Foden's Youth Band
Biography
Foden's Youth Band was formed in 2012 in order to provide opportunities for young brass & percussion players to experience performances alongside world class musicians, tuition from some of the UK's leading specialists and direction from talented professional conductors.
The project was seen as a natural extension of the youth development work already carried out by Foden's players, and has enabled the band to build partnerships with Love Music Trust (lead partner in the Cheshire East Music Hub), Royal Northern College of Music, and numerous other companies who have been keen to support this exciting new band.
When opened to applications; 60 places were quickly filled by young players from all around Cheshire and further, including Lancashire, South Yorkshire, North Wales and the Midlands. During it's first year the Band performed at Manchester Cathedral with international soloist Jens Lindemann and at the prestigious Royal Northern College of Music Festival of Brass. Critical acclaim has already been forthcoming; being awarded 3rd place in the 4barsrest.com 'newcomer of the year' award (despite not being on the shortlist of nominations) and in British Bandsman magazine who described the band as a 'most ambitious and high profile project'.
Now established, the Youth Band continues to go from strength to strength, engaging it's young musicians with high profile repertoire from composers new and old.
Join Our Youth Band
Criteria
The criteria for joining Foden's Youth Band is very simple; all we ask is that you are-
- Aged 21 or under
- Grade 5 standard or higher on a brass or percussion instrument
Rehearsals
The Band meets once per month in Sandbach, Cheshire on a Sunday morning (9:45am-1:15pm) with concerts 3-4 times per year. Players are strongly encouraged to support their existing musical commitments elsewhere, and the schedule for Foden's Youth Band is aimed at assisting this.
Rehearsals are designed to stretch the young players offering them access to experienced high profiles tutors, exciting new repertoire and high quality direction.
Costs
We have been very fortunate in receiving financial backing from Love Music Trust (the lead organisation in the new Cheshire East Music Hub) as well as a number of other partners. However, in order to provide these unique opportunities there is a cost to members of £111 per academic year or £37 per term.
Students in Higher Education and families in receipt of income support, family credit or disability living allowance and children receiving free school meals, or looked after children are entitled to free membership of Foden's Youth Band.
Further discounts are available as follows:
- Full years payment at September rehearsal - 10% discount
- 2nd family member - 50% discount
Venue
Rehearsals take place at;
Sandbach School,
Crewe Road,
Sandbach,
CW11 3NS.
