The inaugural Foden's Solo, Duet & Quartet Competition held at Sandbach Boys School on Saturday proved to be an overwhelming success.

Over 70 participants competed across 11 sections where the overall standard was nothing short of terrific.

Sponsors

Supported by various sponsors including Besson, Audi (Macclesfield) and Glyn Williams Musical Instruments, the adjudicator's John Barber and Dr Roger Webster deliberated in the open for over seven hours as the various competitions ran concurrently in two separate halls.

Whilst the battle for the various honours was taking place, there was plenty of time throughout the day for those with a wish list to take the opportunity to have a closer look at the exotic Audi cars on show in the hospitality suite and visit the various trade stands.

Fun

The whole atmosphere throughout the day was fun and light-hearted with large numbers packing the competition rooms to listen.

Double

The first winners to be declared came from the Slow Melody sections.

Euphonium player, Aaron Rivkin from Milnrow Band took the first of his two winning prizes in the 'Open' Section, whilst the former Principal Cornet of the National Children's Band of Great Britain, Illiam Quane gave a superb performance of 'My Love, is Like a Red, Red Rose' to take the spoils in the '12-16' category.

Marsden Silver's baritone player, Michael Cavanagh had to settle for the runners-up spot, closely followed by euphonium player, Daniel Morgan from Robert's Bakery.

Praise

Both the adjudicator's praised all the performers, with Dr Webster encouraging the players to relax and enjoy themselves, whilst John Barber gave concise written summaries to each of the 32 challengers in his section.

In the '11 and under Slow Melody' section it was William Thorne from Richmond Youth Band who defeated some strong opposition.

Air Varie prize

Three separate titles were declared in the 'Air Varie' competitions.

Aaron Rivin's winning performance of 'Deuxienne solo de concert' in the 'Open' Section was listened to by Foden's Composer-in-Association, Andy Scott, who will now compose a work for the highly talented euphonium player.

It was Michael Cavanagh's brother, Steven, now studying at the RNCM who finished in second, whilst another euphonium player, Nicholas Birch from Pemberton Old DW was in third.

Classic

Daniel Morgan's account of the classic 'Rule Britannia' was enough to give him the spoils ahead of Michael Cavanagh and Illiam Quane in the '16-18 Air Varie' section, whilst Illiam's sister Ellen, gave further reason for the siblings who travelled from the Isle of Man to celebrate, as she took the top prize in the 'Under 16' section.

Leyland's duet

In the duet competitions, it was the Leyland pairing of Daniel Brooks and Stephen Lomas who came out top in the 'Open Section', whilst Ashley Marston and Michael Sylvester were the victors in the 'Under 16's' section.

Quality Quartets

There were eight quartets in two sections for Dr Webster to adjudicate, and he opted for the talented foursome from the RNCM in Manchester who delivered a controlled and detailed account of 'Divertimento' in the 'Open Section' with Poulton Youth triumphant in the 'Under — 16s'.

I'd like to place on record my thanks to all our sponsors, supporters, the adjudicator's, accompanist's and participants for making today such a successful event Foden's Chairman, John Barber

Fun to finish

The competitive element of the day concluded with the 'Fun Section', which saw Glyn Williams tackle the bagpipes, but he had to bow to the talents of fellow pipe player Ashley Marston after he delivered a spectacular rendition of the national anthem.

Concert to close

The day closed with the North West Area Champion under the direction of Michael Fowles delivering a fine concert programme to an audience thata included the Mayor of Sandbach and which featured Besson artist, Roger Webster as the guest soloist.

Delighted

Foden's Chairman, John Barber told 4BR of just how pleased everyone at the band was at what had been a very long but highly enjoyable day.

"I'm absolutely delighted with how today has gone," John said. "I'd like to place on record my thanks to all our sponsors, supporters, the adjudicators, accompanists and participants for making today such a successful event."

He added: "My thanks go to everybody in the band who has given their time not just today but in preparation for the event."

Feedback

Andy Rolfe, Foden's Secretary, echoed John Barber's comments adding: "What a wonderful rewarding inaugural event it has been, and on a personal note, I'm indebted to the commitment and hard work of my wife, Fiona for everything that she has done on behalf of the band for today."

Andy also requested that they'd welcome constructive feedback from the competitors as to how they thought things went so that new ideas can be taken on board for next year and beyond.

"We'd welcome constructive feedback and we hope that not just everyone enjoyed themselves but that they will return next year."

He concluded: "From a band's perspective we are thrilled that competitors have come from as far afield as Cambridge and the Isle of Man, and to see so many young players who are the future of our movement here today, has been fantastic."

The date for next year's competition has yet to be confirmed.

Results

Slow Melody — Open
Adjudicator: Dr Roger Webster

1. Aaran Rivkin, (Northwest Milnrow Band) — Euphonium
2. Steven Cavanagh, (RNCM) — Baritone
3. Nicholas Birch, (Pemberton Old Wigan DW) — Euphonium

Slow Melody – Age 12-16 years
Adjudicator: John Barber

1. Illiam Quane, (Ramsay Town) — Cornet
2. Michael Cavanagh (Marsden Silver Prize) — Euphonium
3. Dan Morgan (Roberts Bakery) — Euphonium

Slow Melody – Age 11 & Under
Adjudicator: John Barber

1. William Thomas (Richmond Youth Brass Band)
2. Catherine Flanders (Lions Youth Brass)
3. Nikita Stones (Northumbria Water Ellington)

Special Bursary Award: Charlotte Ward

Air Varie – Open
Adjudicator: Dr Roger Webster

1. Aaron Rivkin, (Northwest Milnrow) — Euphonium
2. Nicholas Birch, (Pemberton Old Wigan DW) — Euphonium
3. Steven Cavangh, (Marsden Silver Prize) — Baritone

Air Varie – Age 16-18 years
Dr Roger Webster

1. Dan Morgan (Roberts Bakery) — Euphonium
2. Michael Cavanagh (Marsden Silver) — Baritone
3. Illiam Quane (Ramsay Town) — Cornet

Air Varie – Under 16
Adjudicator: John Barber

1. Ellen Quane (Ramsay Town) – Cornet
2. Bradley Barnes (Dobcross Silver)
3. Sam Brodison (Margheramore Silver)

Duets — Open
Adjudicator: John Barber

1. Daniel Brooks & Stephen Lonas
2. John Squires-Evans & Hannah Parkinson
3. Rebecca Stonehouse & Peter Groves

Duets – Under 16
Adjudicator: Dr Roger Webster

1. Ashley Marston & Michelle Sylvester
2. Charlotte Ward & William Thomas
3. Catherine Flanders & Sophie Barwick

Quartets – Age 16 and under
Adjudicator: Dr Roger Webster

1. Poulton Youth Brass Quartet
2. Richmond Youth Brass cornet Quartet
3. Richmond Youth Brass Band Quartet

Quartets – Open
Adjudicator: Dr Roger Webster

1. RNCM
2. Bedford Town
3. Amington Cornets

Fun Class – Open
Adjudicator: John Barber

1. Ashley Marston — Bagpipes

Most promising player: 11 & under: Natasha Brett (Vernon Building Society Poynton)

Most Promising Player: 12-16: Bradley Barnes (Dobcross Silver)

Most Promising Player: 16 & 18: Rory Rolfe (Sovereign)

Highest unplaced first time competitor 12-16 Slow Melody: Bradley Barnes (Dobcross Silver)

Highest unplaced first time competitor 17 & over Slow Melody: Joanna Cambray-Young (City of Cambridge), Tenor Horn

Most Promising Local Player: Miles Redgrave (Co-operative Funeralcare North West)