The Foden’s Band recently paid a welcome visit to North Wales in something of a family partnership with their renowned solo euphonium player Glyn Williams.

Workshop

The Double Champions together with members of Glyn’s family led an afternoon workshop before performing in concert at the local Ysgol Y Gadar School in the evening.

Workshop delegates ranged in age from 8 to over 80, and were put through their paces in a full band rehearsal before enjoying an hour’s sectional work with Glyn, Helen Williams, Mark Wilkinson and Ian Raisbeck.

Lady Gaga

Music ranged from the classic march ‘Slaidburn’ and the Maori hymn ‘Hine e Hine’ to the fun and games of ‘The Best of Lady Gaga’ as they prepared to perform at the beginning of the second half of the evening concert.

That event proved to be very special for the Williams family who are always extremely proud to bring Foden’s to Gwynedd.

Family connections

This year Glyn relinquished his solo euphonium seat to Mark Bousie and invited his brother Aled, who is currently solo euphonium at Northop Band to help out whilst he took up the baton as guest conductor.

The programme included much of the music featured on Foden’s recently released ‘Patrons Choice VI’ CD with solos provided by Richard Poole, Lesley Poole and to make it even more of a family affair, Glyn’s wife, Helen.

The Dolgellau concert is an eagerly anticipated date in Foden’s concert diary and the band very much appreciate the hospitality shown by the Williams familyFoden's Band

Favourite

The concert was brought to a close with a stunning performance of the crowd pleaser ‘Pines of Rome’ – although surprisingly the packed local audience (with tongues very much in their cheeks!) voted for the highlight of the evening as the Workshop Band’s version of ‘Lady Gaga’!

Foden’s principal cornet Mark Wilkinson told 4BR: "The Dolgellau concert is an eagerly anticipated date in Foden’s concert diary and the band very much appreciate the hospitality shown by the Williams family. Plans are already underway for the 2014 Workshop and Concert."