There was plenty to enjoy at Halloween for players from the City of Chester and Chester Brass as young people (aged from 9 to 65+!) met to further their musical skills under the tutelage of a group of players from Fodens Band

Stars

Mark Wilkinson, Helen Williams, John Barber, Stewart Baglin and Mark Landon led the day with a series of rehearsals and group tuition the baton of Glyn Williams.

The event was held at All Saints’ Church in Chester, and was staged by Ian Clowes and Tony Blain, of Chester Brass, the training ensemble of the City of Chester Band.

We’re now looking to organise more frequent workshops and develop links with local schools to improve the profile of brass instruments and especially ensemble playing in the Chester areaIan Clowes

Yorkshire

While intended primarily for training band members and interested children from local schools the event attracted people from bands across Cheshire. In fact, the event even drew a family from Todmorden, Yorkshire!

After lunch the 50 strong workshop were treated to a short concert given by the Foden tutors which highlighted the fun side of banding with a great solo by Mark Landon.

Success

Following further rehearsals the day ended with an impressive concert for family and friends that many a lower section band would have been proud of.

The workshop was a great success and clearly the enthusiasm of the Fodens players has rubbed off on many of the participants as Chester are already in talks with Fodens about a repeat workshop early in 2010.

Links

Organiser Ian Clowes commented to 4BR: "It was a great day that everyone enjoyed and learned from. We’re now looking to organise more frequent workshops and develop links with local schools to improve the profile of brass instruments and especially ensemble playing in the Chester area."