Michael Fowles

Widely regarded as one of the leading conductors of his generation Michael hails from the rich musical tradition of North Staffordshire. He is an honours and post-graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music and has been Musical Director of Foden’s Band since 2009 and Professional Conductor of the Desford Colliery Band since 2016.

Having worked with many of the country’s leading bands Michael has a reputation for entertaining concert programming and high standards in competition. He is well known for having transferable skills having won Championship section contests with 11 different bands either in regular working relationships or on a freelance basis. As such he is much in demand both in the UK and abroad.

Michael is also a member of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators and has officiated at numerous Regional Qualifying contests, The National Finals, Butlins Mineworkers Festival and the Swiss Nationals amongst others.

Educational work also forms an important part of Michael’s musical life. He is Course Director of both the Wessex Band Summer School and Fodens Armagh Summer School. He is Musical Director of Fodens Youth Band and Associate Conductor and Musical Adviser of Lions Youth Band. As a guest conductor he undertakes much training work throughout the UK with bands of all levels from championship to youth.

Michael’s work in the recording studio is also highly respected having directed around 45 CDs including numerous solo discs, his skills for accompanying being held in high regard. In addition he has given many premiere performances, conducted concerto appearances of eminent soloists and directed broadcasts for both BBC Radio 2 and 3. He has also written articles and reviews for both Brass Band World and British Bandsman.

The relationship with Fodens Band has produced high quality concerts and recordings that have been met with critical acclaim and awards from the banding press, in addition to a continued dominance of the Tameside Whit Friday circuit with Michael leading the band to 10 Overall Championships. During his tenure his work has also helped the band to 9 Area Titles, 1 British Open and 4 National Championships. It has also seen a close collaboration with composer Andy Scott that has introduced audiences all over the country to a new musical language for brass band.