Foden's announce the Winner of their Female Composition Initiative
Mark Wilkinson • July 13, 2023
On Tuesday 11th July Foden's held the final of their 'Female Composition Initiative' launched on International Women's day to encourage Female composers aged 21 and under to write for Brass Band. The contest (supported by Arts Council England) saw submitted entries reduced to three by Dr Lucy Pankhurst and Dr Liz Lane before being performed in concert.
The shortlisted Composers Naomi Hill (What a Saviour!), Mary Lillington (The Battle) attended in person with Anna Conroy (Take the Cake) joining virtually. Both Lucy and Liz gave constructive feedback after each performance before announcing Naomi Hill as the winner. Naomi will now have her worked published by Foden's Publishing with each shortlisted composer being sent a video / audio of their performance, written feedback as well as a 1:1 session with Lucy and Liz.
Speaking about the project Lucy commented 'I am very grateful to Foden’s for organising this composition competition. Promoting brass bands as a vehicle for new music is always an exciting prospect in its own right, but to specifically shine the spotlight on young composers that might otherwise not have approached the ensemble was wonderful. With so much musical potential and fresh ideas in the music, the role that Liz and I were tasked with was most certainly not an easy one, but what a privilege to be part of the process. Hearing the band bring the music to life by these three talented composers for the first time was stunning - I hope it fuels their enthusiasm to continue writing more!
Liz commented 'I was delighted to be asked to be a part of this initiative, and privileged to have the opportunity to get to know some innovative and impressive new compositions for the brass band repertoire. The three finalists all had very different approaches but it was clear that everyone really enjoyed listening to their music; excitingly, two of the composers had written for brass band for the first time.’ Thanks to all involved for an excellent evening. Congratulations to the winner Naomi and to Mary and Anna, I really look forward to hearing more of their music in the future.'
Photo L to R - Dr Liz Lane, Mary Lillington, Michael Fowles, Naomi Hill, Dr Lucy Pankhurst
Ahead of their appearance at the National Finals, Foden's look forward to returning to the Regent Hall on 10 th October under the baton of Russell Gray and Michael Fowles. Fresh from their recent recording with Mike Lovatt, Foden's will reunite with Mike to perform tracks from his latest cd (to be released in 2026) as well as from his critically acclaimed '56 Degrees North' cd with Foden's. Mike's choices highlight his lyrical playing as well as fantastic range showing why he is in demand on blockbuster films such as Tomorrow Never Dies and Die Another Day, Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the award winning Chicago, Beyond the Sea, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Madagascar and The Corpse Bride. Foden's will also feature music from their recent Malcolm Arnold CD, tracks from the pen of Goff Richards, Kenneth Downie and Tom Davoren as well as fantastic arrangements from former Musical Director Howard Snell. Theres also a hidden bonus from last years Brass in Concert set and a sneak preview of the Nationals Test Piece 'Symphony in two movements' by Edward Gregson. Programmeu Valaisia Variants - Tom Davoren Little Suite for Brass - Malcolm Arnold Rhapsody for Trumpet - Colin Skinner (Soloist : Mike Lovatt) Joy of Loving Hearts - Kenneth Downie Symphony in two movements - Edward Gregson Toccata in D Minor - Bach arr Ray Farr The Pathways of Love - Colin Skinner (Soloist : Mike Lovatt) Czardas - Strauss arr Howard Snell California Dreaming - Phillips arr Adam Taylor Pure Imagination - Bricusse & Newley arr Colin Skinner (Soloist : Mike Lovatt) Country Scene - Goff Richards Pines of Rome - Respighi arr Howard Snell The concert is supported by Yamaha with tickets available via https://www.priorbooking.com/u/fodens or tickets@ fodensband .co.uk
On Saturday 27 th September an ensemble from Foden's helped celebrate 200 years of the modern railway at Sandbach Train Station. 'Railway 200' is part of a year nationwide partnership-led campaign to celebrate and inspire a new generation of young pioneering talent to choose a career in rail. The celebration involved a large number of planned events across the Country to celebrate rail’s remarkable past, its role today, and its importance to a sustainable future. The first train to run through Sandbach Station was on May 4th 1842 from Manchester to Sandbach with the station being used primarily for goods and industrial freight and in 1863 the LNER (London North East Railway) was granted by Parliament to install a train line connecting Crewe to Northwich via Sandbach. This was opened on July 1st 1868, which was the first passenger service between Sandbach and Northwich. In 2017 Sandbach Town Council were responsible for installing new town and village signs at several key locations in Sandbach making reference to Foden's Band. One of these signs sits proudly at Sandbach Train Station being erected courtesy of the 'Friends of Sandbach Train Station'. Friends of Sandbach Station are a group of volunteers aiming to make the station a more welcoming and passenger-friendly place
Foden's Youth Band look forward to commencing their 2025 / 26 season on the 5th October ahead of a busy and exciting year! Now in its 14th year the Youth Band offers an incredible opportunity for brass and percussion players (aged 21 and under, Grade 5+) to develop their skills and make music at the highest level. Based in Sandbach, the band meets once a month throughout the academic year, working with the Foden's team of conductors and tutors. Members benefit from expert guidance, challenging and engaging repertoire, and exciting performance opportunities. Foden's Youth are also pleased to renew their partnership with the RNCM which will see RNCM students working with Foden's Youth Band members in sectionals / full rehearsals as well as being mentored by Foden's Band Principal players Mel Whyle - Foden's Youth Co ordinator commented 'We cant wait to return in October with a exciting rehearsal and concert schedule which will see the band performing alongside Foden's and the Oslofjord Brass Band from Norway as well as the 'Love Music Trust' Summer Celebrations. We are also delighted to continue our collaboration with the RNCM and mentor their talented students.' Further info can be obtained via the Fodens Youth Band Page
On the 20/21 September Foden's returned to the recording studio to work alongside the fabulous Mike Lovatt for a disc to be released early next year! As well as recording with Mike, Foden's also had the added bonus of accompanying the legendary Gordon Campbell in a featured duet! The CD was directed by both Michael Fowles and Paul Fisher as well as recording with Matt Skelton (kit), Jeremy Brown (Double Bass), Liam Dunachie (Piano) and Geraldine O'Doherty (Harp) Material was arranged by Colin Skinner who was also featured on Sax with the recording undertaken by World of Brass Further info to be released in due course!
On Sunday 14th September Foden's returned to Birmingham to share the stage with the fantastic Birmingham Citadel Band to a capacity audience. Each band performed an entertaining and well received set before combining for a number of massed items including Star Lake, In Perfect Piece and Kingdom Triumphant shared by Foden's guest conductor Ian Porthouse and Gavin Lamplough Bandmaster of the Citadel Band. During the concert Gavin Lamplough presented Foden's with a framed letter dated 27 th April 1945 from Fred Mortimer confirming a booking for a £65 fee as well as £15 train ticket for Foden's to perform two concerts with the Citadel Band!!!! Foden's hope its not another 80 years until they perform together again!
Following the weekend's announcement of the set-works for the 2026 Regional Brass Band Championships, we are delighted to announce a brand new initiative ahead of next year's contests! During November this year, our Musical Director Mike Fowles and a team of our principal players will be holding open sectional sessions focussing on each of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th section regional works, where delegates can bring their parts & scores for their respective pieces and work alongside our top team of tutors to kick-start their preparations! The cost of the sessions will be £30 per player, and during the sessions you will have the chance to talk to our tutors about any specific issues within the pieces, or any general brass playing questions on the side! To register your interest, please email Mark Wilkinson via marklwilky@hotmail.com by WEDNESDAY 22ND OCTOBER. The sessions will take place at Foden's Band HQ at: CPG Construction Products Group, Industrial Unit Booth Street, Sandbach, CW11 3QF DATES FOR YOUR DIARY: CONDUCTORS - MIKE FOWLES - SATURDAY 8TH NOVEMBER 4th Section: 10am - 12pm 3rd Section: 12:30pm - 2:30pm 2nd Section: 2:45pm -4:45pm 1st Section: 5pm - 7pm CORNETS - MARK WILKINSON - SATURDAY 22ND NOVEMBER 4th Section: 10am - 12pm 3rd Section: 12:15pm - 2:15pm 2nd Section: 2:45pm -4:45pm 1st Section: 5pm - 7pm HORNS & FLUGELS - JONATHAN BATES - SUNDAY 16TH NOVEMBER 4th Section: 10am - 12pm 3rd Section: 12:15pm - 2:15pm 2nd Section: 2:45pm -4:45pm 1st Section: 5pm - 7pm EUPHONIUMS & BARITONES - GARY CURTIN - SATURDAY 8TH NOVEMBER 4th Section: 10am - 12pm 3rd Section: 12:15pm - 2:15pm 2nd Section: 2:45pm -4:45pm 1st Section: 5pm - 7pm TROMBONES - JOHN BARBER - SUNDAY 2ND NOVEMBER 4th Section: 10:30am - 12:30pm 3rd Section: 12:45pm - 2:45pm 2nd Section: 3pm - 5pm 1st Section: 5:15pm - 7:15pm BASSES - ANDY CATTANACH - SUNDAY 23RD NOVEMBER 4th Section: 10am - 12pm 3rd Section: 12:15pm - 2:15pm 2nd Section: 2:45pm -4:45pm 1st Section: 5pm - 7pm
Following last weekend's successful British Open appearance, Foden's are looking forward to returning to Birmingham on Sunday 14 th September to share the stage with the Birmingham Citadel Band. Foden's, under the baton of guest conductor Ian Porthouse with commence the concert featuring a number of the band's fantastic soloists before handing over to Birmingham Citadel who will perform in the second half under the baton of Bandmaster Gavin R. Lamplough. Both bands will then perform Star Lake, In Perfect Piece and Kingdom Triumphant as massed items Speaking about the concert Mark Wilkinson commented 'We look forward to performing alongside Birmingham Citadel Band for the first time and thank them for their invitation, we are also looking forward to working with Ian Porthouse in what will be an enjoyable, entertaining and musically rewarding event' The Concert will be held at Birmingham Citadel, St Chads, Queensway, Birmingham B4 6HH with tickets available via https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/birmingham-citadel-sa/t-lnqxdam
On Saturday 6 th September Foden's travelled to Birmingham to compete at the British Open Championships held at the Symphony Hall. The 'British Open' is regarded as one of the World's leading Brass Band events due to the quality of the competing bands. Each band performed 'Star Crossed Lovers' by Stephen Roberts, commissioned by the British Open and inspired by the classic love story 'Romeo and Juliet.' Foden's gave a fantastic account of the set work and received excellent remarks from the three adjudicators, eventually being placed 4th. Congratulations to Brighouse and Rastrick on their victory! Test Piece: Star Crossed Lovers (Stephen Roberts) Adjudicators: Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst 1. Brighouse & Rastrick (Prof. David King) 2. Brass Band Treize Etoiles (Frederic Theodoloz) 3. Cory (Philip Harper) 4. Foden's (Russell Gray) 5. Aldbourne (Glyn Williams) 6. Leyland (Daniel Brooks) 7. the cooperation band (Katrina Marzella-Wheeler) 8. KNDS Fairey (Philip Chalk) 9. Flowers (Paul Holland) 10. Whitburn (Luc Vertommen) 11. Hammonds (Morgan Griffiths) 12. Grimethorpe Colliery (Michael Bach) 13. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse) 14. Oldham Band (Lees) (John Collins) 15. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery (Allan Withington) 16. Black Dyke (Prof. Nicholas Childs) 17. EverReady (David Morton) 18. Amersham (Paul Fisher)
Now entering its 14th year, the Youth Band continues to offer exciting opportunities for young brass and percussion players aged 21 and under (Grade 5+), bringing together talented musicians from across the region—and beyond—for high-quality music-making, expert tuition, and outstanding performance experiences. The band meets monthly in Sandbach across the academic year, working with Foden’s team of professional conductors, tutors, and guest artists. The focus is on developing young players through challenging repertoire, exposure to top-level musicianship, and opportunities that complement and extend the experiences offered by school, youth, and local banding programmes. The 2025/26 season includes: A joint concert in June 2026 featuring Foden’s Band, Foden’s Youth Band, and Oslofjord Brass Band from Norway. A continued partnership with the Royal Northern College of Music, giving band members the chance to interact with and learn from current RNCM students who shadow Foden’s tutors—offering valuable insight and inspiration for those considering music college in the future. Challenging and rewarding repertoire carefully selected to stretch and inspire. Coaching and mentoring from some of the UK’s leading brass and percussion specialists. Foden’s Youth Band is proud to provide a supportive and ambitious environment where young musicians can thrive, learn, and perform at the highest level. To find out more and apply, please visit: www.fodensband.co.uk/youth
