth Westwood 20th November 2007 Uppermill Welcomes Fodens StarFodens star percussionist Mark Landon, who delights audiences worldwide performing with the Fodens Richardson Band, will be entertaining an audience in Uppermill later this year as guest soloists with two of the areas leading bands. Those who have seen Mark play solos with the Fodens band in the past know that this is a night not to be missed! Mark will be appearing with the Dobcross silver band along side the Marsden band and will be dazzling audiences with pieces such as; Flying Mallets, Robin Harry, Little prayer and Helter Skelter. 'I'd delighted to have been approached by these two fantastic bands to take part in a musical night to remember. To be part of this wonderful evening, and to have the opportunity to perform in front of this notoriously welcoming audience, is indeed a privilege.' Mark Landon The concert, held in Uppermill Civic hall, is on the 1st December and promises to be a great night for all involved. Gareth Westwood 18th November 2007 Results From The 2007 Brass in ConcertFull results of the 2007 Brass in Concert Championships from The Sage, Gateshead - Sunday 18 November Results: 1. Brighouse
& Rastrick, Richard Evans 198+58= 256 Other prizes: Don Lusher
Trombone Award: Nick Hudson, Desford Adjudicators: 7th November 2007 Les Neish On His Travels AgainPrincipal Eb Tuba of the Fodens Richardson Band, Les Neish, is on his travels again. Les will be appearing as guest soloist with Fuoco Brass conducted by his old college friend and former Besses MD, Jonathan Corry. Speaking about the reunion Les said: "It's great to team up with Jonathan yet again in this latest venture. I have always had great respect for Jonathan as a musician and I'm really looking forward to yet another collaboration with him and Fuoco Brass." Les' appearance at the Bristol Easton Salvation Army Hall in Newtown, coincides with his latest CD release in which he is, again, guest soloist with Fuoco Brass. Fodens are delighted to have a professional like Les in its ranks, taking the Fodens name far and wide. We fully support him in his professional activities and are proud of his achievements. Gareth Westwood 6th November 2007 Minshall's Double Delight
CareerThe young Bass Trombonist is just 16 years old, and has been a member of the Foden's Richardson Band since the age of 14. Simon has been brought up in a home full of brass musicians, and started his playing career in Astley Youth Band on Baritone at the age of 5. Earlier awards Earlier this year he was awarded the Most Outstanding Soloist Prize with Astley Youth Band in the Junior Section of the National Youth Brass Band Championships. He is a long-standing member of Bolton Music Centre, and has gained much from the excellent tuition and support of the Bolton Staff - he will travel to Kansas City next July on tour with the award-winning Bolton Youth Brass Band. Future hopes Simon is currently in the Lower 6th form at Chetham's School of Music, where he is tutored by Les Storey. He is a member of Chetham's Symphony Orchestra, Brass Band and Big Band. Following completion of the 6th Form in 2009, he hopes to study the the Royal Academy of Music. Future aspirations include applications for the European Union Youth Orchestra and the Gustav Mahler Jungendorcester. 5th November 2007 WorkshopOn Sunday 4th November, the Lions Youth Band had a workshop with members of the Fodens Richardson band. The workshop began at 10 p.m. with David Morton and Anna Hughes taking the cornets. Rob Fleming was tutoring the horns and Natsumi Inaba was taking the Euphoniums and baritones. Les Neish was the Tuba tutor and John Barber was in charge of the Trombones. Finally, it was a pleasure for the band to welcome Simonne Rebello as the percussion tutor. The band worked until lunch time on their programme for The Tameside Contest later this month, although Les Neish took time out to give Timothy Bartley some one to one tuition in preparation for his audition with The National Youth Brass Band next Saturday. Following a lunch break, the band had an hour's rehearsal to consolidate the work that had been undertaken in the sectional. Speaking on behalf of the Youth band Nigel Birch says, this was a slightly different workshop to others as a number of our solo and leading players were unavailable, but this enabled the secondary players to perhaps get more attention than usual and I think this worked very well. Next up for the youth band is a rehearsal with Richard Evans on Tuesday, and then David Thornton from Black Dyke will be tutoring Neil Raisbeck on his solo for Tameside competition and Alex Holsgrove in preparation for his audition for The National Youth Brass Band. Many Thanks Niger Birch Musical Director Lions Youth Brass 28th October 2007 Sheona White Joins FodensThe Fodens Richardson band are delighted to announce that following her appearance at the National Finals earlier this month Sheona White has joined the band with immediate effect. Sheona is a truly wonderful player whose experience will be welcomed as a valuable asset to the band. We are certainly looking forward to working with Sheona in the coming contest season, not to mention at Brass in Concert later this year. 'I am very pleased to have been asked by the band to sign for them. This opens a brand new chapter for me in my playing career, and it is one I am very much looking forward to. The band is extremely welcoming and friendly not to mention talented. I really enjoyed being part of their fantastic performance at London and I'm sure there will be many more memorable performances to come.' Sheona White 'We are very pleased to welcome Sheona. She is immensely talented and will be a significant addition to the ranks at Fodens.' Mark Wilkinson Sheona's next contest outing with the band will be at Brass in Concert, held at the Sage, Gateshead later next month. Gareth Westwood 28th October 2007 Helen Tyler Helps Next GenerationFodens star Helen Tyler is helping the next generation of young American brass players. The Fountain City Brass Band is holding a Brass Expo at Parkhill High School this Sunday at 1.00pm, an unique opportunity to work with some of Kansas City's finest brass performers and educators. Players of all ages and abilities are invited to join members of the FCBB in an afternoon of rehearsals in a traditional brass band setting, instrument specific sectionals with the FCBB's fine educational team comprised of university professors, and an evening concert culminating in a massed band performance with the FCBB. The FCBB Brass Expo is sponsored by the Fountain City Brass Band and the Fountain City Brass Academy. The brass expo is one of a series of events organised by Helen Tyler, from Fodens, in an attempt to raise the profile of brass bands in the community during her sebatical in the U.S.A. Exciting time Helen told 4BR: "The FCBB and I are currently working to form a Fountain City Academy and Youth Band in Kansas City. It is an exciting time for both members, students and community players and I'm very proud to be associated with such a wonderful project." Visit www.fcbb.net for more information 22nd October 2007 A Message of ThanksThe Fodens band have had much support in preparing for this years National Championships not least from one or two players that have stepped in to fill gaps made by unforeseen circumstances. As always the Fodens band would like to thank all players that take part in supporting the band throughout the year with a special thanks going to David Bremnar who, whilst on holiday, was approached by the band to help in this years National Finals as principal trombone John Barber was already booked to take his school band to the USA. With two weeks to go until the contest, with rehearsals on the test piece just about to start, David put all his plans on hold to help the band in its preparation and for this Fodens would like to publicly extend their deepest thanks. Although the band is clearly disappointed with coming within one place of clinching the winners trophy, the band moral is generally high gaining two favourable contest results (3rd at the British Open and 2nd at last weekends National Finals) off two relatively early draws (3 and 6 respectively). The band would like to congratulate Grimethorpe in their victory, as well as the other 2 bands that made up the top 4, Cory and Black Dyke, that will be joining them at next years National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall. The band are now looking forward to the rest of the year with many workshops, joint concerts, youth projects and not to mention, Brass in Concert, still to come in the next 3 months. Gareth Westwood 20th October 2007 Runners Up At The NationalsFoden's Richardson Band were awarded second place in the 2007 National Championships of Great Britain. Results: 1. Grimethorpe
Colliery, Allan Withington, 198 Test piece:
Music for Battle Creek, Philip Sparke Soloist: Euphonium, Michael Dodd of Grimethorpe 17th October 2007 Youth Workshop With the Stoke Youth Brass BandOn Saturday 13th October, members of the Fodens Richardson Band took part in another youth workshop, this time with the Stoke Youth Brass Band. The band is run by the Stoke music service and rehearses both a training band and a youth band weekly. Saturday saw the culmination of both bands in a day of tutoring given by 6n members of the Fodens Band. Mark Wilkinson, Cai Isfyn, Natsumi Inaber, John Barber, Gareth Westwood and Les Neish were all on hand to offer help, support and guidance throughout the day. The morning kicked off at 10:30 am with a warm up session led by John Barber and Gareth Westwood. The focus of this session was breathing activities and muscular exercises designed to prepare the students for a hard days blowing! Following this the band were taken off into sectionals in which the Fodens team coached the young players through music they would be playing in the afternoon concert. 5 hours later at 3:30 the afternoon concert began with the youth band performing music that had been polished during the days sectionals. Half way through, the Fodens team delighted an audience of parents and staff with a short concert that included solos from Les Neish, John Barber and Mark Wilkinson. Youth Policy co-ordinator, Mark Wilkinson: 'The Fodens Richardson Band continue to be committed to supporting youth organisations throughout the country and its members work tirelessly in raising standards of good brass playing amongst these youngsters. These young people are the movements future and we at Fodens realise that with our Youth Initiative.' Meanwhile back at the band room, we are very pleased to announce that we have strengthened our ranks further ahead of the National Finals. Fumika Kimura joins the band on 2nd cornet having previously played with Stalybridge, Moston and Beswick, Middleton, and Sellers International Band. Fumika is a music student at the University at Salford and is studying the BA (Hons) course. Fumika is a fantastic player who has strengthened our back row further and we are delighted to welcome her to the band. Fumika's first contest engagement will be at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain next Saturday where the band will be performing Philip Sparks 'Music For Battle Creek'. 17th October 2007 Les Neish to perform with the Brass Band of Battle CreekIn the last week of rehearsing for the National Finals, playing Spark's 'Music for Battle Creek', The Fodens Richardson Band are very pleased to announce that principal Eb Tuba player Les Neish is due to perform the work with the Brass Band of Battle Creek later this year. The piece will be performed by the band during a Christmas Concert in Michigan and will be the first engagement that Les has played with the band. Les commented: 'Battle Creek really is a fantastic band comprising some truly fantastic players and it is an honour to be asked by the band to perform with them.' In addition to this, Les' latest solo CD, 'Badinage', is due to be released at the end of November. In collaboration with Fuoco Brass, conducted by Jonathan Corry, Les performs music by Norbury, Mozart and Muscroft (the latter composer here is paid tribute to by Les in his performance of 'The Carnival of Venice'). During the recording Les was given permission to use the brand new Besson 980 tuba all the way from Germany. Les would like to thank all involved for making this possible. Despite all these developments in Les' already very successful career, his current focus is preparing for the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. Les has already tasted success in this contest and is desperate to repeat that this year. 'I won here with Fairey's when the test piece was Masqurade. I remember it being an electric feeling and I am determined to do it again, with Fodens. Fodens are a wonderful band with some really talented players. The band, under Gary Cutt, have come a long way in the last few years and the work ethic there is outstanding. I'm looking forward to performing what is a wonderful piece of music with this great band, and hopefully getting my hands on that trophy once more!' Les Neish You can see Les and the Fodens band perform 'Music for Battle Creek' at the Royal Albert Hall this coming Saturday. 8th October 2007 George Thackery Steps Down
'Fodens are very sad to loose George who has been a fantastic servant to the band since he re- joined in 2005. The band would like to wish George all the very best for his future endeavours' - Mark Wilkinson George had to say the following: 'I am very sad to have had to leave the band. I currently travel from Nottingham to Sandbach and whilst I always enjoyed going to band, the travelling, along with my other passion of road racing, meant that unfortunately I had to take the decision to step down. Being a part of Fodens band is a massive commitment and it requires every single player to make that commitment. Regretfully it has come to the stage where I feel I cannot fully honour that. It has been truly wonderful to come back to the band after a long break and although the band has certainly changed, it is still one of the best bands in the world and I will miss playing at the highest level there is. It has also been a privilege to work with some fantastic players as well as an immensely talented musical director, Gary Cutt. I have been part of some historic performances and ones that stick in my memory are of course the record breaking area wins of 2006/2007 as well as the truly breathtaking performance of 'Contest Music' at this years European Championships. This performance in particular, will stay in my memory for a very long time indeed. Lastly, I would like to thank the players of the band that are, of all the bands I have played with, the friendliest, most welcoming bunch of people I have had the pleasure to work with. The camaraderie and team spirit in the band is something I will always remember and encapsulates the whole atmosphere of Fodens Band. I wish the band all the very best of luck at the National Championships later this month and in the future. Thanks once again, Fodens, for a very enjoyable 2 years.' George Thackery Meanwhile, the band are very pleased to welcome Sheona White to its ranks for the forthcoming National Championships of great Britain. Sheona is a fantastic player who will play a significant role in Fodens' campaign to win back the title that has eluded them since 1999. Gareth Westwood 8th October 2007 Good Neighbours….The City of Chester Band has been taking advantage of championship friends the Fodens Richardsons Band. Near neighbours, the 2 bands have been working together through a weekend workshop for the training band and a series of master classes for both the training band and main band. Saturday saw 5 of Foden's top players in Chester for the day, leading an enthusiastic team of musicians from both the City of Chester and Farndon and District Brass Band. Gareth Westwood (trombone) from Foden's led the day supported by Mark Wilkinson and Dave Morton on cornet, Rob Fleming on horn and Toby Hobson on Bass. The day comprised a mix of sectional and group playing with a final mini-concert at the end of the day.
Gareth commented, The highlight for many of the Chester players was a short quintet concert put on by the Foden's players.
'To hear this level of playing really gets the kids excited - they'll be bouncing all week!' commented Chester Training Band conductor Ian Clowes. 'The workshop was fantastic, and combined with the series of master classes we are running - also led by players from Foden's, is bringing energy, excitement and skills to Chester in a way that makes a real difference.'
The workshop is part of an ongoing initiative by The City of Chester Band to develop both bands and to encourage more young players into the training band. Instruments, music and tuition are provided so why not come along and join in. Learn more about the band at www.chesterbrass.co.uk or email info@chesterbrass.co.uk.
Mark Wilkinson, Youth Policy Coordinator for Foden's, explained 'Foden's
is committed to community support and the relationship we have
developed with the City of Chester Band is something we all really
enjoy and enables us to put something back into banding. It is
grass-roots organisations such as Chester that are developing
the programmes and initiatives that will create the players of
the future. Who knows, maybe some of the players from this weekend's
workshop will be playing for Foden's themselves over the coming
years.' 5th October 2007 A Night of Brass at the Palais des Beaux ArtsOn Saturday 29th September the Foden's Richardson band took part in 'a night of brass' at the Palais des Beaux Arts in the centre of Brussels, featuring themselves and the current European champions, Brass Band Wilebrook. Wilebrook and Franz Violet took to the stage for the first half of the concert performing mostly original works for brass band including the all time classic 'Labour and Love' as well as Paul Lovett-Cooper's high impact concert opener, 'Horizons'. The audience, clearly thrilled with the programme and standard of play were also treated to a performance of Elgar Variations, set piece of this years European. Fodens, who arrived in Brussels for a rehearsal hours earlier occupied the stage for the second half of the concert conducted by resident musical director, Gary E Cutt. A mixed programme of new arrangements, classic works and original pieces for band were all on offer here with the band capturing the hall immediately playing Agincore song followed by the high tempo Valero. Star flugal player Helen fox was featured playing a wonderful interpretation of Hogey Charmical's, 'Georgia on my Mind'. Tuba virtuoso Les Neish was also featured in Rodney Newtons 'Badinage'. Following a rousing version of the classic finisher 'Procession to the Minster', arranged by former fodens MD Howard Snell, the bands joined together and played 'Reunion and Finale' from Gettysburg. As if this wasn't enough to shake the foundations to crumbling point, the massed bands tackled one more piece before leaving the hall to enjoy a night in Brussels. Verdi's Overture to 'La Forza del Destino' enthralled the audience from the very first blows of fate to the exhilarating final Eb major arpeggios and the audience left the building not before all getting on their feet to give both bands a well deserved standing ovation. Fodens would like to thank the organisers for their wonderful hospitality throughout and thank Brass Band Wilebrook, along with their conductor, Franz Violet, for giving us the opportunity to share what was, a fantastic concert. 2nd October 2007 New CommitteeThe Foden's Richardson Band have appointed a new Committee following the bands recent AGM. The New Committee, chaired by Principal Trombone John Barber, will be responsible for overseeing a new structure of management which will enhance further Fodens success on both the contest and concert stage. 'I'm very pleased to be serving the band as Chairman and very much look forward to being part of, what is, a very successful and exciting time for the Foden's Richardson Band. My thanks go out to former Chairman, Alan Wycherley, for his inspired leadership and magnanimous approach to the role that he has had for 3 years.' John Barber This is a
very exciting time at Fodens and the band are looking forward
to working with the new committee in what is hopefully going to
be another successful contest and concert season for the band. 2nd October 2007 Semi-finalist of the BBC Young Musician Of The YearThe Foden's Richardson band are delighted to announce that star Bass Trombone player, Simon Minshall, has earned a place in the semi-final of the BBC young musician of the year. Simon is an outstanding talent and since joining the band at the tender age of 15, has proven himself to be one of the brightest up and coming young players in the movement. Simon studies at Chethams School of music and has lessons with Les Storey. 'Simon really is fantastic player with a wonderful sound and the invaluable ability to learn and adapt quickly. His enthusiasm and commitment towards his instrument grows by the day and I can only anticipate great things for this young man.' Les Storey Under the baton of Gary Cutt Simon, already, has been part of some very significant performances in the bands history including this years record breaking North West area win alongside the Bands winning performance at the All England International Masters earlier this year. Simon, who was clearly delighted with the news had this to say: 'I am delighted I have gone so far in this fantastic competition. Fodens really have helped me develop as a player and it is a privilege to play with such a superb band.' Simon Minshall It is currently a busy time for both Fodens and Simon as the band prepares for its up and coming fund-raising concert in aid of their bid to regain the National Championship of Great Britain on October the 20th. The concert is on the 4th of October and tickets for the concert can be obtained from Winsford Civic Hall box office on: 01606 867555. Gareth Westwood 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 |
The
Foden's Richardson band are sad to announce that solo horn player,
George Thackery, has stepped down from his position with the band.
George re-joined Fodens in November 2005 after previously serving
the band for 4 years between 1985 and 1989. Extensive travel from
his home in Nottingham along with work and other commitments were
the reasons for George's departure the band will miss him both
as a player and a friend.
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