British Open champions Foden’s have returned from their latest trip to Northern Ireland, where nine tutors from the band led the 13th Annual Armagh Old Boys’ Summer School.

Stars

Richard Poole, Ian Raisbeck, Lesley Poole, Natsumi McDonald, Mark Bousie, Shaun Farrington, Stewart Baglin, Anthony Mann and Michael Fowles were on hand throughout the weekend with the course copying the format of last year with the creation of two separate bands.

The ‘Sterling Band’, conducted by Mark Bousie, featured players of a standard equivalent to Grade 5 and below, whilst the more advanced delegates attended the ‘Sovereign Band’ rehearsals led by Michael Fowles.

Meeting the Music

The course began on the Monday night at the City of Armagh High School with a ‘Meeting the Music’ rehearsal for all players.

This gave them an ideal opportunity to sight read the music for the course, catch up with friends from last year and arrange their seating positions.

Sections

Tuesday saw the start of sectionals, full band rehearsals, warm ups and master classes led by Natsumi McDonald, Anthony Mann and Ian Raisbeck. The transition into two bands proved to be an immediate success, as both the ‘Sterling’ and ‘Sovereign’ members got to grips with their repertoire.

Soloist Night

Thursday evening saw the annual Young Soloists Night, which featured the Foden’s tutors as they accompanied over 20 solos and duets from the excellent young musicians on the course.

The solo night once again proved what excellent talent there in Northern Ireland with superb performances by Hannah Copes and Leah Forsyth to mention just a few.

The course was rounded off back at the Armagh Old Boys Music Centre with socialising until the early hours, where plans were put in place for the eagerly awaited the 14th visit next year4BR

Gala Concert

After the Friday lunchtime BBQ, featuring a tutor’s treat, including ‘Drummers Delight’ by Anthony Mann and a stunning rendition of ‘Watching the Wheat’ by Mark Bousie, the players transferred to the Armagh Presbyterian Church ready for the Saturday night gala concert.

The evening included the traditional course award ceremony and fine performances by the Sterling and Sovereign Bands, before they joined forces for the massed items ‘Gonna Fly Now’, ‘Hine e Hine’, ‘Bolero’ and the course favourite ‘African Funk’ — featuring over 80 plus musicians.

Rounded off

The course was rounded off back at the Armagh Old Boys Music Centre with socialising until the early hours, where plans were put in place for the eagerly awaited the 14th visit next year.