*
banner

Foden's ready for solo entrants

Over 70 entrants will be providing a full day of music making in Sandbach on Saturday — so get along and and enjoy the fun, food and the Audi cars!

Fodens
 

Final preparations are being put in place for this weekend’s Foden’s Solo & Quartet Competition.

Besson sponsors

Saturday’s event has attracted over 70 entrants who will provide a full day worth of music making to be adjudicated by Besson artists Roger Webster and John Barber.

There are classes for Slow Melody, Air Varie/Brilliante, Duet and Quartet with a host of great cash prizes and bursaries in place from sponsors and partners, Besson, Audi (Macclesfield), SP&S, Glyn Williams Musical Instruments, Sandbach Town Council, Wrights Printers and Flowcrete,

Special prize

In addition there is a special prize of a commissioned work from the pen of composer Andy Scott to the winner of the Air Varie class.

Brilliant response

Foden’s Andy Rolfe told 4BR that he has been delighted by the response to the inaugural event: "It really has been brilliant,” he said. “We have had a fantastic response from the competitors who range from 11 and under up to the Open class where some very well known soloists from top bands are performing."

And to keep everyone happy throughout the day, Foden’s have organised plenty of other excellent facilities at Sandbach Boys School.

Top motoring brand Audi is providing a corporate hospitality suite, and this will have some of the latest cars on show as well as a celebrity chef to conjure up some tasty treats for visitors4BR

Audi cars

Top motoring brand Audi is providing a corporate hospitality suite, and this will have some of the latest cars on show as well as a celebrity chef to conjure up some tasty treats for visitors.

Refreshments will also be on sale throughout the day, with proceeds going towards the Countess of Chester Hospital ‘Relative Comfort’ appeal.

Trade stands

Various trade stands will also be on site, so players will have the opportunity to buy sheet music, instruments, Foden’s merchandise, music stands, etc.

Evening Concert

To round off the day, Foden’s will give a concert in the evening and, where possible, some of the winning soloists from the competition will be given the opportunity to perform.

Roger Webster will also feature as the evening’s guest soloist.

For more information, please go to: www.fodensband.co.uk

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Elgar festival of brass

Top trio attracts audiences to Malvern

June 7 • There are still tickets left if you want to enjoy Cory, Black Dyke and Foden's in performance in Malvern


Perth

Entries now open for Scottish Festival of Brass brace

June 7 • Bands can now enter the popular Band Supplies Scottish Challenge Shield and Scottish Open sponsored by Besson.


Cambrian Brass

New band to be formed in Aberystwyth

June 7 • Cambrian Brass to provide a welcoming, inclusive home for players with the aim of competing at the Welsh Area in 2026.


City of Hull

Brooks and Beatty take dual baton role at City of Hull

June 7 • Daniel Brooks and Jonathan Beatty will spearhead the artistic and contesting focus of City of Hull Band.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Chinnor Silver

June 7 • Our Community Band is meeting on Monday {9th} and would welcome anyone who fancies an extra friendly rehearsal,with coffee and cake involved.. We rehearse in our bandroom at 11am its free and it open to all abilities.. No commitment required.


Epping Forest Band

June 6 • Epping Forest band have a vacancy for solo horn. We are a friendly 3rd section band with a variety of gigs through out the year. We have our own band hut with close to links with London Underground central line and the M11 motorway.


Chelmsford Silver Bnad

June 6 • Front row cornet, solo horn & trombone players. We are a friendly, active non competition band established 75 years performing regularly in Chelmsford & Essex. Rehearsals averaging 26 players on Wednesday evenings at Broomfield Methodist Church Chelmsford


Stuart Black

BA (Hons) Music
Conductor, Teacher, Flugel soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd