Following on from his recent victory at this year's Brass Band Conductors' Association's (BBCA’s) flagship Conducting Competition, So Matsukawa has gone on to claim his prize of a unique opportunity to rehearse and conduct a championship band. Working with Foden's band and mentored by Russell Gray, So prepared the band for a concert at London’s Regent Hall in London on the eve of the National Brass Band Championships. So, who hails from Japan gave this account of his experience: “I have been waiting for this award winner’s concert since I received the award in June! I never thought I would be able to play music with the top band that I had only heard on CD, and in the UK. But it wasn't just the concert that was truly precious this time. The 10 days I spent with them were all gems. I shared every moment of Russell conducting Foden's until the National Championships. I have really admired the sound of British brass bands since I played the tuba in junior high school. Among them, "Harrison's Dream" was one of my favourite pieces. This year, the piece is the test piece for the first time in 24 years! I felt, what a blessing! I have enjoyed "Harrison's Dream" many times in these 10 days! And with the sound of the super brass band, Foden's. I conducted two pieces at the Regent Hall concert the day before the National Championships. The pieces were "The Roots of Heaven" by Malcolm Arnold arr. Neil E Richmond and "With Fire and Sword" by Peter Graham. From the first rehearsal, Foden’s welcomed me like family and immediately picked up on my music. But those two songs were not the only ones that moved me. They performed hymns as a routine before rehearsals. I was moved, this is a British brass band! I was originally planning to play only one hymn before the rehearsal, but I was so moved that I added another one on the spot.” 

On Saturday 5th October Foden's competed at the 'National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain' held at the Royal Albert Hall, London. The contest featured the top 20 brass bands from around the UK who qualified from competing at various 'Area' contests across the country. Foden's won the 'North West Area' in February '24 for the eight consecutive year. Each band performed the set piece entitled 'Harrisons Dream' by Peter Graham. Foden's were delighted to be placed 'runner up' against such strong opposition, making them the most consistent band in this contest over the past four years being placed runner up on two occasions and National Champions twice Congratulations to all at the Flowers Band on their victory 1. Flowers (Paul Holland)* 2. Foden's (Russell Gray)* 3. Black Dyke (Prof Nicholas Childs)* 4. Cory (Philip Harper) 5. the Cooperation band (David Morton) 6. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse) 7. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery (Allan Withington) 8. Zone One Brass (Richard Ward) 9. Aldbourne (Ivan Meylemans) 10. Brighouse & Rastrick (Prof David King) 11. Friary Brass (Nigel Taken) 12. GUS Band (Dr David Thornton) 13. Whitburn (Michael Fowles) 14. NASUWT Riverside (Dr Ray Farr) 15. Desford Colliery (Phillip McCann) 16. Tongwynlais Temperance (Owen Farr) 17. Easington Colliery (Luc Vertommen) 18. Ebbw Valley (Gareth Ritter) 19. Pemberton Old Wigan DW (Ryan Watkins) 20. KNDS Fairey (Philip Chalk) Best instrumentalist: Daniel Thomas (euphonium) — Flowers *Top three pre-qualify for 2025 National final