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4th June 2008 New PlayersThe Fodens Band have been busy strengthening its cornet ranks and are delighted to announce the appointment of Matthew Fearn to the position of 3rd cornet. Matthew comes from a rich background of banding having played with bands such as Pemberton Old and North West rivals, the Wingates band. Another addition to the band has been in its middle line with the appointment of Shaun Hudson on 2nd Euphonium. Shaun is a vastly experienced player having recently come out retirement following a long spell at the Grimethorpe band. Shaun joined Fodens prior to this years North West area contest.. Finally we are very pleased that Natsumi Inaba, a long standing member of the band, has taken on the role of Solo Baritone on a full time basis. Over the last 9 months Natsumi, formally 2nd Euphonium, has proven herself to be a fine exponent of the instrument giving wonderful performances at The Open, Nationals, BIC, Area and Masters contests. The band are delighted with these new developments ahead of what is hoped to be a successful 2nd half of 2008. Gareth Westwood
Fodens Band 25th May 2008 Results From The 2008 All England International Masters, CambridgeResults:- 1. Desford
Colliery, Nigel Seaman, 11 Test piece:- Malcolm Arnold Variations, Martin Ellerby Adjudicators:- Eric Crees, David Read, Philip Sparke 20th May 2008 Fodens continues to dominate Tameside
Six of the best
The only Tameside venue the band didn't play at was The Broadoak in Ashton under Lyne but when their first prize of £2500 is added to their other winnings from the night including second at Scouthead in Saddleworth, it is estimated they've won just short of £6150. Consistency is key
Fairey second Fodens' North West rivals, Faireys took the £1000 runners up cheque in Tameside having competed at all ten venues where they took the spoils at The Broadoak and Carrbrook with four second places that helping them swell the coffers. Stockport third Stockport Brass and Michael Fowles had a terrific night taking first place at Denton, second at Heyrod and two thirds and three fourths helping them secure third place and a cheque for £750 edging Grand Shield winner Leyland out of the prizes by just one point. Ashton's local title The title of Local Champion went to Ashton-under-Lyne Band who were consistent all night and in taking the £750 first prize they edged out Glossop Old into second with Stalybridge finishing tthird. 12th May 2008 Sarah OgdenThe Foden's band are looking forward to appearing with star singer, the Soprano Sarah Ogden, in a concert appearance later this year. The concert, that is to be held at Winsford Civic Hall, takes place on July 12th and is promised to be a night to remember. Sarah, a graduate from the University of Birmingham, started out her musical life as a band musician playing cornet in the brass bands of the Holme Valley. Sarah is an eminent vocal talent and Foden's band are delighted to be working with her. The concert begins at 7.00pm and tickets are available from Jack Gee's Cycles (Northwich), Winsford Civic hall, Crewe Honda Centre and Northwich Information Centre. 6th May 2008 Fodens Press ReleaseIn the hectic
weeks leading up to the bands latest CD recording, the Fodens
Band have been putting something back into banding. 14th April 2008 Fodens Training DayOn Saturday 5th April six members of Fodens Brass Band visited the Dialstone Centre in Stockport and spent the day coaching members of Stockport Schools' Brass Band in preparation for the National Youth Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. Our tutors were Anna Hughes (Cornets), Natsumi Inaba (Euphonium's & Baritones), Andrew Howard-Smith (Horns), Gareth Westwood (Trombones), Mark Landon (Percussion) and Les Neish (Trombones). The day started with the Tutors sitting in on a rehearsal of all the pieces, after the rehearsal everyone split into sections and worked on the pieces. There were several rehearsals and several sectionals and at the end of a long tiring day a full rehearsal to put all their hard work into practice. I would like to thank members of Fodens band for their hard work and enthusiasm working with the band. The day payed off as we attained 3rd place in the County Class and our principal corner player Danielle Miller won the best Instrumentalist prize. Regards Jane Simpson Champions Fodens Delight North West Area Brass Bands Association (Manchester District) MembersThe District held a Training Day in co-operation with the Fodens (Richardson) Band on Sunday March 16th, just one week after the famous band had been crowned Regional Champions for the third year in succession.
At the Hollingworth Business and Enterprise College at Milnrow, near Rochdale, over eighty players from Association bands enjoyed a day of coaching and playing under the guidance of Mark Wilkinson,Glyn Williams, Sheona White,Les Neish, Anna Hughes, Simon Minshall and Ben Coombs.
The day started off with each section tutor holding a masterclass for their respective instruments before splitting the players into two bands. One band held a full rehearsal on the test piece ‘Indian Summer’ under the guidance of Gareth Westwood whilst the other band had sectional rehearsals on ‘Dimensions.’ After lunch Gareth rehearsed Dimensions whilst sectional rehearsals took place on Indian Summer.
The day ended with both groups giving a grand performance of their pieces. At 4pm over 80 happy and enthusiastic players left the College with only one popular request - "When will the next one be?" And for an Association concerned with the future progress of its member bands, that's all we wanted to hear. 12th March 2008North West Regional Championships 2008
The Regional Championships, held in Blackpool on the 9th March, not only allow the winning band local bragging rights, but serve as a route to the Royal Albert Hall and the National Finals later this year. Fending off local rivals The Fairey band, The Leyland band and the Wingates Band, Fodens not only achieved a record number of wins but also the elusive ‘hat-trick’, having won the contest in 2006 and 2007.
Gareth Westwood Fodens (Richardson)
Band 9th March 2008 North West Regional Championships ResultsFodens win the 2008 North West Regional Championships. Winter Gardens,
Blackpool - Opera House Adjudicator:
Dennis Wilby 1. Fodens
Richardson, G. Cutt, 4, 192 Pre-qualified:
Fodens Richardson Patrons Concert 2008The Fodens (Richardson) band have been entertaining its fans of late with yet another tremendously successful sell out Patrons concert held in Sandbach earlier this month.
This concert was no exception with many audience members being offered standing room only. The concert, already acclaimed by many patrons, was made extra special this year with the release of Fodens’ exciting new CD venture. ‘Patrons Choice’ was released earlier this month and is exclusively made up of music chosen by the Fodens Patrons. The CD is a medley of wonderful music, young and old, that has been picked by the Fodens team out of over 100 requests made by its Patrons. Much of the music on show at the concert in early February featured on the CD and included ‘The Little Russian’, ‘Closest Thing to Crazy’, ‘Carnival for Bass’, ‘Checkmate’, ‘Procession to the Minster’ ‘Alpine Echoes’ and many more.
The concert was also a very special occasion for the recipients of the two annual awards, voted for by the players of the band.
Gareth Westwood Fodens (Richardson) Band 28th February 2008 Composer In ResidenceThe Fodens (Richardson) Band are delighted to announce the appointment of Andy Scott as composer in residence. Andy has already carved himself an astounding career as a performer and composer. As a saxophonist Andy has premiered concertos by Graham Fitkin, Pete Meechan, Paul Mitchell Davidson, Dave Heath and many more. His saxophone quartet 'SaxAssault' are critically acclaimed and have undertaken tours, CD recordings as well as many high profile projects with names such as Gwilym Simcock and Bob Mintzer. The Dave Hassell-Andy Scott Duo performed by invitation at the 33rd International Association of Jazz Educators in New York City, USA, followed by concerts & workshops in Mexico in April. The Duo's debut CD 'SandDancer' is available on the Quartz record label. The Duo undertook a Tour in Autumn 2006, collaborating with actor Richard Ellis and photographer Gary Abbott, presenting their take of Roger McGough's classic poem, 'Summer with Monica' . Since its formation in 1985 Andy has played Tenor Saxophone in the internationally-acclaimed Apollo Saxophone Quartet, touring Europe and Asia, recording for labels such as Decca/Argo, Black Box, Quartz and broadcasting many times for BBC Radio. The ASQ has commissioned over 100 works to date, many of which are now 'standard' saxophone quartet repertoire. As a composer, Andy is a champion of new music and his works embrace elements of classical, jazz and world music, creating a distinctive individual style. Recent musicians/bodies to commission works from Andy include ; Apitos, Arabesque Duo, Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, Apollo Saxophone Quartet, Backbeat Percussion Ensemble, British Association of Wind Bands & Ensembles, British Clarinet Ensemble, James Gourlay, Mike Hall, Kintamarni Saxophone Quartet, Royal Northern College of Music, Clare Southworth, Tubalate, Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra, and Sandbach School. The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music & the Trinity Guildhall Exams include works by Andy on their latest syllabuses. As a result of winning the Peter Whittingham Award, new music for Sax Assault was premiered on an Arts Council of England supported UK Tour and broadcast by BBC Radio 3 'Jazz Notes'. From September 2007 Andy is Composer in Residence at Sandbach School, Cheshire. His Basbwe College Consortium commissioned Two Saxophone & Wind Band Concerto, Dark Rain, was performed as a featured work at the 14th World Saxophone Congress in July 2006 by soloists John Harle & Rob Buckland. In November 2006 Andy was awarded First Prize in the British Composer Awards 2006 (Wind Band & Brass Band Category) for Dark Rain. Andy's appointment as composer in residence comes after the highly successful reception of his Concerto For Tuba, 'Salt of the Earth' performed at the RNCM festival of brass earlier this year. Andy is a great musician to work with. His experience and talent are there for all to see and are only matched by his modesty and honesty. We are delighted to welcome such a wonderful talent to the band and are very much looking forward to a long and successful partnership with Andy. 22nd February 2008 Press Release - Armagh February 2008As part of an ongoing partnership between the Fodens (Richardson) band and the Armagh Old Boys brass band, Fodens once again descended on the Northern Irish town during the weekend of Friday 8th - Sunday 10th February.
The weekend started with tutorial sessions where brass players (and some non-brass players!) were put through their paces by members of the Fodens team that had flown over that morning.
The remaining Fodens team flew out to Belfast from Liverpool later that day for what was to be the first of 3 concerts that weekend. Over the two gala concerts (Friday and Saturday) Fodens dazzled audiences with a vastly varied programme of music directed by Mike Fowles. Music ranged from ‘Hora Staccato’ and ‘The Little Russia’ to ‘Laudate Dominum’, ‘Procession to the Minster’ and ‘Life Divine’. Soloist included Les Neish, Mark Wilkinson, Helen Fox, Mark Landon, Alan Wycherley, and Glyn Williams showcasing his immense talent in the recent commission ‘Grandfarthers Clock’ (performed at BIC last year). The concerts were virtual sell-outs both nights and were received wonderfully by the fantastic Market Place Theatre audience.
However in between the two gala concerts, on Saturday afternoon, the Fodens band played an altogether different role in accompanying over 30 young soloists and ensembles. After a three-hour rehearsal with the young people, the afternoon concert started at 2pm and featured a huge range of abilities, styles and ages with some soloists not even into their teens! The young people were fantastic and despite the concert lasting 2 ½ hours (uninterrupted), the audience and band gave every soloist the encouragement and plaudits they deserved. ‘These young people were a truly outstanding credit to their band and their parents. Throughout the rehearsal and the concert soloist performed with confidence and supported their friends and colleagues every step of the way.’
Mark Wilkinson We now look forward to the August’s summer school where 8 of the Fodens team will be travelling, once more to Armagh for a week of tutoring and music making with musicians young and old.
Gareth Westwood Fodens (Richardson) Band 6th February 2008 Lions Team Up For SuccessLions Youth team up with stars to help forthcoming contest chances. More... 6th February 2008 Joint Concert To Premiere New WorkBoscombe Band of the Salvation Army in partnership with Foden's Richardson Band and guest soloist Brett Baker. This concert
will include the first full performance of Ray Steadman-Allen's
"Variants on Triumph of Peace" and will feature the
music of Eric Ball as well as Ray Steadman-Allen at
The Salvation Army, Palmerston Road, Boscombe In conjunction with this event there will be a workshop for young people (suggested age range 12-20) with the Foden's Band at the same venue from 2.30pm until 4pm. Further details about the concert and the workshop from the Band Secretary of Boscombe Band, George McConnell email :BandSec@The-McConnells.co.uk. This month in Bournemouth we bring together two spheres of banding with the Boscombe Salvation Army Band conducted by their Bandmaster, Howard Evans, and Fodens Richardson Band, also with guest conductor Howard Evans. Ray Steadman-Allen's work, 'Variants on Triumph of Peace' was written with the intention of bringing both band worlds together in performance, but so far has never received a full first performance. Written in 1997, Steadman-Allen draws his inspiration from Eric Ball's original work, 'The Triumph of Peace'. The final focus of the concert will be to bring the two bands together for a complete performance of this work. The works to be programmed this night mainly draw their inspiration from the Ball/Steadman-Allen link. Boscombe will play with Brett Baker, Steadman-Allen's recent trombone solo 'Faith Encounter', written as a follow up to his classic number, 'The Eternal Quest'. The new solo was written for Brett Baker and was originally premiered by Boscombe Band, both in concert and recording. Fodens Richardson will feature some of their fine soloists as well as having the opportunity to present a new work from the pen of Ray Steadman-Allen, entitled 'Starmaker'. Howard Evans said; 'Its a unique opportunity to premiere a new work from the pen of RS-A, who I've known for a number of years now, and a significant moment to be able bring to life a new score from RS-A who is now in his 85th year.' The band will make their link to Eric Ball with a performance of 'Song of Courage'. To make the most of their visit to the South Coast, Fodens Richardson are also giving a masterclass in the afternoon, 2.30- 4.00pm. For details of this event please contact the email address listed. 30th January 2008 RNCM Festival of BrassRead the 4barsrest review of the recent Foden concert at the RNCM here .... 29th January 2008 Patrons ConcertThe Fodens (Richardson) Band patrons concert is reputed to be one of the most sought after events of its kind both locally and nationally. The first concert of 2008 will be held in just over two weeks time on the 12th of February at Sandbach School for Boys. The concert will start at 7:30 pm and will feature many old favourites, exciting new works and virtuoso soloists showcasing what it some of the best talents in brass banding. The Elworth based Fodens (Richardson) Band is one of the premier musical ensembles of today being placed number 3 in the Brass Band World Rankings. Some of its most recent concert ventures has been at the RNCM Festival of Brass earlier this year where the band were critically acclaimed to provide the finest performance of the Festival. Early January also saw the band collaborate with the Manchester Based band Faireys, in a bit to rejuvenate the famous 'Men o' Brass' initiative. Contest success has seen the Fodens band crowned North West Champions for a record 14th time, International Masters Champions, Whit Friday Champions and runners up in the National Brass Band Championships. This is a concert not to be missed. The details will be sent out to our patrons (who will receive this concert free as part of their patronage of the band) via this months patrons magazine. However, the concert is also available to non-patrons who will be able to pay on the door. For more information regarding the concert, becoming a patron of the band and much more useful information about Fodens, visit www.fodensband.co.uk. Gareth Westwood 26th January 2008 New Concert SsecretaryFodens are pleased to announce the appointment of a new concert secretary. Glyn Williams, who is principal Euphonium with the band, has been a long standing ambassador for the band and will be taking on the new role with immediate effect. Please could all future correspondence regarding concerts be sent via Glyn Williams at: Glynwilliams959@btinternet.com 19 Denshaw
Road, Or on his mobile: 07976 628 956 In addition to this, the Fodens band would like to thank Janet Court for all her hard work over the years. Her contribution to the band has been immeasurable and we wish her every success for the future. Gareth Westwood 24th January 2008 Men of BrassFollowing the 'Men of Brass' concert last weekend at the Butlins Contest both the Fodens and Fairey Bands have received much praise and positive feedback. We would like to thank everyone who came to listen to the concert and imparted their kind words on us but rest assured, it wasn't a one off! Inspired by the wonderful response to the concert, we have gone straight to work making sure this successful initiative isn't laid to rest for another 25 years. We have already started making plans for a CD project as well as having many more 'Men of Brass' concerts in the pipe line. Once again, the Fodens and Fairey bands would like to thank the supporters of last weeks concert and look forward to receiving the same wonderful reception at the next 'Men of Brass' venture. Gareth Westwood Fodens Richardson Band 24th January 2008 Lucy Chivers Joins FodensThe Fodens Band are delighted to welcome Lucy Chivers to its back row line up ahead of a busy concert and contesting year for the band. Lucy will be joining the band on third cornet as from next week and her first engagement with the band will be a massed band concert featuring the Fodens Band alongside the Roberts Bakery band in early February. Lucy, who has helped out the band on numerous occasions before joining, hails from Bolton and has had previous experience with the Hoover Bolton band, the Eagley Band and is a former member of the Bolton Youth Initiative. "We are delighted to have Lucy on board ahead of what is a very important year for the band both on the contest and concert stage. Lucy has helped out the band on various other occasions in the past and has proven herself to be a fine player." Mark Wilkinson "I'm absolutely thrilled to be part of the band. Fodens are recognized nationally and internationally as one of the best bands around and it's a real privilege to be working with such a fine bunch of musicians." Lucy Chivers We are again, delighted that Lucy's been able to join the band and look forward to working with her in what is hoped to be a long and successful relationship. Gareth Westwood 15th January 2008 Men Of BrassAs the Butlins contest draws closer the organizers of the 'Men of Brass' initiative taking place during the gala concert are giving the press and public an idea of the programme. The programme will be a mix of tradition and innovation with many newer concert items accompanying more traditional repertoire. Amongst the composers and arrangers being featured is Peter Graham and Paul Lovatt-Cooper. Paul's 'Where Eagles Dare' is regarded as one of the leading concert openers in the current repertory and will kick start proceeding in Skegness this coming Sunday. Paul is one of the movements premier young composers and is delighted that his music is being chosen in this ground breaking concert, the last one of which happened when Paul was only six years old. "I'm delighted to be featured as a composer is in this fantastic concert venture involving these two fantastic bands. I'd like to thank the organisers and M.D of the concert, Nicolas Childs, for promoting my music in this very significant concert". Paul Lovatt-Cooper "The concert itself contains many items which audiences may have been exposed to in the past years of 'Men of Brass'. However, the tradition of picking popular programmes to appeal to audiences is being upheld at this years rejuvenation and we are picking some more modern pieces as a result. Pauls piece is a fantastic addition to the programme as is Peter Graham's 'Shine as the Light' which will finish the concert." Alan Wycherley
Gareth Westwood 8th January 2008 Chris NorthIt is with regret that Fodens (Richardson) band announce the departure of 3rd cornet player, Chris North. Chris, who has been a loyal servant to the band throughout his tenure, hails from Northamptonshire and it is the travelling that has ultimately sealed his decision to leave. The journey Chris was making to band twice a week, and sometimes more in the run up to contests, consists of a 2 ½ hour marathon each way! "It has been a privilege to play with such a fantastic band and I will be proud of playing for the Fodens Band. They are a great bunch of people and I will miss them dearly. However, the huge amount of travelling has started to take its toll and I feel now is the right time to relinquish my position on the back row. I'd like to thank everyone at Fodens band for making me feel so welcome and I now look forward to concentrating on other musical projects." Chris North As well as playing 3rd cornet with the band, Chris held the post of arranger in residence for the last 12 months of his time with the band. During this time Chris turned out some wonderful arrangements which were used from the concert stage to the BIC championships at Spennymoore. Chris publishes his own works and all his music, as well as that of other composers and arrangers in the brass band scene, can be found at www.danetremusic.co.uk. We would like to thank Chris wholeheartedly for all his hard work during his time here and wish him all the very best for the future. Gareth Westwood |
The
Fodens Richardson Band conducted by Garry Cutt has been declared
the Tameside Whit Friday Champion for the seventh consecutive
year.
Playing
their trademark Whit Friday march, The President, the Sandbach-based
outfit notched up six first prizes at Droylsden, Dukinfield, Heyrod,
Stalybridge, Stalybridge Celtic and Upper Mossley adding two second
place's at Carrbrook and Hirst Village and a third at Denton.
Speaking
with 4BR at the keys to success on Whit Friday, MD Garry Cutt
said 'For any band to do well on Whit Friday, you have to play
consistently well and we've done that. We take the night very
seriously and work hard at it and that hard work has paid off'.
The
Fodens Band have made history again by winning this years ‘North
West Regional Championships’ and becoming the most successful
band ever to compete at the contest.
Fodens
next contest outing will be the International Masters Championship
in May where the band will be defending their title as Champions.
In the meantime the band will be appearing at numerous venues
throughout the country delivering high quality concerts and running
education projects..
Player
of the year for 2007 was awarded to the bands assistant principal
cornet, Richard Poole. Richard, as well as being a loyal servant
to the band picking up the Principal Cornet and even Soprano roles
when required, is also recognized as one of the finest cornet
players of his generation. Understated and almost annoyingly modest,
he has stunned audiences and bands alike since arriving up north
in 2000 with his virtuosity professionalism and outstanding ability.
Richard joined the band whilst studying at the RNCM in Manchester.
His unrivaled commitment and musical contribution to the band
was finally recognized this year, not a year too soon!
Bandsman
of the year for 2007 was awarded to Mark Wilkinson. Mark is a
household name within the brass band fraternity due to being regarded
as one of the leading cornet players in the world as well as one
of the most consistent and reliable cornet player in banding since
joining Fodens in 1992 on Principal cornet. Marks commitment to
the running of the band along with his huge phone bill, over heated
PC and over worked email account would be enough to make most
band secretaries blush. 
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